Is there anything I missed? Want to know anything else about joining/leaving/changing into the British or Canadian Army? Let me know below! HAVE A GREAT DAY!
What are the differences with equipment, like artillery and other heavy equipment in cold weather? Like did you every have to repair tanks and armored fighting vehicles in the freezing cold? Will artillery peices freeze like in wars of yesteryear?
Numeric Bin fitness, culture, training, and kit... that's my take on why they (and so many other forces) are effective. The Country a fighter is from, or its weather makes little difference if those things are in place. No jungle in the UK, but the British are very effective because they train in.it well. But that's also true of many forces.
Numeric Bin also, Winter warfare training was common prior to the breakup of the Soviet Union, but since the British pulled out of Germany they've been fighting in the deserts.... which incidentally are often very cold. My father fought in 91 and the desert was like concrete and the temperature way below freezing for most of the time they operated in the Saudi desert.
@@chriskim328 the more I learn the more I realise how little I know. But I do know this much... I'd put my trust in the Brits and the Canadians to put up a great fight, doesn't matter if it's in a pub, the snow, the sand or the green stuff.
@Britannic hayyomatt I'm not an expert but I can speak from my family's experience on a personal level. In WW1 times Canada was a brutal country to live in outside of cities. My Grandfather delivered supplies 300km by dogsled when he was 12 years old. He was taught how to shoot as a child and literally had his life depend on his shooting ability before he was an adult. Our winters are far beyond anything you get in western Europe and he was taught how to survive by himself with hunting and tracking. It seams logical to me that people who grew up depending on a rifle and avoiding freezing to death would be effective soldiers, particularly when fighting against men who grew up in a city and were given a month of training with a rifle. I'm not saying Canadians were innately better but I would say a lot of Canadians were well prepared for combat back then.
@Des Prenty thats what you think? You need a brain surgery immediately because your obviously such a idenial cow. Winston Churchill once said, If I had the Canadian Man Power and the American fire power they would rule the world.
@@five-eyes666 name the inbred towns then. Because in a previous comment you complained about inbred towns having Trudeau types... And in any place where there's be sister fucking going on, I can tell you they wouldn't be anything like Justin "People kind" Trudeau. They'd be more like you.
@@five-eyes666 Please name all of the inbreed towns that you have been to, please do, by name and province. I'm not saying they don't exist, but I want to know, at least one that you have been to. Also in both world wars, Canada has proved their metal time and time again, from the capture of Vimy Ridge to the Liberation of the Netherlands form the Axis powers(they send millions of flowers every year, it is honestly quite lovely), holding the line during gas attacks during WW1, sometimes without proper protective equipment(gas masks) but with a pissed soaked rag over their mouths, to the testing of the defence of the targeted beaches of D-Day so the allies knew what to expect, to the Capturing of Juno beach(the further completion of all of their objectives, and then the capture of a port because they got bored), you are indeed right that there was more to both wars that Vimy Ridge(one of the most important conflicts on the western front in WW1, that was not captured in 3 years, but the Canadians did it in 3 days), your right. Canadians also participated in the Battle of Britain in WW2, acted as shock troopers, and as Commando units. So please do the fucking research before you make any false claims, Wanker, as I can go on, and on about the military achievements of Canada, and I hate to break it to you, the people of the inbreed town that you been to, sound like you more than Trudeau. So mate, Please shut up before you make yourself a bigger embarrassment to your family than you already are, and I have not met your family, but I am willing to bet they are embarrassed.
Your reflection on time and resource constraints bringing a more professional and problem solving attitude was very interesting from a Swedish perspective. It brought the Swedish reputation for professionalism in international peace keeping/ peace forcing operations into a new context. The new context beeing that the Swedish armed forces are built around a system of cadre officers who in peace time are serving a level below their rank and station than when mobilised along with compulsory conscript selection and compulsory training if selected for everyone at 18 since 2017 (it used to be compulsory for boys until 2006 and optional for girls between 1990 and 2006). The conscript training lasts 7.5months for privates, 10months for squad leaders and specialists, 12 and 15 months for platoon and company NCOs respectively. Navy does things differently in service length. Also, the equipment used used to be rotated mobilisation stores, which meant limited availiability and anything that broke should be repaired in the field if possible or handed on to repair techs when back at base. And considdering that those 18yo conscripts, less than two weeks out of high school who's drivers licences are so fresh the ink is barely dry on the temporary slip issued while the actual licence is made (driving age is 18 in Sweden), should be fully trained for every role assigned within those time frames, from grunts to sonar operator, attack divers, combat medics, tank commanders and strike aircraft controllers... Under those conditions, there's little to no time for faffing about with anything that isn't absolutely essential to the service at hand.
Thanks for the interesting comparison. I have met a few service members in Canada throughout my life, though I did not have a chance to get to know them. It was times when we were working together but in different parts of the show. I was in production and they were the show. I do try to follow their work around the world because I am proud of what they do for us and others wherever they go.
Thanks Matt. That was a really interesting run down on the differences and similarities between Canadian Army and British Army. Your special insight having served in both services is truly unique so I thank you again for sharing it with us!
Like you, I've served in two different countries....I started in Canada and went to the States....talk about going from a poor military to a kid in a candy store. The biggest complaint I had is, Americans don't know how to do landnav with out the cool guy gear. I literally screamed at a full bird Colonel because he wanted to call off the exercise because the batteries on his gps died. I whipped out my compass and took the map and planned the route out and got us all back before we would have even had Helos come get us. I got an award and bitched at for that incident. LOL
That's a problem with all the high tech bells and whistles. In a real operational scenario they do give an advantage until they inevitably fail and you should not depend on it. When it fails you need to have competence in the fundamentals like using a paper map and compass or you are screwed.
Luckily they're trying to quickly change that, they're trying to make sure we interstate that although the tech is very useful, it can always fail and they're putting heavy emphasis on training without it just in case
Good explanations Mat. I did two exercises above the Artic Circle, one with the Canadians and one with the Norwegians; and you are correct in that the Brits are not trained for Artic warfare or even survival. I was lucky in that I managed to “acquire” some Norwegian CWW kit and survived, but it was touch and go. It’s only the RM Commandos who get the correct training, the Brit squady has to make do.
I met some of those Royal Marine Commandos on exercise in Norway and I had to shake my head at the equipment they had. They were using ordinary leather gloves while we had arctic mitts -- huge gauntlets with separate liners as thick as oven mitts. They wore relatively thin winter jackets with equally thin liners while we had our wonderful parkas. So here we were, halfway up the side of a Norwegian mountain with our Canadian OP on one side and a British OP 5 meters away on the other. We were nice and toasty, while the poor freezing Brits had to take out their shovels and start building a snow wall to block the wind. Thinking about it now, we should have had a snowball fight!
In BAOR in 80s,all we had was,bloody KF shirt,wool pulley,quilted body warmer and combat jacket,and German winters get bloody cold.No wonder we used Bundeswehr boots,parka liners.Sorry to swear but can't say KF shirt without adding bloody.
Funny I did 6 winters in Norway Jan to end of March AWT Ski trained totally lived in the snow with bergans only 5 days a week. no heaters fek all basically except what you carried. RM 24 years.
I'm pretty sure one of the biggest differences is a British NCO is not likely to tear you a new one in French, which can and does happen in the Canadian Army lol
Canadian and British forces are very committed to adapting to environments! I’m Royal Canadian Navy so I don’t get to experience a lot of the combat environment training but from what my friends from BMQ tell me, it’s an awesome experience
Some bases do have Sgt Messes but most reserve units have combined them mostly do to space. We value fixing our own gear as we often have to do to budgets. Matt Tecks are very useful for everything from fixing tents to fixing seat covers for our MLVW. OK Dating myself. Retired Supply Teck. 911
Did my basic in Cornwallis NS in '85. There went on to TQ3 in Kingston as a MOC222 (No longer in use. TE Tech). 2 years later back to CFB Kingston for TQ5. Had a great 6 years. Posted to 706 comm sqn for 3 and CFB Calgary HQ for the final 3. The last year was probably my favorite as being a need in the 80s got recognized and they sent my over to the new network operations for the base as the 2 i/c. You brought back memories with the mukluks, course you have to add in the snowshoes. The deuces would just drop us off and we had to make our way in sledding/backpacking in our kit. Summer Ex was great we canoed the Nottawasaga through rapids, portages and still lakes. Kit strapped to the middle of the canoe. Ahhhh those were the days....
Great video. Love hearing your perspective as a former British soldier now serving in the CF. Just thought I would add a historical perspective to the messes / movement to combined messes. I served from 1990-2016. In the early 90s to cut costs, the Canadian government started to massively reduce the public service and size of its military. The military was significantly reduced in manpower. This was called FRP or force reduction plan. With the heavy reduction in personnel, many bases, units, etc... no longer has enough members to support / carry on with all these separate messes. The messes impacted the most was the Sergeant’s and Warrant’s mess / Chief’s and PO’s. So a great number of them were amalgamated with the officer’s mess to hold both the commission and non commissioned officers (nco) I was sad to see this happen but it was necessary... and that is why we have very few sgt / wo messes left in the cf today.
@Doug Doug I'm correcting your error. The discrepancy is not in regards to NCO/NCM but rather when comparing Enlisted to NCM. Different armies use different technologies. In either case, Non-Commissioned Officers have not been renamed or removed.
We all embody a wee bit of Leo Major. It just takes something like liberating a town by yourself to bring it out. Ya know....or someone stealing my timbits.
All good content. I chuckled when you mentioned calories and volume of rations. When I was in the older guys alway used to carry a little can or two of beans, stew or spaghetti to make up the difference - especially on overnight patrols. It only took 1 - 2 exercises for the younger guys to catch on...
i really like these kinds of videos, a nice range of topics discussed and comparison of the two national forces. I appreciate in particular the discussion on waste and efficient use of materials, that's something no one talks about.
When I was a kid I think it was 1964 we were campaigning near the zugspitz (not sure on the spelling). In the campground was a group of British Army Mountain troops. It wasn't very many maybe a dozen or so they were supposed to climb the mountain. The day they were supposed to climb the mountain it was kind of ugly out, rainy foggy Misty kind of stuff. Being intensely interested in soldiers from my mother's Homeland I went over to their spot in the campground and asked if they could climb the mountain. I thought that would be pretty exciting to do that I had no idea how strenuous it might have been until I got older. And they told me that they had not climb the mountain because it was just too buddy ugly outside and wet so they took the cable car! Bravo!
In our current times, with extreme weather events looking to become much more common in the years ahead, I hope the U.K. makes arrangements to send their forces for winter training in Canada and get input on best practices as far as gear and equipment for such weather, etc. It's always a good idea to be prepared, just in case, and with Canada having the experience, it makes sense to take advantage of the opportunity.
First off Mat, i think your vids are very well thought out and informed. I'm retired RCN, 28 years.I know Navy isn.''t your thing but you have always done a damn fine job! As far as "Canadian Messes", there are three. In your unit, lack of funds, two. I live just south of the city.. May be someday we can meet. Take care brother!!!!
Interesting video. Almost looked like you were driving in Lethbridge, Alberta. Only because at the 3:00 mark, on the left, there was the train bridge in the background.
The Canadian military has a long tradition of being expected to do more with less. When I was in I found other NATO nations tended to waste a lot of material and had a tendency to relied on excessive firepower. My Granduncle who fought in Italy used to explain to me how his unit often was required to fight SS panzer divisions with far fewer 17 pounders compared to British divisions. He taught me the importance of strong placement over quantity and efficient use of terrain. I am pleased that Matsimus is learning these traditions.
When I was a combat engineer in the CAF we were trained in ALL aspects of combat engineering. When we went on exercise with American Engineers they would have a specialist unit for every task. One unit I worked with did Bailey bridges and nothing else. We did every bridge there is including improvised timber bridges. Along with all the other aspects of engineering like knowing how to blow up anything that exists as well as mine field operations, road and runway construction, water purification, and too many other tasks to mention such as how to quarry stone. They were like a steak knife with one function and we were like a leatherman multi tool that does everything. They were good at their specific task but if anything else was required of them they didn't know what they were doing.
It’s funny you mentioned the seriousness and the differences that you see now...that’s a big change as to what we USED to be as Canadian soldiers...We USED to be very much like what you were used to as a British soldier...not so much anymore. Things have changed, and not completely for the better. Regardless my friend, welcome to canada, as much as you’ve been here for years now, you’ve obviously adapted very well, it’s great to see!!!
In the Australian Army in the 80s early 90s it was very underfunded. We used to repair and fix a lot of kit webbing etc. Then funding increased Aucam uniforms Austeyr era etc, there tended to be more consumption, but that was due to lower weights of equipment and lighter weave of uniforms etc. However, there repair mentality continued
winter warfare is mainly a Royal Marines Commando role or 3 Commando Brigade. The screws when i joined back in 1999 in training used to talk about going on exercises in Norway back in the early 90's or late 80's These days i believe its only 3 Commando Brigade.
@@HaloFTW55 My old FN C1A1 was a great rifle. I only had one problem with it: On one parachute drop I landed hard and the butt of my FN split in two along the wood grain, right where the compartment for the pull-through, rags, and oil bottle was (we never carried those things in the rifle, but the compartment remained). The only thing holding my rifle together was the butt plate. Fortunately a weapons tech replaced the butt or I would have had to pull a Red Green and fix it myself with duct tape. So later I bought a rubber shotgun butt pad and cut it to fit my FN. It worked! Not only did I never again have a problem with my rifle breaking, but I found I had better eye relief on the rear sight which made me a better shot.
@@HaloFTW55 I trained with the C1A1 with the reserves during the late 60s. I loved the rifle. It was the weapon of choice for Fidel Castro during his revolution too.
Good old times eh! The FNC1 is a good rifle I watched a lot of shows on it. How the Canadian techs had to customize it to fit the large Arctic gloves etc. The 7.62 was a good round. I did buy a Norico M14 NATO... but I am afraid the Liberals going to take it away now.
Artyom Liu Yes, the C1 has a punch, I think I can remember 600 was accurate but I do think you can farther. The thinking about it was real wood stock. Not like rifles they used now. But i think every weapons has it cons and pros. 👍🏻
I'm glad I read the comments before posting, because everyone pointed out that we do have 3 separate messes normally. My unit has 3, but where I work at 2 Div, there are effectively 2; whether that's cost savings or numbers I don't know. I did get to experience having two at my unit though for about a year, the JRs were getting there's renovated, so they moved into the Sgts, and we moved into the officers. We are back now, and thank god. As you mentioned, the point is allow the different groups a chance to relax without bosses looking over their shoulders. But there is also a big difference in the mentality of the groups. There is more in common between the officers and JRs. Most of the officers are new and young. Senior NCOs are by definition older and not just in grumpy sort of way...lives, families, civilian jobs, just in a different stage. I'd love to stay and party after traiing to 2 AM, but I regret it at 7AM lol. I'm happy to be with my own lot and have a couple of beers and make it home by midnight now.
Since my parents are Scottish and we did some exchanges in Afghanistan, I got tasked out with a Brit unit as some guy had a hard time understanding there accent. They treated me great, I loved the meal hall in Bagram and Kandahar as it reminded me of my mom's good greasy cooking :) not to mention easy access to Irn Bru
Most reserve units have messes divided between the three (Jr Ranks, WO's & Sgts & Officers). In some locations where there are not enough officers or personnel to support separate messes, they have been known to combine. Oddly enough, in the Prairies, most Reserve Artillery units are located in communities where they are the only reserve unit present, including 20th Field Battery in Lethbridge, 116th Field Battery in Kenora ON, 26th Regiment Field Batteries in Brandon and Portage La Prairie MB and a 10th Regiment Field Battery in Yorkton SK.
The current trend as a cost saving measure is to combine the Sgt's/WO's Mess with the Officers. However, we don't generally occupy it at the same time unless it is for a specific function. Having said that, generally there are three messes: Junior Ranks Mess, Sgt/Warrant Officers' Mess and Officers Mess.
Hi All, I made the switch the other way: now a Brit reservist, was a Canadian regular. I think most of the differences are cultural, and pretty recent (last 30 years say). Rank structure, role of the ranks (i.e. the position of a CSM, and their behaviours, etc), and "ethos" is *very* similar. But as Canadian society evolves the values of the Canadian army differ bits more from the British. Call the two armies 80% similar. They are more able to work with each other than either with the US.
I loved this type of video mate, it could be tough, but i would love it if you could cover other militaries? Just a suggestion if you do get some time. Hopefully this year your channel will grow ever so more. Best of luck mate!
The British Army used to train for arctic warfare. Back in the day there used to be a thing called the AMF (L) that used to train regularly in Norway. It was a bit limited though because if I remember correctly it was only battle group in size with a few supporting elements. A MED MAN at BATUS could also get a bit chilly towards the end of the season. The Army also deployed to Bosnia from the early 90's and during the winter months the temperature could go as low as -40 with the wind chill factor. The Canucks I worked with at I think Dravar were better kitted up for the winter than we were though. After years playing in sand pits it looks like the Army is re-learning old lessons now through it's deployments in Poland and the Baltics.
Matsimus I am trying to work out how you have a blank about Arctic Warfare Training? My platoon had to do the Arctic Warfare course in Norway etc. This is done in similar weather to the Canadian winter. We don't have the heavy gear that you speak of because it is impractical to wear and carry if you are doing long patrols on skis like we had to do. Massive jackets are of no practical use for patrol and fighting in an environment like the Arctic..It was all about layers not heavy jackets. I take it that as REME you did not spend months at a time in Sennybridge. Most infantry who have done the Arctic Warfare Cse will tell you minus 1 in Wales is colder than minus 20 in Norway. It is all about the humidity. The snow also gives you great shelter. We lived in snow holes, snow caves etc or dug in our 2 man arctic warfare tents. We also had to ski great distances with weapons, ammo, radios, batteries, food and clothing where layers are more important than big jackets. We had proper gloves designed for skiing and firing with. We were fighting in the same environment as a Canadian winter. It is mostly the Royal Marines and one Army Bn who do the Arctic warfare cse(Spearhead BN). I was in during the 80s and 90s. I can provide photos etc of that Arctic Warfare trg. (Edit)Just did some research and it appears hardly anyone has been doing Arctic warfare because of the commitments to the sandy parts of the world, While i was cold in Norway i was not covered in mud or standing in fecking water . My platoon never had hypothermia in Norway but the odd one got it in Wales. Did you know that it can be minus 40 outside but once you get into a snow cave the temperature will rise to about minus one. Also you can eat the supplied British Army candles for a laugh.
@@deplorabled1695 Generally speaking, I would say the camaraderie is the starkest. Active duty, it wasn't uncommon for us to hang out after hours, or over the weekends and develop close ties. When I was in the Reserves, it was very rare. Most had full time or part time civilian jobs to worry about and families to take care of. It was like "ok cool see ya next month or next training cycle, we'll talk business over the phone if anything needs to be done before then." Also, as an NCO, it wasn't uncommon for me to work on military related training on my personal time because there was never enough computers and time to get stuff done during Reserve drills. Things like counselings, physical fitness training, reaching out to Soldiers, etc. I remember having to physically drive to a Soldier's home to deliver messages or find out the status of a Soldier because they weren't responding to phone calls. If you are active duty however, much of this is mitigated because you live on or near base and are Soldiers 24/7. The flip side is that it takes more time and effort for the unit to call us into duty if we are in the Reserves, but I had plenty of leaves and passes cancelled or recalled while Active duty.
@@stochinblockin Gotchya. I totally agree. I misunderstood your comment to mean something about camaraderie in US vs UK Forces, which I wouldn't know about other than to say I think there's a lot of it in both institutions.
My son is in the Canadian Army, and yes, they have sent Brits and Americans up to do winter survival training, starting maybe 6 or so years ago?. Two weeks out in the field. Nice thing is, they paired small troops of five each experienced Can. soldiers with 5 Brits and 5 Americans to act as mentors, (if I understand how he explained it to me) and make sure they got through it without frostbite and various injuries that can happen in the cold wilderness. My son had to go through it a couple of times before he served as a "mentor". They especially wanted the American Seals and various other special forces personnel to go through it, and Canadian soldiers are, of course, the most experienced in wilderness tactical and survival.
The mess stuff is because you are in the PRes / at a small base. We always try to have Jr Ranks, SNCO/WOs, and Officers mess... sometimes we just don't have enough people to maintain three or even two messes. Go to any of the main bases and there's a Jr Ranks, SNCO/WOs, and Officers mess.
Good Day Matsimus, your comment of the Mess divisions in the Canadian Forces. Reserve Regiments: It all depends on the each unit numbers and space in their respective Armouries. If there are not enough Officers and SNCO's in a reserve regiment, they sometimes combine their messes while the keeping the Junior NCO's in their own respective mess. In certain cases, if space does not permit. All the members will share a combined mess, but have their own sectioned off areas of the mess. Regular Force: In terms of regular force regiments, each regiment has a cantine, but the base has respective Mess's for Junior NCO's, SNCO's and Officers for all units to share.
In the CAF we do have the 3 separate messes, especially in the RegF. In the Reserves, since some of the units are small due to their remoteness or lack of population density to support multiple units in the same area, they sometimes combine the Officer's Mess with the WO's & Sgt's Mess. What happens is that there's not enough mess membership for each rank group to efficiently have their own mess and hence why they do combined messes.
Thank you Mat, for your service and your insights. As a Canucklehead, my experience with people from Britain is they are far more sarcastic and aggressive than Canadians. Canadian politeness reduces conflict, because if someone were to go full sarcastic on me, I'd be obligated to escalate it to a fight. The low-key seriousness you found with the reservists is very Canadian: game face. Just remember what Weird Al Yankovich said about Canadians: they'll punch you in the face, and then apologize. What kind of freaks do that? It also sounds like you are getting a version of US Marine training: deliberate shortages of everything to make you cranky. You should consider putting some poutine in a bag to take with you, if the rations aren't enough. Cold weather forces people to eat more, as more calories are burned just staying warm. The mess thing does not surprise me. Canada does not have a heavily stratified society, like Britain. We don't have hundreds of accents. Your colonel would have grown up in the same neighbourhood as some of the corporals, for example. As my Chinese ex once told me: Canada has no culture. That can be a good thing, we are not weighed down with a lot of unnecessary social baggage and goofy elaborate customs.
Nice reply Paul. Of course Canada has a culture.... one so superior that it attracts Chinese by the thousands. I lived in China for ten years. Most nationalistic, racist and weird place I have ever lived. Convinced absolutely of their racial superiority. I used to make fun of them by asking questions about the burning of the Winter Palace, and how had the British managed to turn a rocky little outcrop with a fishing village into the most successful city in China.
@@deplorabled1695 I think that the on culture more or less is we have reasons that boil down to more than "it has just always been that way" thus we do it. We have a reason for doing things that we can explain, and anything we don't have a reason to follow we don't impose. Most of our holidays come from religion, Empire, and war, but for people who don't celebrate them they are off days. We don't impose our celebrations or outcast someone for not taking part.
I did four years active duty in the US Army, and have done another eight in the National Guard. I we never a Combat Engineer, but when I was active duty I was an Infantryman, and the culture is fairly uniform in combat arms. The best advice I can give you is to PT. The US Army catches a lot for flak both at home and abroad about not being very fit, but I can tell you from experience that that's only the case in the non combat arms side of the Army. You will be expected to be physically fit upon arrival to your first unit. Basic Training will help you with this, but the more fit you are before get there the more fit you will be when you finish.
@@devilbub8709 22 Years in the US Army Retired. Tips, stay out of trouble no law violations, certain offenses can disqualify or make it more difficult to get in or have a certain job if needing a clearance, get your HS Diploma, early college credits can help get early promotions, stay healthy, go outside and get in shape if you aren't, being fit will help when you get to basic training. Do your research and verify what the recruiters tell you. Check out all the branches to see what they can offer you. If you are set on a specific job then be persistent, may need to wait for the perfect job to open but being happy in your job selection will make a difference if you like your time in or if you hate it.
That mess breakdown is more common in Reserve units. On large Regular Force bases, often the Junior Ranks Mess is Master Corporal and below; a Sergeants and Warrants Mess; and an Officer Mess. Reserve unit usually do not have the resources to support three separate messes. In fact, as someone who has been a member of multiple reserve officer messes, they are usually small and kind of sad. We find a way to keep them useful and fun though.
Very interesting perspective Matsimus thanks. The Officers mixed in with the Senior NCO's may be particular to your unit. My Res unit (N Sask R) had three separate clubs, Junior Ranks, Senior Ranks and Officer's Mess.
I left the CAF 20 years ago but at that time you had 3 different messes, one for junior ranks (Master Corporal and down) NCO's mess (Sgt to Master Warrent officer) and Officers Mess. I still have friends still serving and none of them have ever mentioned the NCO's and Officers mess are combined
Great video! I have a few friends who went the other way, from our reserves to UK regs, and then back. Some of the differences you mentioned are really reg force vs reserve; and some are because after unification happened in the '60s we lost Lance Corporal as a separate rank. Pte (B) as no hooks do I think 2 full years after their course in the regs before they get the chevron, its just they aren't given the title lance corporal. Reserves is very different on that. My own unit is in a weird position because we are directly tied to a UK unit that was amalgamated there (Black Watch) so funnily enough we maintain more of their traditions than they can. On the rations, there is a guy who reviews rations on UA-cam, I will check out what he has to say about UK rations. Thanks again, new subscriber.
For the mess, like some comments below; it depends mostly on the infrastructure available. Valcartier for example have the officer, the senior NCM and the junior messes, Saint-Jean's got a combined officer and senior NCM mess & a junior mess; however, certain bases infra just can't have it and alot of reserve unit have a combined one within their armoury. It may be in part due to change in mentality but it is mostly due to infra budgets constraints and trying to get the most for our buck in the buildings we own. The infrastructure maintenance and operations budgets are real tight so optimization is often sought.
Most Canadian Army units have three messes, like the Brits, but Reserve units often do their own thing. Thanks for the rear window tour of Lethbridge. I haven't been there for a while.
There are Officer's Messes, Warrant and Sergeants Messes and Junior Ranks Messes on Canadian Forces Bases. Some reserve units may not have space in their armouries.
Messing. In SOME establishments you have senior and junior ranks messes. On MOST bases you have Junior Ranks, Senior NCOs (Sgts, Warrants) then Officers messes. You were likely at a training establishment as opposed to a residential base.
Also, as a former CDN service member (reserves, Essex and Kent Scottish,) the reason the BMQ (Formerly the BMT for Basic Military Training, and formerly the GMT for General Military Training,) is shared between services is a holdover from the Canadian Armed Forces system, where all elements were led by a unified command. The idea, when Army, Air Force, and Navy were joined as the Canadian Armed Forces, was that coordination between elements would be significantly improved (fewer friendly fire incidents, basically.) Also, without three separate branches each arguing for the admittedly thin funding Canada provides its armed forces, a unified command structure would be able to better represent necessary spending, without elemental bias. I leave it to history to decide how effective that is.
I'm surprised you guys didn't do cold weather training since Germany is fairly close. I remember when I was stationed in Mannheim we trained for 3 weeks in 3 feet of snow at Grafenwohr right before we left for Iraq.
116 Bty the mess is all ranks. Made us a very close knit unit, we learned how to voice out differences in a respectful way while having a drink in your hand :)
Former American Grunt. How were you able to join the CF? They told me you had to be a citizen(however through research saw they accepted perm. Residents at once point).
Just to touch on the Messes, most bases, and every single base or armoury I've been to, has had a Jr Ranks (Private to Master Corporal), Senior Ranks (Sgt and Warrant Officer ranks), and Officer's Mess (OCdt to Generals). Sounds like the Mess thing you mentioned, may just be your location.
That "you know" at 11:00 was so Canadian. Interesting video, hoping to become the third generation in my family to serve in the REME as a recy mec soon!
There are many similarities such as the way we march, Infantry units, Regiments, Battalions, Armoured units, troops, squadrons. When I served I thinks Brigades were also similar in their units and numbers. In WW1 and WW2 they were pretty much structured the same.
Regarding the Messes I think it just depends on the size of the Canadian base you are at, CFB Suffield has a Junior Ranks, WO& Sergeants Mess and an Officers Mess.
The main difference is Leopard 2 vs Challenger 2 with boiling vessel. The boiling vessel is so important that they had to wrap the tank in advanced Chobham armour to keep it safe.
The two messes is unique to your reserve unit. I know a few that are like that, but in my 27 year career in the CAF (JrNCO, SrNCO, and Officer, both reserve and reg force), most units/bases have three messes.
Is there anything I missed? Want to know anything else about joining/leaving/changing into the British or Canadian Army? Let me know below! HAVE A GREAT DAY!
The reserve part. Are you just a weekend warrior? Whats your other job
is there any standard route from transferring from british to canadian
"Canada was a commonwealth country " Still is. Have they returned to 3 seperate services again?
What are the differences with equipment, like artillery and other heavy equipment in cold weather? Like did you every have to repair tanks and armored fighting vehicles in the freezing cold? Will artillery peices freeze like in wars of yesteryear?
Dan Martin sounds of stalking
One trains in snow, the other trains in the rain... both deploy to the sandpit.
Cold & wet weather weed out the weaks. After than, deploying in the sand or in a tropical forest is a walk in the park.
Numeric Bin fitness, culture, training, and kit... that's my take on why they (and so many other forces) are effective. The Country a fighter is from, or its weather makes little difference if those things are in place. No jungle in the UK, but the British are very effective because they train in.it well. But that's also true of many forces.
Numeric Bin also, Winter warfare training was common prior to the breakup of the Soviet Union, but since the British pulled out of Germany they've been fighting in the deserts.... which incidentally are often very cold. My father fought in 91 and the desert was like concrete and the temperature way below freezing for most of the time they operated in the Saudi desert.
@@chriskim328 the more I learn the more I realise how little I know. But I do know this much... I'd put my trust in the Brits and the Canadians to put up a great fight, doesn't matter if it's in a pub, the snow, the sand or the green stuff.
I think you underestimate how much rain we get on the west coast
The Canadian army has Matsimus in it and
The British army used to have Matsimus In it.
XD
Plus on one side = minus on the other side. Both sides get what they want!
you mean Matsimus....
The Canadians don't use the AR15, they use a cheap knockoff of the M16 called either the C6 or the C7.
John Tucker there is nothing cheap or knockoff about the diemaco c7/c8. It’s every bit as good as a colt or FNH and better in many ways.
We trained with both armies in Germany in the 1980s (PPCLI and 2RGJ). I found the Canadians to be a mixture of the best qualities of the BA & US Army.
@Britannic hayyomatt I'm not an expert but I can speak from my family's experience on a personal level. In WW1 times Canada was a brutal country to live in outside of cities. My Grandfather delivered supplies 300km by dogsled when he was 12 years old. He was taught how to shoot as a child and literally had his life depend on his shooting ability before he was an adult. Our winters are far beyond anything you get in western Europe and he was taught how to survive by himself with hunting and tracking. It seams logical to me that people who grew up depending on a rifle and avoiding freezing to death would be effective soldiers, particularly when fighting against men who grew up in a city and were given a month of training with a rifle. I'm not saying Canadians were innately better but I would say a lot of Canadians were well prepared for combat back then.
@Des Prenty thats what you think? You need a brain surgery immediately because your obviously such a idenial cow. Winston Churchill once said, If I had the Canadian Man Power and the American fire power they would rule the world.
@@five-eyes666 name the inbred towns then. Because in a previous comment you complained about inbred towns having Trudeau types... And in any place where there's be sister fucking going on, I can tell you they wouldn't be anything like Justin "People kind" Trudeau.
They'd be more like you.
@@five-eyes666 Please name all of the inbreed towns that you have been to, please do, by name and province. I'm not saying they don't exist, but I want to know, at least one that you have been to.
Also in both world wars, Canada has proved their metal time and time again, from the capture of Vimy Ridge to the Liberation of the Netherlands form the Axis powers(they send millions of flowers every year, it is honestly quite lovely), holding the line during gas attacks during WW1, sometimes without proper protective equipment(gas masks) but with a pissed soaked rag over their mouths, to the testing of the defence of the targeted beaches of D-Day so the allies knew what to expect, to the Capturing of Juno beach(the further completion of all of their objectives, and then the capture of a port because they got bored), you are indeed right that there was more to both wars that Vimy Ridge(one of the most important conflicts on the western front in WW1, that was not captured in 3 years, but the Canadians did it in 3 days), your right. Canadians also participated in the Battle of Britain in WW2, acted as shock troopers, and as Commando units.
So please do the fucking research before you make any false claims, Wanker, as I can go on, and on about the military achievements of Canada, and I hate to break it to you, the people of the inbreed town that you been to, sound like you more than Trudeau. So mate, Please shut up before you make yourself a bigger embarrassment to your family than you already are, and I have not met your family, but I am willing to bet they are embarrassed.
@@tommclean6157 the truth
Your reflection on time and resource constraints bringing a more professional and problem solving attitude was very interesting from a Swedish perspective.
It brought the Swedish reputation for professionalism in international peace keeping/ peace forcing operations into a new context.
The new context beeing that the Swedish armed forces are built around a system of cadre officers who in peace time are serving a level below their rank and station than when mobilised along with compulsory conscript selection and compulsory training if selected for everyone at 18 since 2017 (it used to be compulsory for boys until 2006 and optional for girls between 1990 and 2006).
The conscript training lasts 7.5months for privates, 10months for squad leaders and specialists, 12 and 15 months for platoon and company NCOs respectively.
Navy does things differently in service length.
Also, the equipment used used to be rotated mobilisation stores, which meant limited availiability and anything that broke should be repaired in the field if possible or handed on to repair techs when back at base.
And considdering that those 18yo conscripts, less than two weeks out of high school who's drivers licences are so fresh the ink is barely dry on the temporary slip issued while the actual licence is made (driving age is 18 in Sweden), should be fully trained for every role assigned within those time frames, from grunts to sonar operator, attack divers, combat medics, tank commanders and strike aircraft controllers...
Under those conditions, there's little to no time for faffing about with anything that isn't absolutely essential to the service at hand.
Love your videos Matt, keep it up! Also sorry to see you getting tired, do what you feel is best for you mate. Cheers!
The British Army drives on the left hand side and the Canadians drive on the right.
Sorry, I couldn’t pass that one up.
The British Army drives on the *correct side and the Canadians drive on the right.
The British Infantry drives, the Canadian infantry walks
@@atfjacknz yeah, because 2/3 of the world's drivers can't be correct 🥸
@@anthonykaiser974 Yep.
*with snowshoes
Rain or snow when marching
I'd take snow any day
If it isn't doing either? Then you won't receive your qualification.."if it ain't rainin'..you ain't trainin'" Grin
Snow.
Thanks for the interesting comparison. I have met a few service members in Canada throughout my life, though I did not have a chance to get to know them. It was times when we were working together but in different parts of the show. I was in production and they were the show. I do try to follow their work around the world because I am proud of what they do for us and others wherever they go.
Thanks Matt. That was a really interesting run down on the differences and similarities between Canadian Army and British Army. Your special insight having served in both services is truly unique so I thank you again for sharing it with us!
Canada *is* a Commonwealth country, not was
He's right. We're being Trumped, didn't you know?
@@mart4144 It is the case. Quebec becomes independent, the rest of the country is turned over to Washungton DC.
@@mart4144 Sorry.
martinaydenov No one is stopping you from leaving. If you feel like the Scots, feel free to piss off.
Tobberz yes agreed.
Like you, I've served in two different countries....I started in Canada and went to the States....talk about going from a poor military to a kid in a candy store. The biggest complaint I had is, Americans don't know how to do landnav with out the cool guy gear. I literally screamed at a full bird Colonel because he wanted to call off the exercise because the batteries on his gps died. I whipped out my compass and took the map and planned the route out and got us all back before we would have even had Helos come get us. I got an award and bitched at for that incident. LOL
How did you transition to the US?
Why’d you switch?
@@noahjones8616 id say he’s part of the Robinson Superior treaty and as such has dual citizenship, like me? lol
I’m guessing but is possible.
That's a problem with all the high tech bells and whistles. In a real operational scenario they do give an advantage until they inevitably fail and you should not depend on it. When it fails you need to have competence in the fundamentals like using a paper map and compass or you are screwed.
Luckily they're trying to quickly change that, they're trying to make sure we interstate that although the tech is very useful, it can always fail and they're putting heavy emphasis on training without it just in case
Good explanations Mat. I did two exercises above the Artic Circle, one with the Canadians and one with the Norwegians; and you are correct in that the Brits are not trained for Artic warfare or even survival. I was lucky in that I managed to “acquire” some Norwegian CWW kit and survived, but it was touch and go. It’s only the RM Commandos who get the correct training, the Brit squady has to make do.
I met some of those Royal Marine Commandos on exercise in Norway and I had to shake my head at the equipment they had. They were using ordinary leather gloves while we had arctic mitts -- huge gauntlets with separate liners as thick as oven mitts. They wore relatively thin winter jackets with equally thin liners while we had our wonderful parkas. So here we were, halfway up the side of a Norwegian mountain with our Canadian OP on one side and a British OP 5 meters away on the other. We were nice and toasty, while the poor freezing Brits had to take out their shovels and start building a snow wall to block the wind.
Thinking about it now, we should have had a snowball fight!
In BAOR in 80s,all we had was,bloody KF shirt,wool pulley,quilted body warmer and combat jacket,and German winters get bloody cold.No wonder we used Bundeswehr boots,parka liners.Sorry to swear but can't say KF shirt without adding bloody.
Funny I did 6 winters in Norway Jan to end of March AWT Ski trained totally lived in the snow with bergans only 5 days a week. no heaters fek all basically except what you carried. RM 24 years.
I'm pretty sure one of the biggest differences is a British NCO is not likely to tear you a new one in French, which can and does happen in the Canadian Army lol
Canadian and British forces are very committed to adapting to environments! I’m Royal Canadian Navy so I don’t get to experience a lot of the combat environment training but from what my friends from BMQ tell me, it’s an awesome experience
Some bases do have Sgt Messes but most reserve units have combined them mostly do to space. We value fixing our own gear as we often have to do to budgets. Matt Tecks are very useful for everything from fixing tents to fixing seat covers for our MLVW. OK Dating myself. Retired Supply Teck. 911
Divorced?
Did my basic in Cornwallis NS in '85. There went on to TQ3 in Kingston as a MOC222 (No longer in use. TE Tech). 2 years later back to CFB Kingston for TQ5. Had a great 6 years. Posted to 706 comm sqn for 3 and CFB Calgary HQ for the final 3. The last year was probably my favorite as being a need in the 80s got recognized and they sent my over to the new network operations for the base as the 2 i/c.
You brought back memories with the mukluks, course you have to add in the snowshoes. The deuces would just drop us off and we had to make our way in sledding/backpacking in our kit.
Summer Ex was great we canoed the Nottawasaga through rapids, portages and still lakes. Kit strapped to the middle of the canoe.
Ahhhh those were the days....
Great video. Love hearing your perspective as a former British soldier now serving in the CF. Just thought I would add a historical perspective to the messes / movement to combined messes. I served from 1990-2016. In the early 90s to cut costs, the Canadian government started to massively reduce the public service and size of its military. The military was significantly reduced in manpower. This was called FRP or force reduction plan. With the heavy reduction in personnel, many bases, units, etc... no longer has enough members to support / carry on with all these separate messes. The messes impacted the most was the Sergeant’s and Warrant’s mess / Chief’s and PO’s. So a great number of them were amalgamated with the officer’s mess to hold both the commission and non commissioned officers (nco) I was sad to see this happen but it was necessary... and that is why we have very few sgt / wo messes left in the cf today.
on the messes. in edmonton and at other bases ive been to, they have the jr ranks mess, pvt-mcpl then the sgt & WO mess and then the officers mess.
Yep, reg forces have distinct officers' messes. Reserves units have less real estate.
Its the same way here in southern Ontario
In the navy, junior ranks, C&P.O.'s , Officer's mess. Did my basic at Cornwallis, which tells you how old I am.
@@kleinjahr been around since Christ was a Corporal...
@@qboxer Centurion was a rank and not a tank 😂
As for the Messes. It depends upon your Unit. My Unit has Officers, SNR NCO's and Junior Ranks Messes
We all know the Junior Ranks mess is the most fun around.
Totally no bias here.
@Doug Doug What? Of course we have NCO's. We don't say enlisted, it's NCM's.
@Doug Doug I don't need to ask I'm in the CAF.
@Doug Doug I'm correcting your error. The discrepancy is not in regards to NCO/NCM but rather when comparing Enlisted to NCM. Different armies use different technologies. In either case, Non-Commissioned Officers have not been renamed or removed.
Terminologies*
One fights like the British usually do
The other goes from a stereotypical peaceful and nice to a blood thristy war machine
When the mask slips and our true nature shows.
Very true.. A special breed We our..
Damn right
We all embody a wee bit of Leo Major. It just takes something like liberating a town by yourself to bring it out. Ya know....or someone stealing my timbits.
@@wildtwindad Or taking and holding a hill with 18 men against 14 000 strong for 4 days.
All good content. I chuckled when you mentioned calories and volume of rations. When I was in the older guys alway used to carry a little can or two of beans, stew or spaghetti to make up the difference - especially on overnight patrols. It only took 1 - 2 exercises for the younger guys to catch on...
i really like these kinds of videos, a nice range of topics discussed and comparison of the two national forces. I appreciate in particular the discussion on waste and efficient use of materials, that's something no one talks about.
When I was a kid I think it was 1964 we were campaigning near the zugspitz (not sure on the spelling). In the campground was a group of British Army Mountain troops. It wasn't very many maybe a dozen or so they were supposed to climb the mountain. The day they were supposed to climb the mountain it was kind of ugly out, rainy foggy Misty kind of stuff. Being intensely interested in soldiers from my mother's Homeland I went over to their spot in the campground and asked if they could climb the mountain. I thought that would be pretty exciting to do that I had no idea how strenuous it might have been until I got older. And they told me that they had not climb the mountain because it was just too buddy ugly outside and wet so they took the cable car! Bravo!
Sounds like they were on adventure training - unlikely to have been "mountain troops"
One is addicted to Tea and one is addicted to Maple syrup
Doug Doug And if it’s maple flavoured beer, now we’re talking bud 🍻
Both are addicted to beer.
Actually the canadian army is addicted to double double and timbits...
I can't resist: One knows how to use a hockey stick as a lethal weapon...
We like tea too and put maple syrup on pancakes. We don't eat pancakes everyday. I like putting maple syrup on bacon and sausages.
In our current times, with extreme weather events looking to become much more common in the years ahead, I hope the U.K. makes arrangements to send their forces for winter training in Canada and get input on best practices as far as gear and equipment for such weather, etc. It's always a good idea to be prepared, just in case, and with Canada having the experience, it makes sense to take advantage of the opportunity.
First off Mat, i think your vids are very well thought out and informed.
I'm retired RCN, 28 years.I know Navy isn.''t your thing but you have always done a damn fine job!
As far as "Canadian Messes", there are three. In your unit, lack of funds, two.
I live just south of the city.. May be someday we can meet.
Take care brother!!!!
To sum it up,
One says oye,
One says aye,
@matsimus what is he talking aboot? ;)
No idea
The Scots and Irish also say 'aye'.
It's "Eh"
EH!
****EH
Aye is pronounced like the letter “I”. The Scottish say Aye.
The English say Oi.
Us Canadians say Eh. Pronounced like the letter “A”.
Glad to see you still pumping it out brother. Love the content and fantastic videos. REspect from ex-RE
Interesting video. Almost looked like you were driving in Lethbridge, Alberta. Only because at the 3:00 mark, on the left, there was the train bridge in the background.
The Canadian military has a long tradition of being expected to do more with less. When I was in I found other NATO nations tended to waste a lot of material and had a tendency to relied on excessive firepower. My Granduncle who fought in Italy used to explain to me how his unit often was required to fight SS panzer divisions with far fewer 17 pounders compared to British divisions. He taught me the importance of strong placement over quantity and efficient use of terrain. I am pleased that Matsimus is learning these traditions.
When I was a combat engineer in the CAF we were trained in ALL aspects of combat engineering. When we went on exercise with American Engineers they would have a specialist unit for every task. One unit I worked with did Bailey bridges and nothing else. We did every bridge there is including improvised timber bridges. Along with all the other aspects of engineering like knowing how to blow up anything that exists as well as mine field operations, road and runway construction, water purification, and too many other tasks to mention such as how to quarry stone. They were like a steak knife with one function and we were like a leatherman multi tool that does everything. They were good at their specific task but if anything else was required of them they didn't know what they were doing.
Thanks for all the great videos keep em coming !!
It’s funny you mentioned the seriousness and the differences that you see now...that’s a big change as to what we USED to be as Canadian soldiers...We USED to be very much like what you were used to as a British soldier...not so much anymore. Things have changed, and not completely for the better.
Regardless my friend, welcome to canada, as much as you’ve been here for years now, you’ve obviously adapted very well, it’s great to see!!!
In the Australian Army in the 80s early 90s it was very underfunded. We used to repair and fix a lot of kit webbing etc. Then funding increased Aucam uniforms Austeyr era etc, there tended to be more consumption, but that was due to lower weights of equipment and lighter weave of uniforms etc. However, there repair mentality continued
winter warfare is mainly a Royal Marines Commando role or 3 Commando Brigade. The screws when i joined back in 1999 in training used to talk about going on exercises in Norway back in the early 90's or late 80's These days i believe its only 3 Commando Brigade.
There is a triple divide for messes in the bigger bases like CFB Edmonton or CFB Petawawa.
When I was in the Reserves in 80’s we used the FN very heavy. The food was great and material were limited we had to beg for supplies.
Anything notable on the C1 rifle? Talked to some people who still remember C1s, they seem to like it and the punch it has.
@@HaloFTW55 My old FN C1A1 was a great rifle. I only had one problem with it: On one parachute drop I landed hard and the butt of my FN split in two along the wood grain, right where the compartment for the pull-through, rags, and oil bottle was (we never carried those things in the rifle, but the compartment remained). The only thing holding my rifle together was the butt plate. Fortunately a weapons tech replaced the butt or I would have had to pull a Red Green and fix it myself with duct tape. So later I bought a rubber shotgun butt pad and cut it to fit my FN. It worked! Not only did I never again have a problem with my rifle breaking, but I found I had better eye relief on the rear sight which made me a better shot.
@@HaloFTW55 I trained with the C1A1 with the reserves during the late 60s. I loved the rifle. It was the weapon of choice for Fidel Castro during his revolution too.
Good old times eh!
The FNC1 is a good rifle I watched a lot of shows on it. How the Canadian techs had to customize it to fit the large Arctic gloves etc.
The 7.62 was a good round. I did buy a Norico M14 NATO... but I am afraid the Liberals going to take it away now.
Artyom Liu Yes, the C1 has a punch, I think I can remember 600 was accurate but I do think you can farther. The thinking about it was real wood stock. Not like rifles they used now. But i think every weapons has it cons and pros. 👍🏻
I'm glad I read the comments before posting, because everyone pointed out that we do have 3 separate messes normally. My unit has 3, but where I work at 2 Div, there are effectively 2; whether that's cost savings or numbers I don't know.
I did get to experience having two at my unit though for about a year, the JRs were getting there's renovated, so they moved into the Sgts, and we moved into the officers. We are back now, and thank god. As you mentioned, the point is allow the different groups a chance to relax without bosses looking over their shoulders. But there is also a big difference in the mentality of the groups. There is more in common between the officers and JRs. Most of the officers are new and young. Senior NCOs are by definition older and not just in grumpy sort of way...lives, families, civilian jobs, just in a different stage. I'd love to stay and party after traiing to 2 AM, but I regret it at 7AM lol. I'm happy to be with my own lot and have a couple of beers and make it home by midnight now.
Since my parents are Scottish and we did some exchanges in Afghanistan, I got tasked out with a Brit unit as some guy had a hard time understanding there accent. They treated me great, I loved the meal hall in Bagram and Kandahar as it reminded me of my mom's good greasy cooking :) not to mention easy access to Irn Bru
Most reserve units have messes divided between the three (Jr Ranks, WO's & Sgts & Officers). In some locations where there are not enough officers or personnel to support separate messes, they have been known to combine. Oddly enough, in the Prairies, most Reserve Artillery units are located in communities where they are the only reserve unit present, including 20th Field Battery in Lethbridge, 116th Field Battery in Kenora ON, 26th Regiment Field Batteries in Brandon and Portage La Prairie MB and a 10th Regiment Field Battery in Yorkton SK.
I love your channel!!!!
is there any standard route from transferring from british to canadian
across the atlantic is the standard route..just kidding ;)
Immigrate
You can just join. Since they're both commonwealth countries, you can likely join with ease.
The current trend as a cost saving measure is to combine the Sgt's/WO's Mess with the Officers. However, we don't generally occupy it at the same time unless it is for a specific function. Having said that, generally there are three messes: Junior Ranks Mess, Sgt/Warrant Officers' Mess and Officers Mess.
Hi All, I made the switch the other way: now a Brit reservist, was a Canadian regular. I think most of the differences are cultural, and pretty recent (last 30 years say). Rank structure, role of the ranks (i.e. the position of a CSM, and their behaviours, etc), and "ethos" is *very* similar. But as Canadian society evolves the values of the Canadian army differ bits more from the British. Call the two armies 80% similar. They are more able to work with each other than either with the US.
I went to harrogate in 2002 its only 32 weeks instead of the old 52 now love the videos keep it up
keep it up matt, great vid.
I loved this type of video mate, it could be tough, but i would love it if you could cover other militaries? Just a suggestion if you do get some time.
Hopefully this year your channel will grow ever so more. Best of luck mate!
Enjoyed the video, thanks Matt!
The British Army used to train for arctic warfare. Back in the day there used to be a thing called the AMF (L) that used to train
regularly in Norway. It was a bit limited though because if I remember correctly it was only battle group in size with a few supporting elements. A MED MAN at BATUS could also get a bit chilly towards the end of the season.
The Army also deployed to Bosnia from the early 90's and during the winter months the temperature could go as low as -40 with the wind chill factor. The Canucks I worked with at I think Dravar were better kitted up for the winter than we were though.
After years playing in sand pits it looks like the Army is re-learning old lessons now through it's deployments in Poland and the Baltics.
If British Army wants to prepare for winter in Russia, it will be better to train in Sweden or Norway, winter in Poland and the Baltics much warmer.
used to see Brits in eastern Canada training as well , in the winter, but their kit always had to be supplemented unfortunately.
Matsimus I am trying to work out how you have a blank about Arctic Warfare Training? My platoon had to do the Arctic Warfare course in Norway etc. This is done in similar weather to the Canadian winter. We don't have the heavy gear that you speak of because it is impractical to wear and carry if you are doing long patrols on skis like we had to do. Massive jackets are of no practical use for patrol and fighting in an environment like the Arctic..It was all about layers not heavy jackets. I take it that as REME you did not spend months at a time in Sennybridge. Most infantry who have done the Arctic Warfare Cse will tell you minus 1 in Wales is colder than minus 20 in Norway. It is all about the humidity. The snow also gives you great shelter. We lived in snow holes, snow caves etc or dug in our 2 man arctic warfare tents. We also had to ski great distances with weapons, ammo, radios, batteries, food and clothing where layers are more important than big jackets. We had proper gloves designed for skiing and firing with. We were fighting in the same environment as a Canadian winter. It is mostly the Royal Marines and one Army Bn who do the Arctic warfare cse(Spearhead BN). I was in during the 80s and 90s. I can provide photos etc of that Arctic Warfare trg. (Edit)Just did some research and it appears hardly anyone has been doing Arctic warfare because of the commitments to the sandy parts of the world, While i was cold in Norway i was not covered in mud or standing in fecking water . My platoon never had hypothermia in Norway but the odd one got it in Wales. Did you know that it can be minus 40 outside but once you get into a snow cave the temperature will rise to about minus one. Also you can eat the supplied British Army candles for a laugh.
Having served active duty and then reservist in the U.S. Army, I can say there are numerous differences regarding camaraderie and attitude as well.
@Hugh Jarsol "All the gear, no idea" rhymes when you say it with an English accent.
Pray do tell Yellow Devil.
What was your experience?
@@deplorabled1695 Generally speaking, I would say the camaraderie is the starkest. Active duty, it wasn't uncommon for us to hang out after hours, or over the weekends and develop close ties. When I was in the Reserves, it was very rare. Most had full time or part time civilian jobs to worry about and families to take care of. It was like "ok cool see ya next month or next training cycle, we'll talk business over the phone if anything needs to be done before then."
Also, as an NCO, it wasn't uncommon for me to work on military related training on my personal time because there was never enough computers and time to get stuff done during Reserve drills. Things like counselings, physical fitness training, reaching out to Soldiers, etc. I remember having to physically drive to a Soldier's home to deliver messages or find out the status of a Soldier because they weren't responding to phone calls. If you are active duty however, much of this is mitigated because you live on or near base and are Soldiers 24/7. The flip side is that it takes more time and effort for the unit to call us into duty if we are in the Reserves, but I had plenty of leaves and passes cancelled or recalled while Active duty.
@@stochinblockin Gotchya. I totally agree. I misunderstood your comment to mean something about camaraderie in US vs UK Forces, which I wouldn't know about other than to say I think there's a lot of it in both institutions.
US Forces don,t do Naked Bar.Dambusters..Soggy buiscuit..or the Dance of the flaming arseholes.
i agree with you nothing is perfect nothing is bad! good video
Matsimus pulling up with the vettiest vet drip haha! Cheers!
BZ to you man. Glad to have you aboard..... A cpl in 8 wing.
Good talk ! Well thought out !
Great informative video!
My son is in the Canadian Army, and yes, they have sent Brits and Americans up to do winter survival training, starting maybe 6 or so years ago?. Two weeks out in the field. Nice thing is, they paired small troops of five each experienced Can. soldiers with 5 Brits and 5 Americans to act as mentors, (if I understand how he explained it to me) and make sure they got through it without frostbite and various injuries that can happen in the cold wilderness. My son had to go through it a couple of times before he served as a "mentor". They especially wanted the American Seals and various other special forces personnel to go through it, and Canadian soldiers are, of course, the most experienced in wilderness tactical and survival.
Thanks for the like, and thanks for your service, you are a good person
The mess stuff is because you are in the PRes / at a small base. We always try to have Jr Ranks, SNCO/WOs, and Officers mess... sometimes we just don't have enough people to maintain three or even two messes. Go to any of the main bases and there's a Jr Ranks, SNCO/WOs, and Officers mess.
"Gotta remember that Canada was a Commonwealth country"
Wait, are we not commonwealth anymore?
You still are, I presume he's more talking about the era when the commonwealth was more of an empire lite with the Dominions.
But yes, Canada is still part of the British Commonwealth.
It isn't the British Commonwealth anymore. It is just the Commonwealth.
@@AmirTaheri1986 close actually, it's The Commonwealth of Nations.
The wealth is gone, now they're just common.
In Canada, you can use your own firearm (that is even close to similar to the service rifle or pistol) to practice with on your own time.
DIdn't they make AR-15s illegal about a year ago?
Thought I'd view and like the video to keep your morale up!
Good Day Matsimus, your comment of the Mess divisions in the Canadian Forces.
Reserve Regiments:
It all depends on the each unit numbers and space in their respective Armouries.
If there are not enough Officers and SNCO's in a reserve regiment, they sometimes combine their messes while the keeping the Junior NCO's in their own respective mess.
In certain cases, if space does not permit. All the members will share a combined mess, but have their own sectioned off areas of the mess.
Regular Force:
In terms of regular force regiments, each regiment has a cantine, but the base has respective Mess's for Junior NCO's, SNCO's and Officers for all units to share.
In the CAF we do have the 3 separate messes, especially in the RegF. In the Reserves, since some of the units are small due to their remoteness or lack of population density to support multiple units in the same area, they sometimes combine the Officer's Mess with the WO's & Sgt's Mess. What happens is that there's not enough mess membership for each rank group to efficiently have their own mess and hence why they do combined messes.
Excellent vid.
Thank you Mat, for your service and your insights. As a Canucklehead, my experience with people from Britain is they are far more sarcastic and aggressive than Canadians. Canadian politeness reduces conflict, because if someone were to go full sarcastic on me, I'd be obligated to escalate it to a fight. The low-key seriousness you found with the reservists is very Canadian: game face. Just remember what Weird Al Yankovich said about Canadians: they'll punch you in the face, and then apologize. What kind of freaks do that? It also sounds like you are getting a version of US Marine training: deliberate shortages of everything to make you cranky. You should consider putting some poutine in a bag to take with you, if the rations aren't enough. Cold weather forces people to eat more, as more calories are burned just staying warm. The mess thing does not surprise me. Canada does not have a heavily stratified society, like Britain. We don't have hundreds of accents. Your colonel would have grown up in the same neighbourhood as some of the corporals, for example. As my Chinese ex once told me: Canada has no culture. That can be a good thing, we are not weighed down with a lot of unnecessary social baggage and goofy elaborate customs.
Nice reply Paul. Of course Canada has a culture.... one so superior that it attracts Chinese by the thousands. I lived in China for ten years. Most nationalistic, racist and weird place I have ever lived. Convinced absolutely of their racial superiority. I used to make fun of them by asking questions about the burning of the Winter Palace, and how had the British managed to turn a rocky little outcrop with a fishing village into the most successful city in China.
@@deplorabled1695 I think that the on culture more or less is we have reasons that boil down to more than "it has just always been that way" thus we do it. We have a reason for doing things that we can explain, and anything we don't have a reason to follow we don't impose.
Most of our holidays come from religion, Empire, and war, but for people who don't celebrate them they are off days. We don't impose our celebrations or outcast someone for not taking part.
Any tips on the us army, or tips in general, I was thinking about joining when I'm 19 (I'm 14)
Check out some of my other videos :-) you will find some things to help!
I was thinking sapper, and thanks
I did four years active duty in the US Army, and have done another eight in the National Guard. I we never a Combat Engineer, but when I was active duty I was an Infantryman, and the culture is fairly uniform in combat arms. The best advice I can give you is to PT. The US Army catches a lot for flak both at home and abroad about not being very fit, but I can tell you from experience that that's only the case in the non combat arms side of the Army. You will be expected to be physically fit upon arrival to your first unit. Basic Training will help you with this, but the more fit you are before get there the more fit you will be when you finish.
@@devilbub8709 22 Years in the US Army Retired. Tips, stay out of trouble no law violations, certain offenses can disqualify or make it more difficult to get in or have a certain job if needing a clearance, get your HS Diploma, early college credits can help get early promotions, stay healthy, go outside and get in shape if you aren't, being fit will help when you get to basic training. Do your research and verify what the recruiters tell you. Check out all the branches to see what they can offer you. If you are set on a specific job then be persistent, may need to wait for the perfect job to open but being happy in your job selection will make a difference if you like your time in or if you hate it.
@@andrewhackney6286 I mean I'm strong but also a little over weight so thanks
A friend of mine joined the Paras in 1993, he did a couple of tours in Norway.
That mess breakdown is more common in Reserve units. On large Regular Force bases, often the Junior Ranks Mess is Master Corporal and below; a Sergeants and Warrants Mess; and an Officer Mess. Reserve unit usually do not have the resources to support three separate messes. In fact, as someone who has been a member of multiple reserve officer messes, they are usually small and kind of sad. We find a way to keep them useful and fun though.
Very interesting perspective Matsimus thanks. The Officers mixed in with the Senior NCO's may be particular to your unit. My Res unit (N Sask R) had three separate clubs, Junior Ranks, Senior Ranks and Officer's Mess.
I left the CAF 20 years ago but at that time you had 3 different messes, one for junior ranks (Master Corporal and down) NCO's mess (Sgt to Master Warrent officer) and Officers Mess. I still have friends still serving and none of them have ever mentioned the NCO's and Officers mess are combined
Thank you for your service🇨🇦. I'm hoping to join 1CER once I'm done school.
My dad was in the special forces artillery branch in reserve for a while it's interesting listening to his story's
Great video! I have a few friends who went the other way, from our reserves to UK regs, and then back. Some of the differences you mentioned are really reg force vs reserve; and some are because after unification happened in the '60s we lost Lance Corporal as a separate rank. Pte (B) as no hooks do I think 2 full years after their course in the regs before they get the chevron, its just they aren't given the title lance corporal. Reserves is very different on that.
My own unit is in a weird position because we are directly tied to a UK unit that was amalgamated there (Black Watch) so funnily enough we maintain more of their traditions than they can. On the rations, there is a guy who reviews rations on UA-cam, I will check out what he has to say about UK rations. Thanks again, new subscriber.
Hey Matsimus would love to talk to you whether by email or some way I want to learn from you
discord link in description box and Facebook :-)
Canada is still a Commonwealth country, not was.
Mark Reynolds no it left
Amer Galaxy yes it is you mong
@@amergalaxy6590 we are part of the Commonwealh of Nations.
@@amergalaxy6590 You should search Google for "Queen of Canada."
@DrScopeify no youre wrong, the Queen is our Queen and head of state. She still has power over our government.
That one is cool and one is cool
Very good Matt..
For the mess, like some comments below; it depends mostly on the infrastructure available. Valcartier for example have the officer, the senior NCM and the junior messes, Saint-Jean's got a combined officer and senior NCM mess & a junior mess; however, certain bases infra just can't have it and alot of reserve unit have a combined one within their armoury. It may be in part due to change in mentality but it is mostly due to infra budgets constraints and trying to get the most for our buck in the buildings we own. The infrastructure maintenance and operations budgets are real tight so optimization is often sought.
Most Canadian Army units have three messes, like the Brits, but Reserve units often do their own thing. Thanks for the rear window tour of Lethbridge. I haven't been there for a while.
I didn't actually know that the Canadian armed forces all trained together no matter which branch, and I'm Canadian.
There are Officer's Messes, Warrant and Sergeants Messes and Junior Ranks Messes on Canadian Forces Bases. Some reserve units may not have space in their armouries.
Messing. In SOME establishments you have senior and junior ranks messes. On MOST bases you have Junior Ranks, Senior NCOs (Sgts, Warrants) then Officers messes. You were likely at a training establishment as opposed to a residential base.
Also, as a former CDN service member (reserves, Essex and Kent Scottish,) the reason the BMQ (Formerly the BMT for Basic Military Training, and formerly the GMT for General Military Training,) is shared between services is a holdover from the Canadian Armed Forces system, where all elements were led by a unified command. The idea, when Army, Air Force, and Navy were joined as the Canadian Armed Forces, was that coordination between elements would be significantly improved (fewer friendly fire incidents, basically.) Also, without three separate branches each arguing for the admittedly thin funding Canada provides its armed forces, a unified command structure would be able to better represent necessary spending, without elemental bias. I leave it to history to decide how effective that is.
as someone used to shooting a break action rifle I’m gonna have fun not reloading after every shot
I miss Lethbridge, I know a couple people that worked at 18th Field Artillery back when it was 18th Air Defence.
I'm surprised you guys didn't do cold weather training since Germany is fairly close. I remember when I was stationed in Mannheim we trained for 3 weeks in 3 feet of snow at Grafenwohr right before we left for Iraq.
116 Bty the mess is all ranks. Made us a very close knit unit, we learned how to voice out differences in a respectful way while having a drink in your hand :)
Former American Grunt. How were you able to join the CF? They told me you had to be a citizen(however through research saw they accepted perm. Residents at once point).
@@al4xqc good deal! Super jelly, but good on you guys.
Great to know the comparison. You have so much less snow that we have up here in Red Deer. Lucky.
Just to touch on the Messes, most bases, and every single base or armoury I've been to, has had a Jr Ranks (Private to Master Corporal), Senior Ranks (Sgt and Warrant Officer ranks), and Officer's Mess (OCdt to Generals).
Sounds like the Mess thing you mentioned, may just be your location.
This is one of my favourite driving with Mat videos, also the beard is lookin good
That "you know" at 11:00 was so Canadian. Interesting video, hoping to become the third generation in my family to serve in the REME as a recy mec soon!
There are many similarities such as the way we march, Infantry units, Regiments, Battalions, Armoured units, troops, squadrons. When I served I thinks Brigades were also similar in their units and numbers.
In WW1 and WW2 they were pretty much structured the same.
Holy shit, I'd recognize Scenic Drive anywhere! Nice to meet a fellow Albertan.
Regarding the Messes I think it just depends on the size of the Canadian base you are at, CFB Suffield has a Junior Ranks, WO& Sergeants Mess and an Officers Mess.
The main difference is Leopard 2 vs Challenger 2 with boiling vessel. The boiling vessel is so important that they had to wrap the tank in advanced Chobham armour to keep it safe.
Yeah BATUS seems to close for the winter, when the Strathconas would show up for some fun in Sufield in January 😉
The two messes is unique to your reserve unit. I know a few that are like that, but in my 27 year career in the CAF (JrNCO, SrNCO, and Officer, both reserve and reg force), most units/bases have three messes.
The Junior Ranks/Senior Ranks/Officers Mess (or Wardroom) division of messes is across the CF, Matt.