If you are looking for information on those occupations there is plenty of info on the forces.ca site, watch the videos and read the different tabs. That being said if you've got questions still post specific questions.
Those two are also my occupations of choice so I've got a couple of questions for anyone who can answer
1. This is an unrelated question but how fast do you move through the ranks? I think you start out as 2nd Lieutenant, could you perhaps provide a timeline?
I'm an AERE. I can answer based on that, not in regards to CELE. How fast you "move through the ranks" depends on many different factors. 2Lt to Lt to Capt is automatic. Do some research. You'll figure this out. Capt to Major is longer. Average time is about 8 years, but again this depends on many different factors.
2. What kind of responsibilities will you get for AERE and CELE? I know the general stuff they've got on the website but more specifically, on other threads they've listed position names but I don't know what they mean.
AERE can do many different jobs. That's what I love about this occupation. So far in my career I've been at two operational units, taught my trade, been posted to Ottawa, and doing a Master's degree. The AERE trade is the best, by far, about doing your Master's degree (in many different options). AEREs, like any officer, are leaders first and foremost (at least that's my opinion). As a Lt I was responsible for over 150 people at a very busy operational unit. I've been deployed to Afghanistan and countless operational "mini-deployments", G8, Olympics, etc. Lots of fun.
3. I read that anywhere there are planes there will be an AERE officer, could I possibly choose to go on a deployment with the navy? Just one deployment because the navy life seems awesome but not permanently (cause of constant deployments), what chance would I have of doing that?
Yes, where there are operational units, there will be AEREs. However, they don't always deploy when the aircraft deploy. This depends on many factors, mainly how many aircraft are deploying and for how long. Yes, I have friends who have been posted to Sea King units and have done some time at sea. How many times you deploy is NOT up to you. You would serve in the military. It's not pick and choose. However, as an AERE it is not a case of "constant" deployments.
4. If I were to choose to leave the CF how do these 2 occupations "rank" in the civilian world? Both of these occupations are awesome but based on my experience with the CF which one would be "better"?
This is a very general question. A lot of AEREs end up getting jobs with companies that they have worked alongside during their career, but this is usually after 20 plus years of service. It's not usually a case of doing 5 years and then expecting an amazing job after that based on only 5 years of service.
I might ask more questions later on if people who've got answers are around.
Thank You,