I went to start my weekend courses with the army ding the basic military qualifications and after spending the weekend, I have unfortunately come to the conclusion that working in the Reserves even part time is not for me.
The BMQ would for one, severly infringe on my ability to effectively handle my education, as the bulk of the courses take place in exam seasion.
Next, it is essentially a 4-5 hour drive around trip out of my parents day to get me to the base where I take a military shuttle bus for training. I cannot take public transportation as I need to take my entire kit with me to do so, this is too much to ask of my parents.
Thirdly, I have spend the entire weekend there, while it has been a learning experience and I mean this in every possible meaning a experience I will never forget but it is too much for me to handle, I do not have the physical or mental ability to effectively handle a military lifestyle, I intellectually knew what I was getting into, how could one not, but the actual experience was to much, physically I know that the whole experience will lave me had I pushed through it through all 27 days emotionally exhausted and physically half dead as due to school and transportation issues I cannot possibly do any training on my own time to make up for it.
This leaves me with the conclusion, ultimately in my disappointment with myself that I am neither ready or cutout for military service in the reserves, I absolutely hated the physical part of the experience in both on course and while I was at my regiment reporting in the previous weeks, and is something that during school and probably after school when I am in the decision making process of ging to university or a full time job, completely unable to handle the responsibility.
I completely admire, and respect the Canadian Forces, even more so that I know what they have to go through to do what they do across the globe keeping the peace, but I am neither ready not cutout for such service. My skills and training in Computer Sciences to me now, far more clearly state that I would be better suited later on doing civilian contract work for them, where my skills can be better utilized.
My parents understandably to a point are upset, but I am frustrated with their comments of me "not giving it a try" a full weekend in a boot camp is try enough, I gave it my shot and was washed out, I had spent weeks preparing and it was not enough and never will be enough, I had to drop the courses then and notm later or else I wouldve been obligated to do next weekend's course as well, something that is with my limited resources is impossible to do.
Military usually changes people, usuay for the better, but spending 3 months in hell to be completely ready and fit for military service, something that i had only intended to do for a year is not worth it compared to the sacrifices I would have to make, to my health, and to my transportation and what little of a life I have managed to scrape together in the last 2 years.
I am sorry hatrack, I know some of you were rooting for me, and I am truly deeply sorry to disappoint both you, and myself.
And I lost my Ipod shuffle charger thingy, the thing that both charges and allows the transfer of music, can i get those separate?
Posted by xtownaga (Member # 7187) on :
The military isn't for everyone. I'm sure you'll find someplace where you fit in. I know it took me awhile but I got there eventually.
And you can get a replacement shuffle cable here . (It's off-brand but should work fine, and it's about 1/15 the cost of a new apple cable.
Posted by Blayne Bradley (Member # 8565) on :
the crux of the problem is that I want to have it by tomorrow, ordering can take a while.
Posted by guinevererobin (Member # 10753) on :
quote:I completely admire, and respect the Canadian Forces, even more so that I know what they have to go through to do what they do across the globe keeping the peace, but I am neither ready not cutout for such service.
There's nothing wrong with realizing that. It takes a certain amount of courage to quit in my book too, to say that it's not for you despite friends' and families' expectations. Just keep the positive attitude - some of the kids I knew who decided not to go through with their military commitments ended up being anti-military, but there's no reason to feel bad about your decision.
There are many other ways you can serve your country. Good luck!
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
quote:Next, it is essentially a 4-5 hour drive around trip out of my parents day to get me to the base where I take a military shuttle bus for training. I cannot take public transportation as I need to take my entire kit with me to do so, this is too much to ask of my parents.
That sounds like an excuse to get out of doing what you already don't want to do. Your parents want you to do this, no? And they're willing to help make it happen, no?
I'm not saying you should do it, but face up to the reasons for your decision instead of hiding behind excuses.
Posted by Blayne Bradley (Member # 8565) on :
they're reasons not excuses, and they complained often enough about having to drive me and are complaining more about all the time they had already spent driving me.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
How do your parents feel about your decision to quit the reserves?
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
quote:My parents understandably to a point are upset, but I am frustrated with their comments of me "not giving it a try" a full weekend in a boot camp is try enough, I gave it my shot and was washed out, I had spent weeks preparing and it was not enough and never will be enough, I had to drop the courses then and notm later or else I wouldve been obligated to do next weekend's course as well, something that is with my limited resources is impossible to do.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Ah. Thanks, eros
Posted by Orincoro (Member # 8854) on :
Blayne, I recommend that you get a job right away and start working on your own. It seems that a constant theme in your life is the disappointment and resentment of your parents, and your constant awareness if your burden on them.
You named the logistical problem of your parents driving hours to deliver you to training as a top reason why you can't do it. My reaction is that your parents would probably gladly do this for you if it were the difference between you making it or not. I think you have to face the fact that it is YOU who has decided this isn't going to work and not give your parents as a reason. If they are the reason, then you should do something about that, like getting a job and becoming independent so that you can do the things you want. Either way you know a better course than continually staying at home and never escaping the gravity well of life.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
quote:Originally posted by Blayne Bradley: they're reasons not excuses, and they complained often enough about having to drive me and are complaining more about all the time they had already spent driving me.
Are you saying that your parents are not willing to help you accomplish this?
Posted by Uprooted (Member # 8353) on :
Blayne, nothing wrong with choosing not to go the military route. Good for you for sticking out the weekend. But I agree that it sounds like you need to now focus on getting out of the house and getting a job you can do. I'm all in favor of education, but in some cases the experience of independence and making it on your own are needed before the education can do any good. Go for it.
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
I am sorry hatrack, I know some of you were rooting for me, and I am truly deeply sorry to disappoint both you, and myself.