There are a few things that stand out in this Canadian Forces–style recruitment picture that look off or “wrong” to someone with a military/field background:
1. Weapon Handling - The rifle is being carried with a finger inside the trigger guard, which is a major safety violation. In all NATO armies, proper handling dictates finger straight and off the trigger unless actively firing.
- The muzzle is pointed at a downward but not entirely safe angle; in training or promo shots, more discipline would normally be shown.
2. Gear & Loadout - The person has a huge rucksack with camping rolls strapped in a way that looks bulky and impractical. In reality, loads are tightened down much more securely for amphibious/river operations to avoid snagging and imbalance.
- A foam sleeping mat is exposed on the outside — during real operations this would soak up water immediately, adding unnecessary weight.
- The flotation or life jacket (orange tabs visible) appears misplaced or redundant given the wetsuit.
3. Cosmetics vs. Practicality - Camouflage paint is smeared loosely, almost like a photo op, not the proper patterned application designed to break up facial features.
- Tattoo on the hand/fingers is visible — Canadian Forces permit tattoos, but in recruitment photos they usually minimize focus on personal body art so the emphasis is on uniformity and professionalism.
4. Stage-Managed Look - The individual looks like they’ve been placed in a “badass emerging from the water” pose for the camera rather than in the middle of realistic movement. In actual crossing drills, the weapon is often held higher and drier, or carried slung muzzle-up.
5. General Mismatch - The mix of wetsuit, field pack, and rifle looks like several kit types mashed together — more like a promotional or staged shot than what a real Canadian special operations candidate would wear in the field. Amphibious operations normally involve dry bags, stripped gear, and waterproofed essentials — not a full ruck strapped in a way guaranteed to soak everything.
In short:
The biggest practical issues are trigger discipline, poorly secured loadout, and impractical gear arrangement. The picture feels more like a recruitment “action shot” for PR than a realistic depiction of Canadian soldiers in the field.
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