OK- first of all, in order to avoid being slapped around by the admins and others here, let me preface this with stating that I have spent a fair bit of time (I’m talking quite a few hours) on this site over the last year getting a ton of pertinent info re the military life, preparing for boot camp, and on and on. This is a hell of a resource, and I have a great deal of appreciation for the webmaster and other people who are responsible for keeping this site up.
I honestly mean the above. Now I’m pretty sure that I’m a bit of a unique case, so I’m going to ask a pointed question. My reason for the question is that I’m really apprehensive about my future.
I turn 49 in July. That’s FORTY-NINE. A year ago, after becoming a Canadian citizen, my wife (mah little Maple Leaf!) suggested that I put my hard earned (30 years in the making) BA to something more useful than working in a call centre in Kingston, and consider the Canadian Forces as a career.
She put up with my ‘tut-tut’s. She tolerated my “are you crazy”? And she showed me a ton of stuff online about this organization that frankly took my breath away.
Cypress.
Bosnia.
Uganda.
Are just a few of the places where an incredible group of people have worked. What an extraordinary organization. (And I’m being quite objective here, not too starry eyed).
I tried to convince her that:
1/ I’m too old. They won’t even look at me.
2/ I got baaad teeth.
3/ I came to Canada from the U- frikkin’ SA. NO WAY they’ll look at me.
She pish tushed my tut tuts and told me to talk to a recruiter.
I did.
And he told me to apply.
I did.
Then they told me to come in for tests.
I did.
Half of my group flunked the CFAT.
I passed.
Half of us left flunked the Medical Exam.
I passed. (Had to go and get an special Old Fart Medical in addition, and passed that too.)
Out of the original group of 8, two of us got interviews. I was told at the conclusion that I was suitable and to WAIT.
I waited a year, called my recruiter and had to change my MO because Logistics Air Force is wayyyy too competitive. (I was warned at my interview). So I changed it up to AEC.
Two weeks later, shoot, two weeks ago, I GOT THE CALL!!!!!
Aug 26, St Jean- IAP/BOTC.
Here’s the thing:
I’m scared to death. No fooling. I’ve read all I can about the fitness, and I’ve been running. If I was looking at me while I run it would be with amused pity I think. But I’m running. I have read and taken to heart a hell of a post on running and fitness here on the board and it’s been a tremendous help. The situps, push up and so forth requirements I got down already (yeah, I’m a Greek God- NOT!) but the running’s a challenge I’m chipping away at.
My question: at 49 I’m going to be pushing the envelope. Has anyone over 45 ever gotten thru Boot Camp? I’m not worried about the academics as much as the physical demands. I don’t know if an average guy can do this. Without getting into too much detail, suffice it to say that I am well and truly prepared to submit to training as a cadet/candidate and learn as much as I can. I’m aware of the **ahem** human side of large organizations and the difficulties that I’ll encounter in moulding myself into a military oriented mindset. I’m mostly concerned with the funny looks people my age give me when I tell them what I’m doing.
My Little Maple Leaf (ex Air Force brat and ex CF member) is convinced I can do this. Frankly, she’s biased ;D.
All I’m looking for is other Silver Foxes that have done this. Because in this respect I feel kinda alone out here.
(Okay, I've written this, proof read this, and I'm gonna post. Let the chips fall where they may)
I honestly mean the above. Now I’m pretty sure that I’m a bit of a unique case, so I’m going to ask a pointed question. My reason for the question is that I’m really apprehensive about my future.
I turn 49 in July. That’s FORTY-NINE. A year ago, after becoming a Canadian citizen, my wife (mah little Maple Leaf!) suggested that I put my hard earned (30 years in the making) BA to something more useful than working in a call centre in Kingston, and consider the Canadian Forces as a career.
She put up with my ‘tut-tut’s. She tolerated my “are you crazy”? And she showed me a ton of stuff online about this organization that frankly took my breath away.
Cypress.
Bosnia.
Uganda.
Are just a few of the places where an incredible group of people have worked. What an extraordinary organization. (And I’m being quite objective here, not too starry eyed).
I tried to convince her that:
1/ I’m too old. They won’t even look at me.
2/ I got baaad teeth.
3/ I came to Canada from the U- frikkin’ SA. NO WAY they’ll look at me.
She pish tushed my tut tuts and told me to talk to a recruiter.
I did.
And he told me to apply.
I did.
Then they told me to come in for tests.
I did.
Half of my group flunked the CFAT.
I passed.
Half of us left flunked the Medical Exam.
I passed. (Had to go and get an special Old Fart Medical in addition, and passed that too.)
Out of the original group of 8, two of us got interviews. I was told at the conclusion that I was suitable and to WAIT.
I waited a year, called my recruiter and had to change my MO because Logistics Air Force is wayyyy too competitive. (I was warned at my interview). So I changed it up to AEC.
Two weeks later, shoot, two weeks ago, I GOT THE CALL!!!!!
Aug 26, St Jean- IAP/BOTC.
Here’s the thing:
I’m scared to death. No fooling. I’ve read all I can about the fitness, and I’ve been running. If I was looking at me while I run it would be with amused pity I think. But I’m running. I have read and taken to heart a hell of a post on running and fitness here on the board and it’s been a tremendous help. The situps, push up and so forth requirements I got down already (yeah, I’m a Greek God- NOT!) but the running’s a challenge I’m chipping away at.
My question: at 49 I’m going to be pushing the envelope. Has anyone over 45 ever gotten thru Boot Camp? I’m not worried about the academics as much as the physical demands. I don’t know if an average guy can do this. Without getting into too much detail, suffice it to say that I am well and truly prepared to submit to training as a cadet/candidate and learn as much as I can. I’m aware of the **ahem** human side of large organizations and the difficulties that I’ll encounter in moulding myself into a military oriented mindset. I’m mostly concerned with the funny looks people my age give me when I tell them what I’m doing.
My Little Maple Leaf (ex Air Force brat and ex CF member) is convinced I can do this. Frankly, she’s biased ;D.
All I’m looking for is other Silver Foxes that have done this. Because in this respect I feel kinda alone out here.
(Okay, I've written this, proof read this, and I'm gonna post. Let the chips fall where they may)