Life as an Infantry Soldier?

[WINDWOLF]

newfoundlander:

If you are serious about 031, then scoll back a couple of postings to one under the heading " Has anyone seen combat".This may give you a general understanding of grunt life. At last count,there was approx 54 postings. The other soldiers have a very interesting take & comments on this moc.If you have any questions, post & i or someone else will get back to you. :sniper:

 

[newfoundlander]

Hi im from newfoundland as you can tell by my screen name. Im 16 years old and im thinking about joing the infantry as soon as I graduate from High school. I am physically fit seeing that I have been working on fishing boats for the last 5 years. Anyways I was woundering what is the day to day life like in the infantry? what kinds of training do you do? how early do you get up in the morning? I would like to find all this out and more as soon as I can. O yeah one more thing my father thinks crawling through mud and getting shot at is not an ideal job. But hey I dont think fishing is either.

 

[Danjanou]

You said you‘re 16, and therefore you‘ve probably got a couple of more years before you finish highschool. Next year when you hit 17 you might want to consider joining the Reserves to give your self a taste of military life and see if its what you want.

Not sure of where you are on the Rock, but if I remember correctly the Royal Newfoundland Regiment has companies in St. Johns, Grand Falls, Cornerbrook and Stephenville. One of them may be close enough to you to take a look.

 

[Yard Ape]

If you have a question on infantry, before you start a new thread to ask, visit the Army.ca Wiki.  If your answer is not there check the links below.  Only after determining that the answer does not exist should you start a new thread.


Typical Unit Rank/Org Structure & Size(Reserve Infantry) 

 

[Michael OLeary]

The links below are the result of searching the Infantry (and occasionally other) boards for relavant threads. Suggestions for additions can be made to the moderator.


General search subjects include:

• Soldier and the Infantry
• Soldier Qualification
• Infantry Officer
• BIQ
• Platoon Support Weapons Training
• JTF-2
• Snipers
• Pathfinders
• Para
• Infantry Tactical Training
• The Canadian Commando Course (article)
• US Army Ranger Course
• Unarmed combat
• Infantry weapons (C7, etc.)
• LAV III
• Riot Control
• Combat Boots

Soldier and the Infantry

Average Day For Infantry?  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1897.0
Miscellaneous (PRes)  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/16013.0
Attrition Rates within the Infantry  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1811.0
Advice (for new soldiers going away for training) - http://army.ca/forums/threads/17724.0
Is Infantry a Good Choice for the Army?  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/13245.0.html
why the infantry? any help please  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/17975.0.html
Placement choice  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/13587.0.html
A few general questions  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/12843.0.html
How is the Canadian Army in terms of Combat operations?  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/18507.0.html
Average Day For Infantry?  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1897.0.html
Comparing the Regiments (PPCLI, RCR, and R22eR) and their bases  -- http://army.ca/forums/threads/25214.0.html
Infantry of Tomorrow  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/23394.0.html
Travelling and Tours  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/23995.0.html
What sort of things do infantry do when they are just reservists?  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1821.0.html
The infantry: Seeking to dispel some rumours  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/21978.0.html
why should i join the infantry?  --  http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/28222.0.html
Retention / Attrition in the Infantry - Ideas???  --  http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/25244.0.html

Infantry Officer

Infantry Officer  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/22903.0.html
which trade?  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/12811.0.html
Infantry Officer - 2005 Posting Preference  --  http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/26707.0.html
Training of Infantry Officers  --  http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/25788.0.html
Life as an Army officer  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1155.0.html

Soldier Qualification

Soldier Qualification Location  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1913.0
Soldier Qualification Course (Questions & Answers)  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/23622.0.html

BIQ

Infantry MOC Training (Res)  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1915.0
What is reserve BIQ like?  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/2065.0
Infantry QL3  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1968.0
Basic Training Compared to Combat School    --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1990.0

Platoon Support Weapons Training

PSW Course Content?  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/2029.0
Infantry Rifle Company Wpns Dets  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/2037.0.html

JTF-2

Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2)  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/25658.0.html
Why the sarcasm Re: JTF2?  --  http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/29786.0.html
Note this post - http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/29786/post-241889.html#msg241889
JTF-2 (official site)  --  http://www.forces.gc.ca/dcds/units/jtf2/default_e.asp
JTF-2 FAQ (official site)  --  http://www.forces.gc.ca/dcds/units/jtf2/pages/faq_e.asp

Snipers

Becoming a Sniper  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/2009.0
Legit question about snipers  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1982.0
.50 cal sniper rifle  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1809.0
Are there snipers in the reserves?  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/18030.0.html
CF Snipers...  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/21748.0.html

Pathfinders

What do Pathfinders do?  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1887.0
pathfinders?  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/2054.0
Pathfinder prerequisites  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1899.0
Canadian Army Pathfinder course  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1802.0
Pathfinder  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1789.0

Para

Infantry Parachute Companies, and Airborne after the loss of the CAR.  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/22492.0.html
Recce and Para courses  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1898.0.html
Para's in combat  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1880.0
Jump  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/24510.0.html
Percentage of Reg force Infantry soldiers that are basic parachutist qualified?  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/23747.0.html
Joining a Parachute Company  --  http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/28251.0.html
Battleschool [and getting to a Para Coy]  --  http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/256.0.html

Infantry Tactical Training

Thinking about the Section Attack --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/18270.0.html
Infantry Sections - 1964 to 2004  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/20878.0.html
I need some clarification on some Infantry Dismounted Attack Doctrine  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/22720.0.html

The Canadian Commando Course (article)

The Canadian Commando Course  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/645.0

US Army Ranger Course

Ranger Course  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/606.0.html
Canadian's attending US Army Ranger School? --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/17883.0.html

Unarmed combat

Hand to Hand Combat  --  http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/2041.0.html
Unarmed Combat  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/19978.0.html
Martial Arts  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/516.0
Combatives for infantry? --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/18088.0.html

Infantry weapons (C7, etc.)

C6 and C9  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/16399.0
C6 - Who makes the C6?? --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/17621.0.html
C7 sights - http://army.ca/forums/threads/20038.0.html
C7 - AK74 vs C7  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/24175.0.html
C7 - assault rifles  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/16344.0
C7 - Final C7A2  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/16172.0
C7 - Infantry Rifles Unsuitable For Many Modern Missions  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1785.0
C7 vs C9  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/2001.0
ELCAN Scope  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/986.0
Infantry.....what Do You like About it? And what is your weapon of choice?  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1947.0
Mortars  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1910.0
Light Mortars  --  http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/26627.0.html
Target practice  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1958.0


LAV III

Who crews the LAV III? What are the dismount drills?  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/21132.0
LAV III Integration Within the Infantry  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/1747.0
Difference between Mech and light bns  --  http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/26016.0.html

Riot Control

Riot Control  --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/18159.0.html

Combat Boots

Combat Boots: Use, Maintenance & Other Stuff --  http://army.ca/forums/threads/22096.0.html

 

[Q.Y. Ranger]

When you get into the CF, do you get to pick a unit that you want to be in, and do you get to pick trade you want to do, eg. Armoured gunner, driver, infantry..ect?

:threat: Rangers Lead The Way!

 

[D-n-A]

When you get into the CF, do you get to pick a unit that you want to be in, and do you get to pick trade you want to do, eg. Armoured gunner, driver, infantry..ect?

:threat: Rangers Lead The Way!

Rangers Lead the Way is the motto of the 75th Ranger Regiment


anyways, you can say what Regiment you'd like to goto, either PPCLI, RCR or R22eR, but what battalion you get into depends on what Battalion needs people.

And yes, you get to pick what MOC you want,  from Infantry, Armour, Cook, Mechanic, etc.

 

[Q.Y. Ranger]

Thats true, you do sign a contract before enlisting into the Reg. and you have to stay in until its done. So ur going to have to think about what you want to do, before joining.

 

[MikeM]

You sign a contract.

 

[D-n-A]

If you decide that the Army isn't for you,an you want to get out of your contract, you could always put in for a Voluntary Release. I don't know how long it takes for one to go through though, or if they always get accepted.

 

[HollywoodHitman]

One of the big problems with asking for a voluntary release is that it allows people to quit something when they've signed a contract. Things get tough, or don't go their way, they quit........Nice

 

[Charliedontsurf]

Its serious decision in your life man, there is a contract for 3 years because they only want to deal with serious people.  So thing long and hard, do your research man and good luck.

 

[MikeM]

The army isn't for everyone.

 

[jc5778]

Average day you ask?  That is the single question I am asked the most about my job.  It is probobly the toughest to answer.  As a "Mech" soldier, most of your time is spent doing vehicle maintenance "make work" and low-level training.  Sure map-and-compass, knopt tying, AFV etc has its place BUT come on.  In preperation for tours and exercises there is plenty of good training in the field, but when there is none in the horizon, there is no money to train.  So the short answer to your question is there is no average day.  As someone eluded to earlier, PT in the morning (pride thing) and sports Fridays (Very imortant in my battalion).  AS all the others have stated, do your research, myself, I would suggest looking at a Tech trade.  The Infantry, if you actually get to do it, is the best job in the world.  However, the JOB happens every 2 to 4 years.  Good luck!

 

[Gouki]

Well I feel that it's for me, I just don't want to commit my whole life to it.

....then it's not for you

 

[spenco]

Well it is.   I just don't want to have a 24/7 life of living on a base.   I want to be able to do things outside of the Army, do things with University and persue a perminante job.

You might want to take some English lessons first before you start with your permanent   job.

 

[kellywmj]

I would suggest, C & P, that you try out the reserves for a while( I assume you are an Army cadet). It will give you an idea of what to expect in the Regular force, sort of. I know there is a huge demand for Reserve augmentees on operational deployments, maybe after a tour or two somewhere, you can decide then if its for you. Garrison can be pretty monotonous, lots of butt sweeps, and endless 10 man tent drills, but hey, some people thrive on that sort of thing.

 

[Doug VT]

     There's nothing wrong with the infantry....Take's a while to get used to though.   If you're a single person there are a lot less worries.   The money is good and the people skills that you learn are excellent for the future, in and out of the job.

     Like most people, I'm tired of the make work projects and the same old time fillers.   But what pisses me off even more are the individuals who will piss and moan when something beneficial is organized and don't get to sit around on their asses all day at the canteen.

     What we need are soldiers to prepare and present their own training ideas.   I see it all the time, the leadership is too lazy to find something for the troops to do and what ends up happening is the toboggans get pulled out for the 5th time to make sure the lanterns and stoves still work.   If you have a particular interest, or are exceptionally skilled in something, don't wait for someone to ask you, get off your ass and use what you know to benefit the platoon/company.   It will get you extra points and it doesn't hurt to encourage others to do the same.   Ensure that you receive clearance from the chain of command before you action your own training.

     It can be a boring job, but only if you let it.   It all depends on how committed you are and what your expectations were before you decided on making this career choice.   ARMYboi69, for you, don't fret, you don't live in a Cornwallis style barracks like in "Full Metal Jacket".   If you're married or common law, or single for that mater, you can live in PMQ's or you can rent off base.....just like real life!   If you're single and want to save money and can put up with the minor rules, then you can live on base in the "shacks".   Which are simply dorm style accommodations.   Depending on the amount of people "living in" and your seniority you may have to room with another person

 

[ImanIdiot]

I am putting my component transfer in in a couple of weeks...my only concern with joining the regs is time away from the girlfriend. Not so much on my end of it, but on hers. I can already hear her nagging me when I have to go away on a month long ex....or even worse, overseas! ah! Good times. Domestic bliss.

How does the leave system work when in garrison? Does everyone take off a month in the summer, or can you book a week or two here and there? I know operational requirements come first...when I was working class B in WATC a couple yrs ago we just requested the days off and the man upstairs signed off on it depending on upcoming taskings. Is it a similar set up in the battalions?

 

[excoelis]

The Army and particularily the Infantry is NOT a job - it's a way of life.  If you don't feel the calling to do something noble and rewarding with your life - that might just make the world a better place for generations to come - then find a 'real' job.

The CF can be used as an extension of Canada's foreign policy and will be called upon by the Canadian public to conduct a myriad of domestic and foreign operations, sometimes on a moments notice.  In my not-so-humble opinion, garrison routine can be equated to battle procedure for operations, and  should be treated as such and looked upon with that mentality.  I don't think the Canadian public shells out their tax dollars so that we can sit around in Canada indefinitely.  I don't think that the Canadian public expects soldiers to collect what amounts to a pretty damn good salary, year in and year out, under the premise that each individual gets to choose their courses, tasks, operations, etc...

If you find that you have trouble subjugating your personal needs to that of the Country's, or more specifically the 'Green Machine', then it probably isn't the life for you.  There are a lot of people in the CF right now that are probably having trouble dealing with the moral issue of deploying to the field (because it's inconvenient to their personal life, family, educational obligations, etc....) or even with operational deployments, because more often than not they are conducted in some of the most austere conditions, surrounded by people that may not appreciate your efforts.

Then there is always the issue of people trying to kill you and your buddies in the performance of your duty!

So if you aren't willing to put your life on the line, be it in training or on operations, then it's probably not a good idea to join.  The real test is that you may have to sacrifice everything and recieve no public recognition, respect, or perhaps even acknowlegement.  That's one of the joys of being Canadian.  All the pride, integrity, and gratification you experience may have to come directly from within you or the unit you become a part of.

As far as tempo goes: //edit - I think the target audience go the point//.

All this to say that if you lack work ethic, don't have your personal affairs wired tight, lack personal pride and motivation, lack initiative, aren't interested in Canada and the world's affairs, can't stay in shape, can't work as part of a team, can't consider putting your life on the line in the relentless pursuit of the mission.................

.................then the profession of arms probably isn't for you!

If all this sounds like ONE HELL OF A RIDE........... and your willing to DRIVE 'ER TILL THE WHEELS FALL OFF..............

.................then maybe you hear 'the call to arms'.

Just one soldiers opinion.  Some would argue I'm RTF out to lunch.  Some would agree.  At the end of the day though...........I would argue that it takes a special kind of person to tolerate the trials and tribulations of military service.

Good luck in your decisions.  Don't take them lightly!