Taking the King's Shilling

Having made the decision to enlist, you walk down to your local militia armoury. There you receive a quick medical check:
  - over 1.6 metres in height?
  - 20/20 eye sight?
  - Hearing o.k.?
  - No problems with walking or lifting?
  - No obvious medical issues?
  - Able to understand and follow commands?
You are asked whether you have served in the military before? Do you have a criminal record? Do you have any special skills (mechanic, electrician, radio operator, professional driver, etc.)

Then the big moment! You raise your right hand and take the Oath:

OATH TO BE TAKEN BY RECRUIT ON ATTESTATION.
I, ________________________ do make Oath, that I will be faithful and bear true Allegiance to His Majesty King George the Sixth, His Heirs, and Successors, and that I will, as in duty bound, honestly and faithfully defend His Majesty, His Heirs, and Successors, in Person, Crown and Dignity, against all enemies, and will observe and obey all orders of His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me. So help me God.

After taking the Oath, you sign your official enlistment papers - and you are in the Army!

Because the Canadian government did not plan far in advance, you will have to wait a week before a train is available to take you to the Training Camp. You are told to remain at home, but to report in each day for introductory training. You will receive your uniform and kit before shipping out but for now you still wear civvies.

When you get home and tell your family the news your Dad slaps you on the back and tells you how proud he is. Your Mom hugs you, kisses, you and starts crying. When the boys hear the news they drag you out to the pub for a last night together. Many of them have also enlisted. Later that evening your sweetheart lets you know how proud she is of you.

You spend your week at the Armoury doing marching drills, fitness exercises, listening to dry military lectures straight out of the training manuals, and doing rifle drill with an unloaded WW1 Ross rifle! On your final day at the Armoury they finally give you your uniform and kit: uniform, boots, puttees, knapsack and mess kit, overcoat, and cap.

CONGRATULATIONS! You have joined the Canadian Army!