Canadians in the Brit Army

[SFontaine]

I checked round at the British Army site and said members of any commonwealth nation can join, but a minimium 5 year residency was required. Then I read about people from Fiji and the like who didn't meet the 5 year residency req and got in. Anyway in short, what's the deal? What would I need to do to get into the British Army as a Canadian.

[Vance]

I thought you wanted to be a ''Hoo-eh'' Ranger. ;)

[SFontaine]

Well since I'm an educated westerner it's much harder for me to get into the US. But hey if I was a Somali who spoke two words of English or something I could just enter a lottery.

[Sabre]

Come to the UK, it's miles better than that disowned colony! ;)

I moved over here in 95 from Vancouver, so there's no problem with me joining (plus, parents are british so dual nationality).

Why do you want to join the British Army, and not the Canadian Forces? It would mean a big change to leave your home and come to a foreign country by yourself. After all, your not going to be on ops the whole time, even in our overstretched army!

Just interested.

[Seraphim]

General Requirements

Nationality
Applicants will be eligible if they are a bona fide resident of the United Kingdom or the Irish Republic and are one of the following:

A British citizen; a citizen of the British dependent territories; a British overseas citizen; a British subject under the British Nationality Act 1981; a citizen of an independent Commonwealth country; British Protected Person; Citizen of the Irish Republic.

Residence
In addition to the rules on nationality, whether or not you are of UK origin, you should normally have resided in the UK for a minimum of 5 years immediately prior to making an application. In certain circumstances, a shorter period of residency may be accepted. Your recruiter should be able to advise you when making an application if you are eligible for such an exemption. You should also be in possesion of a full passport from your country of origin showing your immigration status in the UK. All applicants must have the right of entry in to the UK.

[garoco]

There are quite a few Aussies and Kiwis in the British Army - and a bloody good smattering of Fijians. They (along with other South Seas Islanders and Maori) are some of the most quietest, hard working and most able machine gunners I've worked with.

(off tangent here - apologies!)

Many of em seem very natural with carrying heavy loads, one of my former Section Machine Gunners was a Samoan-Australian citizen who regularly carried DOUBLE frontline ammo, spare barrels and his usual load on patrols and in his pack. He also often slept without any bivvie bag or a hootch, he was brought up on some island and moved to Australia in his early 20's. We called him "the Rock" not just because he had a small resemblance, but because he was a real tough bastard :)

[Resevoir Hogs]

GO to the British Army Recruiting site and they can send you an application package to apply from overseas. It can be done I know many who have so don't worry.

[Dennis G]

How many weeks is British Army Basic? How many weeks is your Infantry school/Training/Course?

[Spearin]

I've received my Overseas Applicant package :D

I'm going over to Scotland in September and one of my priorities is to stop be a Recruiting Office.

[noneck11]

I have had a few friends who were ex CF, join UK Forces.

One of them who joined the RM, had to pay for his initial flight for his RM Pre selection course. I don't think he spent more than a month or two bumming around waiting for the pre selection though. Once he passed, he flew home and when there was a slot he was sent an plane ticket and joining instructions. He didn't have a right to UK Citizenship.

Another buddy joined the 1st Bn The Highlanders, and set up residence for about 6 months before he started recruit training. He had a right to dual citizenship through parents.

Both guys told me that there are a lot of Commonwealth soldiers in the UK forces. The Highlanders have a large Fijian contingent and the RM had a large Aussie/Kiwi South African influence. Most British Army Regiments are screaming for soldiers. If you write to the Regimental Secretary of the unit you are particularily interested in, they may be able to accelerate or smooth out the process.

Hope this helps,
Noneck

[oldsoak]

Mate, people from the Dominions are always welcome- fresh blood an' all that :) - be aware that going home for a long weekend isnt going to be easy though and until you build up a network over here it could get lonely at times.
Good luck :)

[Imshi-Yallah]

A lot of Irish as well even though we arent commonwealth, when I went over there were two Irish (one Northerner and myself) and one Rhodesian.

[SFontaine]

Come to the UK, it's miles better than that disowned colony! ;)

I moved over here in 95 from Vancouver, so there's no problem with me joining (plus, parents are british so dual nationality).

Why do you want to join the British Army, and not the Canadian Forces? It would mean a big change to leave your home and come to a foreign country by yourself. After all, your not going to be on ops the whole time, even in our overstretched army!

Just interested.

Because I want to actually serve as a Soldier, and not a spokesperson for the Government. In Canada we have nothing. We only have Airborne Coys no Regiments and we're generally speaking damn weak. I mean Canadians only get deployed once the Americans and British have alreacy cleaned house and that's not what I want to do. If I sweat and bleed to become a soldier I actually wanna soldier.

Anyway thanks for your help all. I've received 2 PMs already full of info and I really appreciate the help

[oldsoak]

A lot of Irish as well even though we arent commonwealth, when I went over there were two Irish (one Northerner and myself) and one Rhodesian.

- just two ? - must have been a small unit :)
The British army has always had a sizeable Irish contingent - and they have won quite a few decorations as well

[EvanL]

Come to the UK, it's miles better than that disowned colony! ;)

I moved over here in 95 from Vancouver, so there's no problem with me joining (plus, parents are british so dual nationality).

Why do you want to join the British Army, and not the Canadian Forces? It would mean a big change to leave your home and come to a foreign country by yourself. After all, your not going to be on ops the whole time, even in our overstretched army!

Just interested.

Because I want to actually serve as a Soldier, and not a spokesperson for the Government. In Canada we have nothing. We only have Airborne Coys no Regiments and we're generally speaking damn weak. I mean Canadians only get deployed once the Americans and British have alreacy cleaned house and that's not what I want to do. If I sweat and bleed to become a soldier I actually wanna soldier.

Anyway thanks for your help all. I've received 2 PMs already full of info and I really appreciate the help
Spoken like a true idiot.

[oldsoak]

Come to the UK, it's miles better than that disowned colony! ;)

I moved over here in 95 from Vancouver, so there's no problem with me joining (plus, parents are british so dual nationality).

Why do you want to join the British Army, and not the Canadian Forces? It would mean a big change to leave your home and come to a foreign country by yourself. After all, your not going to be on ops the whole time, even in our overstretched army!

Just interested.

Because I want to actually serve as a Soldier, and not a spokesperson for the Government. In Canada we have nothing. We only have Airborne Coys no Regiments and we're generally speaking damn weak. I mean Canadians only get deployed once the Americans and British have alreacy cleaned house and that's not what I want to do. If I sweat and bleed to become a soldier I actually wanna soldier.

Anyway thanks for your help all. I've received 2 PMs already full of info and I really appreciate the help
Spoken like a true idiot.

Ah well, we all had to start someplace. I know I made outrageous statements when I was young. :)

[Maverick77]

The Canadian Army is far from weak

hopefully the conservatives get in and bring an Airborne regiment back

[ash933]

How many weeks is British Army Basic? How many weeks is your Infantry school/Training/Course?

From what a couple of friends who joined the Army told me Phase 1(Basic) lasts 12 weeks at an ATR. After that Phase 2 (Trade) training begins. Trade training can last anywhere from a couple of months to more than a year.
However, the Royal Marines basic training is 32 weeks long, making it the longest hardest basic infantry training in NATO, if not the world. After passing out at Lympstone a Marine can either be posted to a fighting unit ready to deploy or go into trade training. I was told that at my PRMC.

[SFontaine]

Come to the UK, it's miles better than that disowned colony! ;)

I moved over here in 95 from Vancouver, so there's no problem with me joining (plus, parents are british so dual nationality).

Why do you want to join the British Army, and not the Canadian Forces? It would mean a big change to leave your home and come to a foreign country by yourself. After all, your not going to be on ops the whole time, even in our overstretched army!

Just interested.

Because I want to actually serve as a Soldier, and not a spokesperson for the Government. In Canada we have nothing. We only have Airborne Coys no Regiments and we're generally speaking damn weak. I mean Canadians only get deployed once the Americans and British have alreacy cleaned house and that's not what I want to do. If I sweat and bleed to become a soldier I actually wanna soldier.

Anyway thanks for your help all. I've received 2 PMs already full of info and I really appreciate the help
Spoken like a true idiot.

You, my friend, are the prime example of Canadian patriotism. Instead of shooting back with a defense you resort to petty name calling.

Another reason I want out of here.

[EvanL]

Come to the UK, it's miles better than that disowned colony! ;)

I moved over here in 95 from Vancouver, so there's no problem with me joining (plus, parents are british so dual nationality).

Why do you want to join the British Army, and not the Canadian Forces? It would mean a big change to leave your home and come to a foreign country by yourself. After all, your not going to be on ops the whole time, even in our overstretched army!

Just interested.

Because I want to actually serve as a Soldier, and not a spokesperson for the Government. In Canada we have nothing. We only have Airborne Coys no Regiments and we're generally speaking damn weak. I mean Canadians only get deployed once the Americans and British have alreacy cleaned house and that's not what I want to do. If I sweat and bleed to become a soldier I actually wanna soldier.

Anyway thanks for your help all. I've received 2 PMs already full of info and I really appreciate the help
Spoken like a true idiot.

You, my friend, are the prime example of Canadian patriotism. Instead of shooting back with a defense you resort to petty name calling.

Another reason I want out of here.
Haha.
What else to respond to your assinine statements then another assinine name calling.
Good luck with whatever you do.
I have thought of joining the brits, in fact im entitled to direct dual citizenship. But not for the reasons you have stated. Which are nothing more than a childish rant.

[ash933]

SFontaine, give a lot of thought to what you want to do. It isn't as simple as completing some forms, performing some physical exams and starting basic. It's something that you need to be 100% committed to. I think this is especially important if you're in Canada, as long-weekends leave are probably going to be quite difficult for you.

A month ago I attended a Potential Royal Marines Course. A course designed to test my mental and physical suitability to start training with the Royal Marines. Half way through I withdrew myself and hence failed because I'd gathered that it wasn't just a job, it was a way of life and I felt I was too young to make such a massive committment. So I'm waiting a year or two until I'm more mature mentally.

My point? Train your hardest and know what you're letting yourself in for. Whether you join the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force or the Army you will be expected to give 101% all the time.

Other than that, best of luck with your choice!

[SFontaine]

Haha.
What else to respond to your assinine statements then another assinine name calling.
Good luck with whatever you do.
I have thought of joining the brits, in fact im entitled to direct dual citizenship. But not for the reasons you have stated. Which are nothing more than a childish rant.

How is it a childish rant? You still haven't explained to me what's wrong with my statement. I merely said that Canada goes in after the British and Americans have secured the area.. In recent times this is very true. I said our Armed (Whoops prolly shouldn't say Armed when referring to our military, the Government might not think it's too war like) Forces are not as strong as the American or British Armed Forces and do not do as much as them.
Note how I said
If I sweat and bleed to become a soldier I actually wanna soldier. Every Infantryman in the CF is a Soldier, and damn good ones at that, but unfortunantly they do not get to do their job most of the time due to our Government and their bastardization of the military.


SFontaine, give a lot of thought to what you want to do. It isn't as simple as completing some forms, performing some physical exams and starting basic. It's something that you need to be 100% committed to. I think this is especially important if you're in Canada, as long-weekends leave are probably going to be quite difficult for you.

A month ago I attended a Potential Royal Marines Course. A course designed to test my mental and physical suitability to start training with the Royal Marines. Half way through I withdrew myself and hence failed because I'd gathered that it wasn't just a job, it was a way of life and I felt I was too young to make such a massive committment. So I'm waiting a year or two until I'm more mature mentally.

My point? Train your hardest and know what you're letting yourself in for. Whether you join the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force or the Army you will be expected to give 101% all the time.

Other than that, best of luck with your choice!

Thanks, bud. I have some friends who live in the UK, aswell as some family so the long weekends shouldn't be too terribly difficult for me. For the past 3-4 years I've wanted to do something military and have come to the conclusion that Canada ain't for me. I can't envision myself doing anything other than military so there is no question in my mind about wanting to do this and commiting everything I can to the task. Hell I'm done all my testing and such for the Reserves and doing BMQ and SQ hopefully this summer so we'll see. Thanks for the advise.

[Maverick77]

after the British and Americans have secured the area..


what are you talking about

[pipaz]

i dont know whats going


Come to the UK, it's miles better than that disowned colony!

but this cracked me up rofl rofl rofl

[SFontaine]

after the British and Americans have secured the area..


what are you talking about

Afghanistan.. Spearheaded by the United States and the fighting is now being carried out by British and American units in the mountains (And yes I know about JTF2 and PPCLI etc so don't bother mentioning it). Now all we do is keep Kabul safe, with a few other nations. Hell... the Government said that it would pull Canadians out if they faced fighting.

Iraq.. Spearheaded by the United States and Great Britain, Canada isn't even there even though we're a supposed to be "Great peacekeeping nation".

Somalia.. Spearheaded by 20,000 US Marines. The CAR came in after a lot of beauracratic bull**** with the Government.

Etc. I could go on but I won't bother. I don't know if there has been a time in recent history that Canada spearheaded (What I mean by that is led, with a large number of troops etc) a peacekeeping operation or conflict of any sort. We're normally behind a few other nations. In WW1, WW2 and Korea we did our part and fought well but things have REALLY degraded since then. Right now we just go in when things are calming down. And the majority of the casualties has been absorbed by other nations. Get it now?

[Yes Man]

Really I don't think you know what you are talking about, but have fun in Britain.

[noneck11]

This post started out on a good note, it appeared to me as an information request from a young person looking to join UK Forces.

However when you began cutting down the armed forces of the nation in which we have the privilage to reside, you lost all credibility.

SFontaine, in Canada we live in a democracy. A nation which was forged in battle by the Canadian Corps in WW1 again in WW2 and subsequent engagements since. How dare you denigrate the memory of those who have served and continue to serve especially in the trying circumstances of the new millenium.

From your profile you live in the Victoria area, what unit are you currently enrolled in? As you posts appear full of piss and vinegar, I would assume it's the C Scot R as an infantryman rather than a clerk with the Service Bn...but then I could be wrong.

While on your recruit training you should discuss your theories with Sgt's Bryan G or Pat O', they will put you on the right track in short order.

You are definitely not the "grey man" and are ultimately destined to become a feces magnet should you not learn to check your baseless opinions.

Oh yeah, if you don't like the present Government then you should vote on June 28th in the Federal election that is if you are old enough.

You pissed me off.
noneck
:bash:

[DE_Six]

I don't see the reasons to get your panties all bunched up.

SFontaine did not disrespect any Canadian soldier or veteran, in fact he stated he respected their professionalism.

Every Infantryman in the CF is a Soldier, and damn good ones at that

He however expressed he has no desire to join the CF. He has his reasons and no one here can judge of them. Christ, no one here knows him.

I happen to share SFontaine's lack of interest in the CF and I consider joining a foreign military (UK or US). Not because I think the CF aren't good enough. Not because I forgot the sacrifice of Canadian veterans. Because Canada doesn't represent me. I don't agree with our government when it picks its fights. And don't tell me about the elections, I'm old enough to vote and certainly old enough to learn from history that things never change. Canada will not become the country I wish it was if I vote red or blue on the 28th. Canada is what it is, if it suits you, fine, and if it doesn't suit SFontaine or I, deal with it.

What makes "ready-to-wear" patriotism so great, anyway? I was born in Canada, therefore I'm fiercely proud to my core to be Canadian? No thanks, I can think for myself. And if another country suits me better, I'll support that country. And if this country embodies anything I consider worth fighting for, well that's my business. I don't think condition at birth should be a restraint to ambition. It goes for the socioeconomic status I was born with, the ethnic background, the gender and certainly for the place where I was born. I live in Quebec, and if all Quebecers were patriotic by birth, we would have kissed you goodbye on May 20th 1980. But we can think for ourselves and made individual choices and we are still part of Canada.

If anything, I think it's not people who want to go serve in a foreign country that disrespect the CF. It's the government, the one we elected, that one that reflects us as a population, as a society, when it nelgects the CF mandate after mandate since the end of the Cold War. We are not defined by a military culture, there are good sides to it but the downside is that our CF suffer. And they are unappealing, but that's another story.


A nation which was forged in battle by the Canadian Corps in WW1 again in WW2 and subsequent engagements since. How dare you denigrate the memory of those who have served and continue to serve especially in the trying circumstances of the new millenium

Again, SFontaine didn't insult anyone. He expressed a choice. A personal choice. And what is this "forged in battle" thing? If any war forged Canada, it's the Seven Year War, the French and Indian War, the War of 1812, not WW1 and WW2. Our soldiers fought valiantly in those wars to defend the British empire, but if anything, how did it forge our nation? I don't think it did nearly as much as the Transcanadian railway or the Confederation. I think as a population, us Canadians remember our vets once a year, and that's it. The fact is we could hardly care less for our military, and its condition today reflects that. We are not a warrior society, nor one defined by war.

And about that grey man comment: this is a forum. A place to express opinions. Basic is not. I think there is a huge behavior gap between the two places. Think I ran my mouth in QMB? Hell no, never. Like a fly on the wall. But this being a discussion board, I think we can all express our opinions freely.

Have a nice day.

[anonymous individual]

Spoken like a true idiot.

?

-----------------------------------
BTW, good luck SFontaine. I hope you can make it if that is what you want.

[SFontaine]

However when you began cutting down the armed forces of the nation in which we have the privilage to reside, you lost all credibility.


Like DE6 has already pointed out I have nothing but the utmost respect for members of the CF and only said that compared to the US and UK our military is weak. It's an easily proven fact and not something up for debate.


SFontaine, in Canada we live in a democracy. A nation which was forged in battle by the Canadian Corps in WW1 again in WW2 and subsequent engagements since. How dare you denigrate the memory of those who have served and continue to serve especially in the trying circumstances of the new millenium.

I also said how we pulled our weight in WW1, WW2 and Korea and how we fought well. Did you miss that part?


From your profile you live in the Victoria area, what unit are you currently enrolled in? As you posts appear full of piss and vinegar, I would assume it's the C Scot R as an infantryman rather than a clerk with the Service Bn...but then I could be wrong.

While on your recruit training you should discuss your theories with Sgt's Bryan G or Pat O', they will put you on the right track in short order.

Yup. C Scot R and Infantryman. Oh and I don't intend to do any discussing of personal opinions whilst in the CF, at least not with my superiors. I intend to sit down, shut up and do what I'm told to do.


You pissed me off.
noneck
Well good thing we live in a Democracy (Like you said) where everyone has a right to his or her opinion. Too bad you aren't able to see someone excersicing that right without getting upset

With respect, I'd appreciate it if in the future you read things before you replied. Thanks.

P.S. Thanks, anonymous individual

[Maverick77]

haha.........yeah Fontaine I know what your talkin about, I knew before I asked the question I just wanted to hear what examples you were thinking of.

Afghanistan has formations of Taliban up to 500 men running around the countryside. It could really use A battalion or so of Canadian troops out there but instead the government wastes them on peacekeeping, ****in liberals.


As for Iraq, if Canada didnt want to go in there in the first place for whatever reason than fine, it wasnt really needed for them to be there anyway. But now it has nothing to do with WMD,oil,killing innocent civilians any of that bull**** all the hippies talk about. There are 1000s of terrorists flooding into the country and the world needs to meet them.


Ive also been seriously thinkin of goin down to the states for awhile now.