IPCP - Becoming an Infantry Platoon Commander in the Canadian Army

Following Basic Training in St. Jean sur Richelieu, the next three phases of training for an Infantry Officer take place in Gagetown, New Brunswick. In August 2020, with the uncertain times surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, a new pilot course was put into motion to streamline my next 3 phases into a single modernized program with mentorship, lethality, and tactics at its focus.
This is the Infantry Platoon Commander Programme.
127 candidates would be loaded onto it. Around 60 would graduate.
This video is shows some of the highlights of this course, but in reality only shows maybe 20% of what we experienced. The most memorable, exhausting, and intense moments were never filmed obviously. It was an exciting challenge to document this journey, not knowing how I would do, and knowing it would involve editing at least a year's worth of footage into a product appropriate for publishing on the internet.
Thank you again to all of the staff for dedicating such a long duration of time and effort into ensuring we were going to battalion as the most capable officers the Infantry School could produce.
Thank you to my coursemates, with whom I have forged lifelong friendships with, and whose determination and ferocity, and selflessness kept me motivated in the lowest of times.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro/Quarantine
1:27 Infantry Internship
3:52 Beginning of TEM
4:50 BMOQ-A
6:42 AFFRSO
8:23 LAVTOCC
8:58 Battle School
12:03 Assessments
14:35 Final Assault on Groningen Village
16:57 Thoughts and Advice
19:36 LAV Range
20:38 Graduation
21:30 Cameos
24:08 Final Words
Music:
Neffex - Go Hard (Instrumental)
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 - Task Force 141
Call of Duty Modern Warfare (2019) - Season 1 Lobby Music
Call of Duty Modern Warfare (2019) - Season 2 Lobby Music
Call of Duty Modern Warfare (2019) - Season 4 Lobby Music
Call of Duty Modern Warfare (2019) - Season 6 Lobby Music
Call of Duty Modern Warfare (2019) - Coalition Victory Theme
Battlefield 3 - Thunder Run
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus - Terror Billy
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus - Radioactive
Infraction - War
INSTAGRAM - @joshbortolotti

[@scottcamano6127]

Ya This video is a better recruitment video then 9/10 of those paid for by the forces…

[@anooppowar1824]

Ya

[@alvindurochermtl]

No TVCs last 25 min to be able to squeeze in that much contents. Don't be daft to even make a comparison.

[@whiteprivilege4469]

Why would you join the Canadian Forces? How's Afghanistan doing? How's Somalia doing? How's Ukraine doing? How's Haiti doing? All our past conflicts that didn't affect our society or way of life have all got WORSE since we left. Why would you want to be indoctrinated by the ultra left wing?

[@alvindurochermtl]

@@whiteprivilege4469 Naïve comment. This isn't America and nobody joins up with a grand vision to make the world a better place. Most people join because of family tradition, the need to subsidize their education, or their desire to put some structure and discipline in their shattered lives. Have problem with politics, go whinge in front of a politician. This ain't the soldiers level of concern.

[@isaacpaul3019]

if you work for the course and realize that all those offices are idiots and poor leaders that only show you the cool parts of shooting guns and shitty section attacks

[@MDR-hn2yz]

Not infantrymen, but I served in the US Marines from 2002-08. OIF 2006-07. Aviation ordnance and aircrewman in helicopters. Even though I was a nasty air winger, every Marine is a rifleman first, and I always liked this type of training. Shooting, moving, land nav. And yes, we get to go through infantry training (Marine Combat Training for non grunts) also. Our sergeants course is also a grunt oriented kick in the stones also. I trained once with the Canadian Air Force when they came to Southern California. And once we had to land up in Canada due to bad weather. I have never been welcomed into a military airfield with a giant cooler of free beer before or since. Great people!! My mother is Canadian and I spent a lot of time up north. So I have a special place in my heart for Canadians. 🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@chroniccrypto5621]

Thanks for serving. I always wanted to be a marine since my uncle was one and was the drill instructor where the new private dropped the grenade and almost blew them up with shrapnel. I know they still tell that story because my marine friends talked about it when they got out of basic lol. I also know he's not the only one that happened too. But they wouldn't take me with a GED then in 2021 I had a National Guard contract to be a 31B MP, but after the attack on our capital by Trump, Republicans, and their base I got out canceled, and we're moving to Canada and joining the Reserves there, and since my dad was born in London Ontario I'm already a citizen with their new amendment so it shouldn't take long to get that citizenship paperwork pushed through then head into our local recruitment office to get started. I'm truly heart broken at what's taking plane in America with our democracy. I don't support Biden and the Democrats, and was a lifelong registered Republican until Trump took over the party, and he's a lifelong con man and lying fascist dictator wannabe wanker who literally doesn't gaf about anyone but himself and his bank account. Americans need to wake tf up and stop this right vs left, Democrat vs Republican bs before it's too late because they're all corrupt, and work for their lobbyist donors, and not we the people. The sooner Americans realize they're all being conned the sooner we can take back our country.

[@julian089]

Awesome.

[@unreal4010]

​@@chroniccrypto5621a lot of bs you just said. It wasn't an attack. Oh, and how is trump a con? You need to stop believing everything you hear and do the research.

[@unreal4010]

​@@chroniccrypto5621I don't like lier's, especially if they make up the kind of stuff like you just did

[@thesaltysergeant4103]

I served in the early 90s in the infantry, to say the least it was not like it is now. You guys are introduced to alot more of actual combat training then we were. Cheers. !!

[@jordanspringer8]

@@klassikality Probably wouldn't be great for you. During the recruiting process, you undergo a few different phases, including a medical exam. I have yet to know anyone with really bad seasonal allergies serving in the CAF.

[@Strawberryknight]

@@klassikality I have seen someone at my BMOQ with serious allergy to latex and she was allowed to take medication before and after the gas mask training. But she is a lawyer...

[@DanMProductionsBois]

Some of the better quality CAF content on YT. Good job. Btw looks really fun, was probably tough but looked great.

[@TheOneJugs]

What the fuck are you doing here buddy?

[@maximusdecimusmeridius4325]

The cameos are awesome

[@jm3565]

Congratulations on successful completion of a long and arduous program. Well done.

[@CalgaryDynastar]

Gen kill is such a good show, only wish there was more. Thank you boys for the work you do!

[@mylesjarvis7571]

Great videos man! Seriously! I just came across your Maple video on Reddit...glad I did. Proud of you man ...and all our great SOLDIERS!

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

I’m so happy I found your channel dude, best Canadian army videos I’ve ever seen.

[@christianazacarias]

Very inspiring. You're such a natural storyteller, it's awesome to watch. Please keep uploading.

[@ClanTimm]

Thank you for sharing this. My son is on the current ICPC course at Gagetown so this was very informative. I've sent the link for him to watch since there's some great tips. I served in the 90's as an infantry officer too. The training has improved a TON since then. Good luck with your posting, thanks for carrying on the tradition. Ducimus. Bravo Zulu to you and your mates!

[@arastoorox]

Thanks for making this awesome video, also the COD music and cameos at the end are so satisfying, especially the very last one from that great philosopher ;) Side note: There are a lot of videos that show the ncm path for the different combat arms trades but there is literally zero content for the Officer route so I was really happy when I found this. More please.

[@crush42mash6]

Great video I served only a few years, I wish I would’ve done longer. People I meet around the world speak highly of you guys, proud Canadian here 🇨🇦

[@12aptures]

Borto That was tuff! good editing I could not keep my eyes off the show. thanks for this and it keeps me excited to be joining the CAF soon. Cameo's were awesome. keep it up!

[@janieeauschn2673]

Great modern day footage! Thanks! -A Canadian Vet.

[@retna2785]

So far the most detailed and informative video about CAF on youtube

[@hansbrink6995]

Class of 77-78. PPCLI. Great video. Lots of editing. Congratulations to everyone of the graduates.

[@whiteprivilege4469]

If you saw how ultra woke left wing the Canadian Forces have become, you'd puke. They are adding pro-nouns to the name tapes btw. Master Seaman is not Master Sailor, that's not necessarily a biggie, but just a teaser for the things to come. Oh yea, remember that female General who said there are too many white males in the Army? You have NO IDEA dinosaur man.

[@osirish8202]

Thanks Josh. Your content is awesome!

[@m00se22]

Undoubtedly one of your best videos yet. Thank you for the continued inspiration and congratulations IPCP 2021!

[@andrewwilson4975]

Congrats Josh and to all of your classmates!!

[@TeaBubeja]

Just WOW! Amazing to see a glimpse into your final year and can't wait to see more 😊

[@ajaxmaintenance5104]

I was Artillery in the ‘90s but I enjoyed doing the Infantry training. Loved the GPMG and C9, and the Carl G. Great vid!

[@mylegacymovie]

Great video Josh and as always your insights particularly help me to get an understanding of my son’s world. He is also in the CF, training in Comms Research which I believe is now called ‘Digital Warfare’ or something. He has also been doing some of those qualifications you have mentioned. The CF has been great for my son 🙏🏾

[@jumperbouncer]

Awesome video! Saw you guys doing your grad review while I was on BMOQA at Argonaut. Freaking love the congratulations videos from all the voice actors!

[@brendanryan3493]

Great video awesome how you had the MW music playing

[@altantulgajargalan767]

Great video, brother🙌🏻 Cheers from Mongolia. I have done DP1.1 (development period 1.1) infantry officer platoon commander course 2017. It was great experience and watching this video brings back so many good memories👏🏻 Hope to see more videos from you, 1 out!

[@manny4152]

Finally a solid video about the infantry! Please drop more!

[@Sicariojoshi]

This is amazing!

[@user-vl3qv4qr1w]

BORTO this video is legendary

[@jesslenfesty1726]

Very nice video good job !

[@kushnastay]

I’m 33 years old with 2 kids my biggest regret in life is not ignoring my family , and joining the Canadian infantry like I wanted too, back when I was a lost 17 year old being a waste of air

[@rpm1796]

You can still join the regs...even the Reserves will take off some of the pangs.

[@dakota3847]

Oh my god I stayed in that exact barracks when I was there in 2019 at CTC Argonaut. B Block, wing 7.

[@commanderfer5231]

bruh I went to argo that year too

[@said8575]

The end of this video absolutely slaps

[@LtActionCam]

I served as an Infantry Platoon Commander in the USMC. I do wish I had an opportunity to work with our northern brothers and sisters more.

[@philliphampton5183]

The Canadians were some of my favorite allies to train with during my Army days. Pros.

[@rpm1796]

We mainly worked with the Brits out West...would have been great to have us all together.

[@julian089]

These videos are absolutely fantastic! I’m about to do my intake testing. So I’ve been watching everything, these are great.

[@engineco.1494]

Wow looks like a great experience 👍

[@vynca596]

This video hyped me tf up for my DP1

[@OtakuOG]

I seriously lost my shit at the cameos in the end. Especially the last dude, how did they get them to do those cameos? Awesome vid! Proud Canadian here!

[@Strawberryknight]

Try to look through C79 sight. Everything is a blur with or without digital camos. Not "cameos" by the way.

[@OtakuOG]

@@Strawberryknight Wat are you talking about lol? I'm talking about the voice actor cameos at the end. With all the Call of Duty voice actors, Halo voice actor and even the porn guy. It's even called cameos on the timeline and on the video top right corner LOOOOL. Brooooooo

[@vothbetilia4862]

@@Strawberryknight I heard the C79 is still liked in the CAF still, Obviously I never joined the military, but I always like the design and sight of it personally.

[@travellingcanuck8243]

@@Strawberryknight Have you even looked through a C79 scope yourself? I was a weapon tech in the CaF and have only seen blurry C79 if they were in service for awhile and where banged to shit to the point that the optics became misaligned, saw very few of that and the sights take a shit kicking and are very clear. And how the fuck did you mistake cameo for camos, I mean he even said the cameos at the end, there were many camos all through the video, not just the end. Get a grip.

[@fergusjohnston1008]

Great video I am joining the caf it looks like lots of fun

[@collinwalton592]

Good Ole gagetown, and those cameos caught me off guard wtf 😂

[@adamg574]

Ah this brings back so many memories

[@perrychalmers2445]

24 years as a grunt, and taught some of what you learned in my time at the Infantry School. I miss this shit.

[@jackgonzalez2660]

I was a cadet that lost the drive but now I’m fired up and ready to join up

[@youssefchakir5569]

Great video bud

[@cyrusgallardo3692]

I have been watching your videos man. I am so excited to apply in the forces next year after getting my diploma =)

[@alecvillagran4366]

I just started my application for the forces, your videos are a lot of help, keep up the good work.

[@marcusaetius9309]

No worries, they’ll take anyone with a pulse now….

[@fastestdino2]

@@marcusaetius9309 the reserves rejected me for ADHD. Not that i blame them, But I was hoping they'd accept me since I certainly wasn't the worst recruit there that day.

[@marcusaetius9309]

@@fastestdino2 I would be very surprised if today’s CF would reject just because of ADHD which is a pretty common condition. I would pursue them on that if I were you. I’ve seen middle aged housewives in basic training in recruiting videos ….

[@dragoonTT]

@@marcusaetius9309 It’s the medication. Tons of well deserved applicants get nowhere as soon as mental health prescription is brought up. Tough reality.

[@marcusaetius9309]

@@dragoonTT Yes, requiring medication would be a valid issue but not everyone who has ADHD requires medication so they would have to come to a decision on that.

[@sadiztiktristen8565]

I love how you added the Call of Duty music

[@wantdatcadpat44]

19:30 We gonna ignore the perfect music choices?! The fuckin Thunder Run music with the LAVs just hit close to home man that shit slaps

[@watermelonhead6525]

AHHAHA johnny sins as the cameo caught me so off guard. Great post Josh! I am trying to become an armoured officer, so this just added to my excitement.

[@Torikkaa]

Awesome video and clean ending. 😅

[@connormorgan6137]

Dude, thank you for enforcing me to become a Canadian Infanteer. I'm finsihing the recruitment process now and I'm so happy I stuck to my guns when the corporal at the office said we need cooks lol and I said nah, thanks, I wanna fully do it.

[@ekim7203]

Keep being great 💪

[@nullisecundus8131]

Nice to see some professional officers getting after it. I was at "Navy Days" in Victoria in the fall and was shocked at the deplorable level of dress and deportment within the CAF. Serving members, in uniform with earrings, mullets, goatees, ponytails etc. Hopefully the professionals in this video are able to set a new standard and to get the Forces back to their former splendor.

[@rafasgomesflorence]

Really nice video ! Thank you a lot ! Looking for enrolling as signals officer.

[@farisdoherty7075]

Loved how yall were wathing generation kill!

[@lauriea2971]

Congrats to u all for a job well done. CFB Gagetown in still my favourite base for training in Canada. I have done some training at gagetown. Ty for ur service and god bless u all

[@spectrumboy6103]

riding the LAVs looks so fun!!!!

[@JoshBortolotti]

It's an awesome vehicle!

[@starsiderelics9521]

Awesome video brother man

[@ralphwatt8752]

Well Done Guys "Onward "

[@TheManofTomorrow2013]

This should be a recruitment video! Shit is way better than the stuff the forces is using right now.

[@AdamKimball]

Subscribed for the outro.

[@l_e3eau]

Those shoutouts at the end 🔥

[@sovietgeneralartyom1459]

30 days until my life changes forever, I cant wait. This has been my dream since childhood.

[@wustenfuchs3285]

how goes it

[@hazmasterocks]

Man this training looks so cool, I'm trying to get in shape to join but I don't actually know what I want to apply for yet lol

[@JoshBortolotti]

Go to your nearest recruitment centre. Keep working out. You got this.

[@aidencunningham1142]

I knew that base looked familiar, I went to argonaut 3 times as an army cadet. It’s cool to see it’s used for more than cadets.

[@JoshBortolotti]

This was mostly because it was the height of COVID. Cadets weren't using it and it segregated us from the rest of the base.

[@manvirsingh5609]

Man the cameo aspect was so unexpected but amazing.

[@leafdude70]

Man, it's been over 20 years since I was 2 RCR, but shit this brought it all back. Pro Patria!

[@im2randomghgh]

When I was in Gagetown some of my friends were going through IPCP. At one point they got rained on, then it dropped below freezing for 36h, and during that whole time + while conducting exercises they weren't given any food or even water. Iirc about 1/4 of the course was lost to injuries/hypothermia during that time? This was the course that started in Summer 2021 My buddies Roop and Kim were on the 2020 course in the video!

[@iTsVipr]

Bravo Zulu Sir!

[@e-mazing6428]

This makes me miss the infantry, awesome video tho!

[@MATTHEW-qm1eo]

Interesting video! Thanks for sharing with us. Like to hear the CoD music haha

[@TS-yu5lj]

True North Strong and Free ! 🇨🇦 Love you boys I’ll be joining up soon

[@chrisbeaudoin5411]

03:51 Building M5, was home for 3 months while I was there for my MSE Op DP1 summer of 2021. Good memories 🤙🏻

[@JoshBortolotti]

Once you live there for 9 months the novelty wears off lol

[@jean-pierremaury6450]

@@JoshBortolotti great and amzing video Josh!!! Can you tell why only 60 will graduate among the 127 candidates? Why the 67 didn't? Also are you in the regular or in the reserve?

[@JoshBortolotti]

@Jean-Pierre maury Mental and Physical Resiliency is the main reason. And Reg Force.

[@ravet3254]

Where is my Quonset hut in Wainwright? Some scenes they seemed “gaggled” pretty close together.

[@chi_chai]

Sir you're a legend to me, wanting to join

[@cn4818]

Are those the new rucks? Cause I really wouldn't mind replacing my oversized CTS with that...

[@patrickturnbull6874]

They’re not good.

[@jeanpopa2900]

Bro that clip with Johnny Sins….. priceless

[@teezaos1517]

My goal is to join the infantry but I’m still debating on our infantry or navy since I live in British Columbia idk what’s the best choice

[@robprogrammer4549]

This video is awesome. I’m joining the CAF as they’ve just allowed PRs to join and I’m a huge fan of the historical Canadian Army. I’ve chosen some trades because of my age, I’m in my 30s, but I’d love to be an infantryman again. I served in the Brazilian Army as an infantryman, did a bunch of stuff, went to the police and then moved to Canada. I’m not sure if I’d be well accepted among the youngsters and that’s why I didn’t choose infantry right away. If anyone serving sees this comment, are there some older dudes who joined up as grunts who did well?

[@ShonKinsley]

Back in 2018 BMQ at St.Jean, some of my platoon members over 40's, doesn't much matter how old you are for selection but it matters how much your CFAT score you obtained when it comes to selection board. Also, since you were born outside Canada, your security clearance might take longer than others.

[@emilywhite1118]

EPIC!!

[@marcusaetius9309]

Good on you for partaking but if you have been following the news recently (CBC) you might have noticed that over 10% of the Canadian military are leaving service and a large percentage of those are NCOs and middle/junior officers. The numbers were already low. The feedback I have heard from buddies who have recently quit is that the CF is so highly politicized now to be near intolerable for anyone who has other options. It’s too bad, it used to be one of the best militaries in the world…😞

[@notlikely4468]

Well...back in my day I could live with the vow of poverty But the vow of celibacy stuff? Hard no.... "A libido is a terrible thing to waste"

[@KitoChee]

I'm with you on that man. I was part of that 10% leaving as of recently. I enjoyed the experience/some of the training, but now with the whole politicization including the fact that I had better options and things I was more passionate and dedicated for, I had to cut my losses. I'm hoping that if I get into armed security it would be a compromise. Still get to use guns, but closer to home and not having to deal with alot of politics :$

[@LeagueOfLegendsQc]

@@KitoChee Hey, I am on the fence on pursuing the position of infantryman or staying at university to become an elementary teacher, something that I am quite passionate about. You are providing valuable information. What do you mean by politicization?

[@KitoChee]

@@LeagueOfLegendsQc I mean that due to the way our government has become lately and that whatever our government says or stands by, we as soldiers naturally have to stand by it too and politics get mixed into our everyday training life even if we don’t agree with it or wanna be a part of it. Not to mention the fact that we are using a lot of age old equipment, a lot of it is far from up to date. And training is limited depending on your availability and commitment. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to do it, and at least get to experience the life of it and BMQ was something I wanted to push myself and my boundaries, made some new friends in addition, but as far as a long-term career, based on my commitments/other passions I was more dedicated about, it just wasn’t for me long term :/. I have more info on some of my gaming/airsoft channel: Magic Knives about my reasons for leaving etc. if you’re so interested.

[@jakescott6860]

Congratulations

[@thomasveil3827]

3:52 that was behind M-5 in Gagtown or i'll eat my shirt lol and someone said goodbye Argonaut. Was that camp Argonaut and where did all the new shacks come from? Havent been up there in a dozen years or so..

[@JoshBortolotti]

Yes. Yes. I don't know. It was there as of 2020.

[@craigsmith450]

Colt Canada makes a shorter barrelled rifle for room clearing, nice to see them in action with the green furniture.

[@JoshBortolotti]

We have the C8

[@craigsmith450]

@@JoshBortolotti IAM envious ,wish I had of taken the military career rather than my trade. In Canada unless your military or LEO your treated like a criminal if a firearm owner. Glad unfortunately I offed my sa20 ( civilian version of c7) if I remember correctly now it’s a benned rifle in Canada. It was the most reliable rifle I have owned. Colt Canada rifles are well known across the world and are sought after. Even Larry Vickers was smiling when he had a chance to shoulder one when he was visiting the Danish military. Good for you guys completing your course,hopefully some day we get a gov that supports our military and starts funding it properly.Thanks !

[@mikemiche9484]

The call of duty soundtrack is perfect

[@CanadianPhinsFan853]

Best job in the world.

[@Danno04_9]

I can't wait to get to do this shit when I'm older

[@jsthecanuck6804]

3:30 holy shit that was my platoon captain for DP1 0096 Liri Valley platoon

[@arshdeepgill7068]

Hey man, just wondering what kind of unissued kit (eg, boots, rucks, nice to have kit) would you recommend for a course like this? Also any tips for getting better at receiving and giving orders (the sheer amount of information for orders seems daunting)?

[@JoshBortolotti]

When it comes to kit, it depends on course staff and personal preference. It would take a while for me to explain it, perhaps in a future video. Laminated cheet sheets to do orders. Honestly, when the time comes, ypu will be able to learn, adapt, and overcome. That's the sole purpose of these courses.

[@rainbow_tactician]

I was not expecting the ending jesus..

[@kuttz12]

Just remember "Always listen to your platoon sgt" 😂 congrats

[@hitman-sl2dc]

do all infantry officers do AFFRSO or only ones going into positions within an armored unit?

[@johncocksmith2693]

I did DP1.1 in 2015... rough time haha. Still way better than CAP lmao.

[@SoundDr]

Hey josh, do you have any suggestions on if someone should go NCM infantry or Infantry officer? What are the pros cons and differences? Thanks.

[@NotJackAlderson]

Lool when you have more officers than NCM’s so you get officers to do ground troop stuff. That’s awesome though. Now officers know what their troops go through

[@SlavCo-INC]

I currently waiting to do my Cfat exam does anyone know if they still quarantine you when arriving at reception for BMQ and if so for how long

[@BLOCKXTER]

That was so fucking sick. Good job man

[@DeathRidesapalehorse-hj7hj]

Supaman all the way!

[@landrynassarah4657]

What kind of camera do you use? Just your phone or a Go pro? Can I use a Go pro during my BMOQ? I’m starting next week

[@JoshBortolotti]

BMOQ? Probably not. I wasn't allowed to record any actual training. Infantry Phase training is different. I use both my phone and a go pro.

[@kenc9236]

Do we still cut a shell scape with our helmets?