Incoming First Year Officer Cadet Recruit Joining Instructions

July 2024

The Royal Military College of Canada

The Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) is located in Kingston, Ontario, on the site of one of the most strategically important sites of the War of 1812, the Kingston Naval Dockyard. Here, as they have since 1876, Naval/Officer Cadets receive military, academic, physical fitness, and bilingualism training and education over four years, leading to a commission as a Second Lieutenant/Acting Sub-Lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and an undergraduate degree in one of the three academic fields of study: Social Sciences and Humanities, Science or Engineering.

Arrival

With some exceptions, Cadets will attend Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ) Mod 1 at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) in St Jean prior to arriving at RMC. You may have two weeks of leave following BMOQ Mod 1, depending on when your course ends. You will then report to the Kingston Military Community Sports Centre (KMCSC/CFB Kingston base gym) 11 Navy Way, Kingston, ON K7K 7B4, between 1000-1200 hrs on 18 August 2024 and participate in the First Year Orientation Period (FYOP) and begin your first academic year.

The Memorial Arch Parade

RMC specific training commences with the Memorial Arch Parade. As Cadets march through the Memorial Arch, it ceremonially marks their entrance into RMC. Upon successful completion of the Regular Officer Training Program (ROTP), the graduating junior officers will march out through the Memorial Arch, signifying their completion of the ROTP and their entrance into the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, or Royal Canadian Air Force.

This parade will commence at KMCSC in the afternoon on 18 Aug 2024 and conclude on the RMC parade square. Friends and family are invited to watch as the Class of 2028 passes under the RMC Memorial Arch. They will not be allowed to proceed further than the Arch and will not witness the parade on the parade square.

First Year Orientation Period (FYOP)

FYOP is your introduction to life as a Cadet at RMC and is a demanding and memorable experience. From 18 August to 16 September 2024, you will learn everything you need to know to function as a Cadet while at RMC, develop teamwork skills and esprit de corps and hone your leadership abilities.

During this period, you will be confined to the peninsula and your ability to maintain constant and regular contact with your friends and family may be curtailed. If you are married and joining RMC as a First Year Cadet keep in mind that living off the campus is not an option. During FYOP, you will be required to reside 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the RMC Campus. You must have any personal or administrative issues dealt with and a Family Care Plan in place before you depart for training at RMC.

Component Transfers (CT)/Previous Military Service

If you are an incoming N/OCdt with previous CAF Regular or Primary Reserve Force service, you will be posted by Enrolment or Transfer Posting (ETP) Instruction to RMC. You will report with all other Candidates on 18 August 2024 in accordance with the arrival procedures.

You will participate in the Memorial Arch parade and FYOP. It is imperative that you clear out of your Reserve Unit as soon as possible and well in advance of arriving at RMC. You are advised to order anything you need from your Logistik Unicorp account as soon as possible to ensure that you have it in hand prior to your arrival. You are required to retain your uniforms, particularly CADPAT operational dress, as it will be required throughout ROTP at RMC.

Preparing for Training

Your recruiting center or your current unit, should have given you an overview of the training you are about to start. It is essential that you be ready, focused, and motivated. Before you start:

• Avoid any major financial or contractual commitments that may require your attention during the program. Ensure that your personal and family administration is in good hands before your departure and for the entire duration of FYOP;
• Prepare yourself physically and adopt a healthy lifestyle with a regular physical training program.
• If your medical condition changes, advise your recruiting center or your unit, as soon as possible.
• Should you have any outstanding legal obligations or commitments, you need to resolve and identify these to your recruiting center or your unit as soon as possible and prior to departing to RMC Campus.  

Arrival Procedures

All ROTP Naval and Officer Cadets will arrive at the KMCSC between 1000-1200hrs on 18 Aug 2024. It is essential that you organize your transport to meet this timing. Your friends and family will not be permitted to remain at KMCSC after your arrival but will be invited to return at 1300hrs to say goodbye, listen to the RMC Commandant’s address and witness the start of the Memorial Arch parade.

A box lunch will be provided to you upon your arrival.

UTPNCM

Members will be met at the KMCSC at CFB Kingston at 1200hrs on 18 August 2024. Family and friends will be allowed to meet with members at Kingston Military Community Sports Centre (KMCSC) only and not before 1300 hrs.

Directions to RMC Kingston

Detailed instructions on how to get to RMC can be found in Annex A – Arrival Procedures.

Dress

You will travel to Kingston in civilian clothing and change into uniform after arriving at the KMCSC. You must have the following pieces of uniform/equipment in your possession upon arrival in Kingston:

• CADPAT combat uniform including N/OCdt rank badge, belt and brown t-shirt
• Issued boots or purchased if eligible and boot bands
• Beret with tri-force (CAF) cap badge; no other cap badge is permitted except for UTPNCM personnel
• Rain jacket
• Patrol pack (day bag)

Military Values

During your training, you will be required to adhere to the fundamental military values of Duty, Loyalty, Integrity, and Courage, as well as RMC’s values of Truth, Duty, Valour. You will be expected to demonstrate these values at all times.

Expected Behaviour

Harassing, sexist, racist, or discriminatory behaviors contradicts CAF values and will not be tolerated. Violators may face disciplinary and/or administrative measures up to release from the CAF.

Policy on Learning Disability Accommodation

Learning disability accommodations may be requested in accordance with Defence Administrative Orders and Directives (DAOD) 5516-5 Learning Disability Accommodation during Recruiting, Training and Education. All accommodations must be approved by Director Personnel General Requirements (DPGR) and shall be based on a Psycho-Educational Assessment completed by a qualified professional.

Policy on Alcohol, Cannabis and Drug Consumption

Upon your arrival at RMC, possession and consumption of alcohol and cannabis are not permitted until at least after the completion of FYOP. Additionally, any activities linked to illegal drugs (possession, consumption, commerce, etc.) are not tolerated. Violators may face disciplinary and/or administrative measures up to release from the CAF. More details regarding the acceptable use of alcohol and cannabis will be provided during FYOP.

Prohibited Articles

The following articles are prohibited:

• Prohibited weapons in accordance with the Criminal Code;
• Firearms and ammunition cannot be stored on RMC property. Alternate arrangements must be made prior to arrival at RMC for storage.

Restricted Materials

All electronic devices (cellular phones, MP3 players, tablets, laptops, etc.) are considered restricted materials throughout FYOP in the following manner:

• no devices can be used/carried during training hours unless directed by your staff, and
• cell phone use is restricted to specific periods only.

Parking

RMC First-Year Cadets are not allocated parking spots on campus and are not allowed to bring their vehicles to the college. It is strongly recommended that you make arrangements with your family or friends to store your vehicle during your first year.

Services Available

You will have access to the following while at RMC:

• Chapel (Protestant and Roman Catholic) and Inter-faith Room;
• ILOY – Indigenous Elder and Lodge
• Internet
• A general store (CANEX) with dry cleaning service;
• Barber
• Banking facilities (ATMs for BMO); and
• Post Office.

RMC Mailing Address

Please direct and mail to the following address:

Officer Cadet (insert first and last name) 
Royal Military College of Canada 
PO Box 17000, Station Forces 
Kingston, ON K7K 7B4

Emergency Contacts

In case of an incident warranting the attention of the CAF prior to your arrival at RMC, contact your current unit (CFRC, CFLRS or PRes unit) chain of command or duty personnel. If the incident may affect your ability to arrive at RMC on time on 18 August 2024, also contact the Training Wing Duty Officer at 613-541-7697.

In case of difficulty during your travel to Kingston, including if you expect to be delayed, contact the Training Wing duty personnel at 613-541-7697.

Visitors

Visitors will not be permitted on campus during FYOP.

Kit List

RMC will become your primary residence and you will need to come with enough clothing to be comfortable through all four seasons. The dress code at RMC is strictly enforced and specific clothing will be required depending upon the activity. A kit list is provided in Annex C as an example only. You may choose to bring more clothing as required, keeping in mind that storage at RMC is limited.

Those who have already been issued military kit must arrive with military equipment listed in Annex C to this document. Items on the list not previously issued will be issued upon arrival.

Baggage

Your unaccompanied baggage shipped from CFLRS Saint-Jean will be available on your first day at RMC.

Individuals travelling to RMC directly from recruiting centres or PRes units must use their entire baggage allotment on their method of travel before seeking reimbursement for excess baggage. N/OCdts travelling from PRes units or recruiting centers may request commercial shipping from their unit.

Rations and Quarters

RMC Cadets will be living on campus throughout their time at RMC. The cost of rations and quarters will be taken off your pay automatically. The costs associated with Quarters vary depending on the building you live in. Rates can be found in the College Orderly Room (COR) when clearing in.

Required Documents and Items

The following documents are required upon arrival:

If flying commercial airlines, members must have documents with them and not in checked baggage.

• Certified copies of Diplomas. Cadets must bring final official transcripts that indicate they have graduated from high school. You cannot start academic classes without submitting an official transcript to the Registrar;
• Birth Certificate and Certificate of Canadian Citizenship or a Certificate of Naturalization if you were born outside of Canada. You must also have at least one official document with your photo (driver's license, health card, passport);
• Vaccination booklet;
• CF 100 – Leave Request Authorization provided by Recruiting Center or previous unit;
• CF 742 – Emergency Contact Notification and 
  DND 2587 – Next of Kin Identification from Recruiting Center;
• Social Insurance (SIN) card;
• Void cheque (for pay purposes);
• Non-medical masks.
• Personal Computers:
  • Desk Top/ Laptops may be brought for use in the dorm rooms. Should you not currently own a personal computer, one can be purchased through the on campus CANEX. Internet connections are available in each room and the costs are included in your monthly accommodation fees.
  • The military has specific rules regarding the use of computers both in the dorms and the workplace.  Each candidate must carefully follow these rules to avoid disciplinary and/or administrative sanctions.

The following documents are required only if applicable:

• medical prescriptions;
• eyeglass prescriptions (prescribed within last year);
• birth certificates for any dependents (certified true copy);
• marriage certificate (certified true copy);
• affidavit respecting your common-law relationship (original);
• certificate of divorce (certified true copy);
• proof of name change (certified true copy);
• proof of a change in medical status;
• reimbursement of moving expenses (DND 1654), provided by your recruiting center or PRes unit; and
• Driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

COVID-19

As COVID-19 continues to be a public health concern, RMC is dedicated to protecting its students and staff. RMC has adopted a force protection posture based on guidance from federal and CAF health agencies as well as from the local chain of command.

If you suspect that you have COVID-19, always follow guidance issued by your local public health agency. Current guidance at RMC is ANYONE with cold/ flu like symptoms is to make every attempt to keep themselves apart from groups of people until 24hrs of symptom improvement (48hrs if experiencing gastro symptoms). RMC cadets can then travel to RMC but should wear a mask for 10 days from symptom onset and do what you would do if you were living at home to minimize risk of transmission i.e. frequent hand washing/sanitizing, wiping of door handles with disinfectant wipes, distancing yourself from others during meals, avoiding high density areas such as the gym.

Annex A - Arrival Procedures

All members of the Class of 2028 are required to arrive at the Kingston Military Community Sports Centre (KMCSC) between 1000-1200 hrs on 18 August 2024. If you attended BMOQ at CFLRS, you may be travelling to RMC from a leave location and all travel arrangements will be an individual responsibility. If you were on leave and choose to depart from CFLRS, there will be a bus departing the morning of 18 Aug. If you graduate BMOQ 1 two weeks prior, you may still arrive by your own means at your own costs. However, there will be a bus from CFLRS for direct transport at no cost if you choose to depart from there. There will be an opportunity to identify which method of transportation you intend to take near the end of BMOQ 1.

Individuals who are Component Transfers or did not attend CFLRS will have their travel to Kingston arranged by their PRes unit or CFRC.

Do not attempt to enter the RMC campus as you will be refused entry by the Commissionaires. Your arrival point, KMCSC, is found on the opposite (north) side of Highway 2.

Individuals must travel in civilian clothing and will be given an opportunity to change into CADPAT upon arrival at KMCSC.

Arrival Location

Kingston Military Community Sports Centre (KMCSC)

11 Navy Way, Kingston, ON  K7K 7B4

Personal Motor Vehicle

If you are arriving with your own vehicle which you intend to keep at RMC, you will first report to the KMCSC to check-in and unload you luggage and you will then be given instructions to move your vehicle to the parking lot between Rutledge Hall and the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics on CFB Kingston between VB31 and VC31. You will not have access to your vehicle for the duration of FYOP. Ensure that you take your vehicle registration and insurance documents with you as they will be required to register the vehicle with RMC parking services.

Temporary accommodations

To arrive at KMCSC between 1000-1200 hrs on 18 August 2024, some individuals taking their leave in distant locations may need to start their travel on 17 August 2024, or earlier. If your travel plan requires you to arrive in Kingston on 17 August 2024, you will not be permitted to enter the RMC campus ahead of the arrival window the following day. However, a limited number of temporary accommodations at CFB Kingston will be available on a first come first serve basis. These rooms are available only to cadets, not friends and families (unless the friend or family member is also a CAF member). The rooms come at a modest cost and can be reserved by emailing the following address NLT 12 August 2024.

• Kingston Base Accommodations: R&Q.basekingston@forces.gc.ca

These rooms are limited in number and may have no vacancies. There is no requirement to use these accommodations. You may also book accommodations at a local hotel or AirBnB at your own cost.

Annex C - Kit List

RMC has a strict dress code where all Cadets are required to wear specific designated attire when leaving the campus. RMC will become your new primary residence and as such you will need to bring appropriate attire for all four seasons. A kit list is provided below as an example only.

Military Kit List

Additional Information

• Checklist for RMC Officer Cadets (produced by Training Wing)
• Map of RMC
• Dates of Major Events
• Schedule of Events
• Four Pillars of RMC
• Physical Performance Test (produced by RMC PSP Staff and Coaches)
• Push-up Program
• Video of Force Test
• The RMC Physical Fitness plan (Produced by RMC PSP Staff)
• Varsity Sports, Intramurals, and Recreation Clubs (Produced by the RMC PSP Staff)