Joining Instructions for Officer Cadets and Naval Cadets

Introduction

1. This document provides instructions and advices to prepare for the Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP) that you will begin at Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMC Saint-Jean).

2. As a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member, you will first report to the Canadian Forces Leadership & Recruit School (CFLRS) for five weeks of basic training before starting the ROTP at RMC Saint-Jean.

3. You can expect to do basic training from 3 July 2023 to 4 August 2023. Following basic training, you will be transported to RMC Saint-Jean. If you are arriving by personal vehicle, there will be parking available at CFLRS. Parking at RMC Saint-Jean will be assigned after your arrival at the College.

4. Military values and expected behaviour: During your training, you will have to adhere to the core military values of duty, loyalty, integrity and courage. You will need to demonstrate these values at all times. In addition, you will have to adhere to the core values of RMC Saint-Jean: truth, duty and valour.

Harassment and sexist, racist or discriminatory behaviour are contrary to CAF values and will not be tolerated. Offenders will be subject to disciplinary and/or administrative action, up to and including release from the CAF.

5. Food and accommodation: During your stay at RMC Saint-Jean, we will be automatically deducting an amount from your pay for your food and accommodation, depending on your military status and marital status. You will usually reside in a double or triple occupancy room (non-mixed). Learning to live and work as a team is an essential part of your education. You will be responsible for the cleanliness of your area, with each person being responsible for their individual room and personal equipment as well as the maintenance of common areas.

6. Policy on alcohol, cannabis and illicit drugs: Possession of alcohol in the residences is prohibited, but it may be purchased and consumed in certain locations on the RMC Saint-Jean campus for those who have reached legal age. The possession of cannabis is authorized and may be consumed in certain locations on the RMC Saint-Jean campus for those who have reached legal age. Any activity related to illicit drugs (possession, consumption, trade, etc.) is not tolerated. Offenders are subject to disciplinary and/or administrative action, up to and including release from the CAF. More details on the acceptable use of alcohol and cannabis will be provided in the first few days of your training.

7. Prohibited items:

• Firearms;
• Sexual articles (magazine, photo, DVD, accessories, etc.) are always prohibited in the workplace in accordance with CAF policy.

8. Restricted items:

• Knives are permitted on the RMC Saint-Jean campus in accordance with the criminal code of Canada;
• Food and beverages may only be stored in the RMC Saint-Jean residences if they are non-perishable items.

9. Equipment and documents: You must bring these items and documents with you to RMC Saint-Jean. Upon your arrival, you will also have the opportunity to purchase certain additional items from the local CANEX (CAF retail shop). You will not have access to any civilian retailers during the first few weeks of your training.

Civilian clothing:

• 1 x seasonal jacket
• 2 x casual dress pants or clean jeans without holes
• 3 x casual dress shirts or polo shirts
• 2 x casual sweaters
• 1 x pair of casual dress shoes (comfortable)
• 6 x underwears
• 4 x sport socks
• 1-2 x pairs of running shoes
• 2 x athletic t-shirts
• 2 x athletic shorts
• 2 x bath towels
• 1 x swimsuit
• 3 x sports bras (if applicable)
• 1 x 2-piece suit or evening dress (suggested)

Other items:

• 1 x backpack (plain coloured)
• 1 x water-resistant watch
• 2 x blue pens
• 1 x pair of shower sandals
• 1 x soap case
• 1 x toothbrush case
• 1 x toothbrush
• 1 x toothpaste tube
• 1 x soap bar
• 1 x dental floss
• 1 x shaving cream (if applicable)
• 1 x non-disposable razor with blades (if applicable)
• 1 x nail clippers
• 1 x deodorant
• 1 x shampoo
• 1 x water bottle
• 1 x laundry detergent
• 1 x hair brush (if required)
• personal medication (if prescribed)
• hair nets and pins (if applicable)
• hygiene products (tampons and/or pads, etc.) in sufficient quantity (if applicable)
• nicotine replacement products (smokers only)
• a computer with an up-to-date operating system:
  • you can bring your personal computer. All officer cadets' rooms are equipped with an Internet connection; or:
  • CANEX offers you the opportunity of buying a desktop computer or laptop on a 12, 24 or 36 month credit plan without interest. Officer cadets under 18 years of age wishing to purchase a computer with a credit plan will be required to provide a credit authorization form;
  • Note : See Annex B – Computer equipment (technical specifications required).

Documents:

• Birth Certificate. Birth certificate cards issued by some provincial authorities are not accepted; you must provide our staff with the full version that includes your parents’ names
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship if you were born outside of Canada
• Last official academic transcript
• Last diploma with the credits obtained
• Canadian Passport (if you have it)
• Vaccination booklet, to include proof of COVID-19 vaccination if applicable.
• Completed Security clearance form (obtain from Recruiting Center)
• CF 100 – Leave Request Authorization provided by Recruiting Center
• CF 742 – Emergency Contact Notification and DND 2587 – Next of Kin Identification from Recruiting Center
• Social Insurance (SIN) card
• Void cheque (for pay purposes)

Documents required only if applicable:

• Medical prescriptions
• Your lease with a recent proof of ongoing payment or proof of mortgage
• Eyeglass prescriptions (prescribed within the last year). It is strongly recommended to bring two (2) pairs of glasses
• Birth certificates for any dependents (certified true copy)
• Marriage certificate (certified true copy)
• Affidavit of common-law relationship (original)
• Certificate of divorce (certified true copy)
• Proof of name change (certified true copy)
• Proof of change in medical status
• CF-100 for post-course leave from your home unit
• Route Letter (Reservist)

10.Luggage: If you travel by a commercial flight, please keep your receipts as some excess baggage is permitted under the Canadian Forces Temporary Duty Travel Instructions. Alternatively, some airlines offer free baggage for military members. Ask your recruiting center for the necessary proof of military identification.

Training at RMC Saint-Jean

11. First Year Orientation Program (FYOP). FYOP will begin on Monday the 7^th of August at 6 a.m. and end on Saturday the 26^th of August at approximately 5 p.m. The goal of this program is to provide you with the basic knowledge that will enable you to progress effectively within RMC Saint-Jean. During FYOP, access to phones may be limited. However, it is important that you communicate with your friends and family as much as possible. RMC Saint-Jean staff are not permitted to divulge your personal information or activities to anyone. The only time RMC Saint-Jean staff will communicate directly with family members is in case of an emergency, and only to those that are listed as next of kin.

12. The goal of FYOP is to offer you a multidisciplinary training program that will allow you develop your basic military skills in a positive environment and allow you to push yourself out of your comfort zone. The program will promote cohesion, team spirit, resilience, and a sense of belonging to your squadron and to RMC Saint-Jean.

13. The school year begins on the 17^th of August 2023 and is divided into two semesters; the first semester ends in December, followed by exams. The second semester begins in January 2024 and ends in May, also followed by exams. A spring break is planned for March 2024.

14. Throughout the school year, certain days or weekends will be identified and dedicated to military training, sporting events or other activities. Participation in these days or weekends may be considered part of your duty, meaning a personal leave of absence may not be authorized.

General information

15. RMC Saint-Jean is located on the west bank of the Richelieu River, about 35 km south of Montreal. You will be staying on the site with your peers.

16. The weather in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu fluctuates with the seasons. Temperatures range from -30 degrees Celsius in the winter to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer.

Addresses and phone numbers

17. The following addresses can be used to receive mail after you arrive at RMC Saint-Jean.

Addresses and phone numbers

Packages and courier services:

Rank, name and surname (example: Officer cadet Beau Jean)
Officer Cadet Wing, Squadron Name (to be received upon arrival)
Royal Military College Saint-Jean
De Léry Pavilion, Wing E, room 1071
15 Jacques-Cartier Nord
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec J3B 8R8

Letters:

Rank, name and surname (example: Officer cadet Beau Jean)
Officer Cadet Wing, Squadron Name (to be received upon arrival)
Royal Military College Saint-Jean
Saint-Jean Garrison
C.P. 100, Succ Bureau-chef
Richelain, Quebec J0J 1R0

18. In case of emergencies, the phone number of the administrative staff of the Officer Cadet Wing during business hours is (450) 358-6777 extension 668-5767 or extension 668-5772. In case of emergencies outside business hours, a person on duty can be reached at (514) 912-3022.

Facilities

19. At RMC Saint-Jean, you will have the following amenities.

• Cafeteria;
• Officer Cadet’s Mess, Le Saint-Maurice;
• Sports complex (arena, swimming pool, gymnasium, weight room and dumbbells);
• Library;
• Academic complex;
• Accommodation units;
• Sports fields;
• A small store (CANEX) including a barber service and an ATM.

Other facilities

20. There are also other military facilities located at the Saint-Jean Garrison located about four kilometres from RMC Saint-Jean, where you can find:

• A chapel (Protestant and Roman Catholic with shared schedule);
• A snack bar;
• A CANEX store with dry cleaning service;
• A barber;
• Banking (Desjardins and a BMO ATM);
• A library;
• A movie theatre;
• A medical clinic;
• An outdoor and indoor pool;
• Many sports fields.

21. In the city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, there are shopping malls, pharmacies, restaurants, a cinema (close to RMC Saint-Jean) and several other small businesses.

Bank Information

22. We will deposit your pay in a bank account in the financial institution of your choice. For this purpose, it is essential that you provide us with a void cheque so that we can deposit your pay. This will be completed either by your recruiting center or upon your arrival at the CFLRS.

Fitness

23. Your fitness will be assessed several times during the year, as you will need to meet the CAF standards in addition to the RMC Saint-Jean standards (see Appendix A). It should be noted that those who do not meet the level required will not be able to join the representative sports teams and could be released from the CAF.

The RMC Saint-Jean physical fitness test is administered twice a year. It includes: a timed race of 2.4 km, weight throwing, a long jump without momentum, a mid-thigh pull, an agility race and a bar suspension. Standards and expectations are high. This is why it is essential to start training now. It is strongly suggested that you follow the Physical fitness guide - Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMC Saint-Jean) (forces.gc.ca) in order to meet the minimum standard for the ROTP Physical Aptitude Test.

If you would like to receive additional information about the sports program, please contact our sports staff, at cmrsj-psp@cmrsj-rmcsj.ca.

Sports

24. Two sports programs are available: elite and competitive sports or recreational sports. More information about the sports program will be announced during the FYOP. Those who wish to practice a sport other than those offered can apply in writing. They will, however, have to remember that the Officer Cadet Wing's schedule will take precedence over such sports.

Leave

25. You should be able to take leave during the following periods (a presentation of the Canadian Armed Forces' leave policy will be given during the summer):

• Labour Day;
• Thanksgiving;
• Holiday period;
• Spring break;
• Easter;
• Summer leave (depending on your training and your trade).

Miscellaneous

26. We recommend that you have general insurance against theft and damage, especially if you own a computer or other valuables.

27. RMC Saint-Jean will be offering information sessions on 24^th May, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in English and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in French and 14^th June from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in French and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in English. We will have representatives from the Military, Academic and Sports wings to answer any of your questions. The MS Teams ID and password will be sent to you in your welcome letter from the commandant of RMC Saint-Jean.

Annex A - Minimum Standards for the RMC Saint-Jean Physical Performance Test (PPT)

Annex B – Computer equipment (technical specifications required)

In preparation for the start of the Fall term, it is recommended you have in your possession the following IT equipment.

• Laptop \ Computer: Windows 10 or Windows 11: Home or Pro version updated to version 22h2 or later,
• CPU 1.6 GHz minimum: Intel 8^th generation i3 or higher or AMD Ryzen,
• Screen: 14po with a 1280 x 768 minimum, 1920 x 1080 resolution recommended,
• Memory: 8 GB of RAM minimum, 16 GB recommended,
• Storage: 250 GB of storage minimum, recommended SSD type storage,
• Camera: 720p,
• Headphones and microphone: (microphone can be integrated into camera or computer),
• For engineering programs, a discret graphics card (Nvidia or AMD) is strongly recommended.

If you do not have appropriate computer equipment, it is strongly recommended that you obtain a laptop computer before your arrival, or through the CANEX store on site following your arrival at the College.

Date modified:

2023-04-05