RCMP

[journey2cps-redux]

You get a little say into it. First you pick 3 divisions in order of preferance, then once you get your division, you get to pick, I think its 10, detachments in order of preferance. Depending on what detachmetns you pick you could easily get one of your top 3. If its a smaller det though then, it depends on the current number of officers and if they need any more members. If you pick a large det like Surrey or Burnaby, which are VERY short staffed, then you will get one of those almost guaranteed...but since its the RCMP you could get something totally unexpected. ;D

[Curious about RCMP process]

Does anyone know how you end up with an LDP?

[Guest1]

You ask for one and you get one.... or you don't ask for one and you get one.

Clear as mud? ;D lol

[LongArm]

I think there is a band at Depot, right? Well, how does one get involved? I'd love to play the bagpipes but I assume you need to know already. Or will they teach you there? Or perhaps I should not involve myself in too many extra activities and just focus on surviving Depot whenever I actually get there!!
Your thoughts?

[Guest1]

When at Depot you will be required to choose one activity to be involved in.... band, choir, grad committee etc.

No, they will not teach you how to play an instrument to be in the band - lol.

[RyanSales]

Longarm,

While at Depot, you definately don't want to take too much on...that's for sure....you will want to concentrate on the core training.

However, there are some perks/bad points to being in the band.

You will never have to be involved in morning parade, and sometimes get to sleep in.....however, you have lots of practices and have to do most noon parades...so while others are enjoying some quiet time, you will be busy. Oh, and you get to jump the line in the mess and eat first!!!!!

Some of my troopmates really enjoyed it, others were really stressed (you are usually late for first class after lunch).

My personal take is that there are other duties you can take on that are less time consuming. Stick to mastering the police work!

Cheers,
RY

[RyanSales]

Postings

Here's a few things to clear up any misconceptions when it comes to postings.

The process works as mentioned by Journey2CPS, yet I'll elaborate and clarify a bit.

1. You will be visited by staffing, who will give your troop ballpark numbers as to how many people are going to each REGION. So, for example, they will say approx 4 people are going to NorthWest Region.

2. Staffing will also advise which divisions (as of that day) are closed, which are taking their own cadets back, and which are not. Example, K Division likes to take it's own cadets back, while some atlantic provinces will not take someone recruited from their division back to that division. Some divisions like M division are closed frequently.

3. Staffing will also give the usual info that E Division is taking approx 50% of the troop.

4. You then submit a wishlist (in order of preference), of which REGION you would like to go to, and any specific division requests. You also have the opportunity to tell them about any medical or educational necessities you have.

5. You have a staffing interview, in which your file is reviewed and you have a chance to talk to a staffing member.

6. You are then posted to a division. For some, they get what they hoped, others are posted where they REALLY don't want to go. Operational demands rule the day here.

7. You can then submit a list of detachments. There is no limit on the number of detachments. Some people luck out and get one they want, other's dont. It all depends on your wish list matches operational demands. My detachment wasn't even on my wishlist, and I had 20 detachments down.

8. Several weeks later, you get your detachment.

From my experience, the staffing folks are great, and really do try to accomodate everyone. However, they are guided by the requirements of the force (they can't put you someplace that doesn't have a position, and they can't justify putting you someplace you want to go when another detachment is critical for staffing).

Hope this helps,
RY

[Friday]

More on the band issue - the Friday morning sleep-ins are no more... we are practising 5 days a week to prepare for Sunset Ceremonies starting in July.

Band is a big time committment, but it can also help structure your day a bit too. In the morning, practice is at 7:00, so I get up at 5:30 and go for breakfast at 6:30. If my troopmates are on morning parade, they have to be at morning parade at 6:20, so they are a bit more rushed. But, they have breakfast AFTER parade, at which time I am still practicing. I find my troopmates sleeping in a bit more, then rushing to make parade, then making up their rooms after breakfast. I have to have all that done before I head out the door - which works OK for me.

At lunch, if you have a class scheduled before 1:30, you don't have to go to noon practice/parade. My schedule right now has me going for noon parade about 2 times a week. It can be a real rush to get back to your room and grab your gear for your next class, as often you don't get out of band with more than a minute to spare (if that!). Again, it helps me plan ahead - but if you aren't a planner - stick to something like 'mail person', or 'grad committee'.

I'm here to have the best time I can, and learn the most I can. I love the band.

J

[LongArm]

I've heard that in the past a troop will graduate but will be told there's no positions open for them at that time. Has that ever happened to anyone? Has anyone ever heard of it happening recently?

[LongArm]

Other than band, what other activities are there for recruits that they might have to "volunteer" for?

[journey2cps-redux]

LongArm said:

I've heard that in the past a troop will graduate but will be told there's no positions open for them at that time. Has that ever happened to anyone? Has anyone ever heard of it happening recently?

NEVER heard of it happening to an entire troop! Sometimes happens to one or two cadets but they are usually borderline pass on everything, and shouldn't really be in the field so they are sent home. With the shortage of officers right now I wouldn't think you'd have to worry about that.

[Guest1]

LongArm said:

Other than band, what other activities are there for recruits that they might have to "volunteer" for?

As already posted... some of the other activities that you might volunteer for besides band are - choir, mail person for troop or grad committee.

[Jamaf]

There is also half way commitee, firearms rep, video liason, pdt rep, driving rep, dress and deportment guy, finance. Someone needs to be right marker, someone needs to be admin marker. As for your question about no positions Longarm, Journey2cps is right that you don’t have to worry about that for the whole troop. You could ace the entire depot experience but be a pain and no one likes you. If you don’t gel with your troop how are you expected to work with others in the field? You could possibly get a certificate of completion at the end of training- Thanks for coming out. That happened a few times while I was there.

[journey2cps-redux]

Well my hat is back in the ring, so to speak. I'm attending an info session next Wed, and then writing the RPAT at the next available date after July 2nd. Waiting, here I come!

[MrsJamaf]

Welcome back to the journey, Journey
Looking forward to seeing you get thru to Depot this time around!!