Based on what you were saying about the pharmacy this trade is likely what you're looking for, it's officer and it's in demand right now so that's good.

http://www.forces.ca/en/job/pharmacyofficer-48

Okay so I got a question and it's a bit odd well I think it is.

Is there any thing I should bring with me that's not on the list of items your supposed to bring for basic and is there anything I should absolutely not bring with me. Any thing that I might find very handy or useful that your experience has taught you when you went through it.

Ditto what Snissel said.

Basic is about breaking the civilian down and remaking you the "Army" (or insert other service) way. You must be open to change, open to doing everything the way you are told.

Also, you must bre prepared to be around people that you can't get away from. If you are lucky, you will like everyone you meet. However, if someone you don't like is in your company, platoon, room or above or below your bunk, tough nuts you are stuck with them and must find a way to deal. That fact can be a shock when you are used to ignoring someone you don't get along with and getting away from them whenever you wish.

As far as the drill instructors go, they will be hard on everyone for the first few days. As nerve jarring as that can be, do not take it personally. They will change over time as you learn and grow as a soldier. They will single out and target the malcontents, the loners or the smart-alecks. If you do your work, mind your business and don't cause problems, you will escape singled out punishment. One word of caution: you will be punished for other's mistakes. This was very hard for me to deal with. You will have to deal with what seems like mind numblingly ignorant punishment for no reason. Just deal with it. To deal with it, expect it and be mentally prepared. For example, sleep is precious. If some jerk gets caught sneaking out, they may pull the whole company out in the middle of the night and smoke you which is a quant term for making you do extreme PT as punishment. The loss of sleep can be very difficult, particularly when you are innocent of any wrong doing but it's a common practice to get the group to police themselves. This kind of group punishment can happen anywhere at anytime.

To answer the question about what to bring, just bring what your recruiter says. You will buy all necessary toiletries that you don't bring during your processing. Other than that, there is precious little that you are allowed to use that you can't buy at the PX when you are given the opportunity. For the most part, you won't have a need for anything else initially. What you should think about is getting your affairs at home taken care of. I arranged a power of attorney for my parents to take care of any financial or legal matters while I was gone. I could wire money home and they could get in and out of my bank account. I did this because of my reserve status. Folks that go full time open bank accounts local to the base they are in.

A note about banks: here in the States, Woodforest Bank can be found in Wal-Mart. I am not particularly fond of Wal-Mart and not all Wal-Marts have a Woodforest Bank, but it is an excellent bank for someone that travels as there is a very good chance that wherever you go in the States, you will find a bank nearby without changing banks. There are other banks that have nationwide branches, such as Bank of America but I encourage you to check around. These kind of issues are more important than what you pack in your bag. For the most part, if you don't think you need it, don't pack it!

@Maligner Woodforest doesn't exist in Canada.

@Maligner Woodforest doesn't exist in Canada.

But Wal-Mart does? If so, they probably have an agreement with a bank too.

To answer the question about what to bring, just bring what your recruiter says. You will buy all necessary toiletries that you don't bring during your processing. Other than that, there is precious little that you are allowed to use that you can't buy at the PX when you are given the opportunity. For the most part, you won't have a need for anything else initially. What you should think about is getting your affairs at home taken care of. I arranged a power of attorney for my parents to take care of any financial or legal matters while I was gone. I could wire money home and they could get in and out of my bank account. I did this because of my reserve status. Folks that go full time open bank accounts local to the base they are in.

A note about banks: here in the States, Woodforest Bank can be found in Wal-Mart. I am not particularly fond of Wal-Mart and not all Wal-Marts have a Woodforest Bank, but it is an excellent bank for someone that travels as there is a very good chance that wherever you go in the States, you will find a bank nearby without changing banks. There are other banks that have nationwide branches, such as Bank of America but I encourage you to check around. These kind of issues are more important than what you pack in your bag. For the most part, if you don't think you need it, don't pack it!

All good advice right now my banking is done through TD which has branches pretty much every were in Canada as far as I know, but you reminded me I should get the power of attorney set up with a family member to deal with the few monthly bills I pay.

OH and if you do decide to join the military, for the love of god don't get a provincial phone plan. I had to eat $400 in cancellation fees when I left Sasktel.

On the matter of the phone should I cancel my current plan should I invest in a cell phone I really am rather clueless when it comes to this matter and I figure it may be important given this will be the first time I will be away from a lengthy period of time. Well since cell phones became so common that is.

I am aiming at about two months to get every thing ready gathering up all the paperwork they're asking for and getting in better shape as well not that I'm in bad shape but I know I need to be in much better shape. And I will look into cell phone plans and phones, and I hear you when you say you may be told one thing but have another happen.

And fortunately no I have no dependents I am single no girlfriend I am leaving alone  I live with my brother we share a house mostly it's me doing all the grunt work around the house keeping it neat and tidy since I am jobless at this time. So getting out of that is no issue I expect he'll throw a party when I'm gone all thou he better no ask me to come back when on leave and mow his lawn for him.

And don't worry I take every thing with a grain a salt, but still your being a huge help and I can't thank you enough for it all.