Beards worn in uniform, the new normal?

[Grant Bowker]

Originally Posted by Peter Phillips

I'm almost sorry I asked a question I was hoping would be answered differently.

When faced with a situation like this where you can either cry or try to laugh, why not laugh as much as possible....
It does seem to go against the meaning of the word "uniform", as in uniformity, all similar.

[maple_leaf_eh]

You are indeed looking at the beard issue from an old perspective. The CF is about 3-4,000 pers short, despite pledges to increase the effective strength. Recruiting numbers are sort-of keeping up but not nearly enough to fill the gaps. In theory, annoying a guy who wants to grow a beard by ordering him to be clean shaven, could be another reason why he quits after his first contract.

The CDS recently admitted the Forces is looking at recruits the wrong way. We have an ideal based on physical attributes. It took me a moment to reflect that yes, observers (spectators) want to see three-ranks, tall on the ends, short in the middle, of uniformed personnel all looking alike. Well, things have to be done differently if the CF is going to get larger.

[Peter Phillips]

All good points gentlemen and I best get with the times!

With the demise of pensions and recession proof jobs, I find it hard to believe recruiting could be that short; especially when you know of people who are still waiting for their call. And I think the pay and benefits are getting more in line with civi street too. Without sounding disrespectful, when I was in it seemed that the East Coast provinces and Quebec could man the military from their own populations alone due to local economic shortfalls. Maybe I'll join the reserves to get an idea of what is happening these days. Besides, I'd love to do some shopping on the vehicles in the bombing range!

[chris vickery]

I often wonder where the CF is when it comes to recruiting numbers.
My nephew has jumped through hoops to join, yet has been given the run around for one reason or the other. at the end of the day he'd be happy to be an infantryman yet it seems that a grade 12 diploma is not enough. apparently his aptitude test wasn't suitable yet he's a pretty smart kid. not sure what give but if this is typical of CF guidelines it's no wonder why kids walk. BTW, even with the economic downturn he managed to move from Ontario to Alberta and find decent employment in no time making good money.
When I tried to join in the late 80s, I failed the BMI by a couple pounds, finally made it then got rejected on eyesight. I too walked away yet always yearned to be all that I could be and would have probably been a lifer at that...

[rob love]

The forces learned years ago that they were losing good, qualified recruits due to their own mismanagement of files and slow decision making. A recruit is not going to wait a year and a half for the call...he will find something else in the meantime.



It's actually good preparation for when/if they do finally get in. Lost files, missing pay cheques, last minute changes, on the bus/off the bus, slow decision making, and these days, the inane attempts at political correctness.



There is no life like it. I did 25 years, and would do it again if I could, but you have to take a lot of days with a grain of salt.