Brit wishing to join the CF

[G2Monkey]

This is my first post here, after reading through a few fairly old threads on Brits joining the CF.

I'm currently serving in the British Army and I'm looking to join the Canadian Forces, hopefully into the Int Op trade, which is I what I do at the moment.

I've written my letter to apply for a citizenship waiver, and I've completed my CV.  Hopefully soon they'll be winging their way across to CFRG to get the 'okay'.

I do have a few queries though, as I have heard of many people transferring to the Australian and New Zealand Armies, but none to the Canadian.  I'm really after the general picture as I've had no reply from CFRG yet, but basically I'd like to know what would happen after a successful waiver application, and what kind of training I would have to undertake etc.

Your help is appreciated, and hopefully there are a few good brains out there that I can pick!

Cheers,

Mike

 

[Scoobie Newbie]

There is at least one Brit on here that came to the CF.  Let me see if I can dig up his name.

 

[Scoobie Newbie]

Here he is.  Towards_the_gap

PM him and he may be able to help.

 

[G2Monkey]

Thanks Quagmire, I'll give it a go 

 

[Scoobie Newbie]

No worries

 

[medaid]

I wish we grant waivers more often, however, seeing as you will be applying to a sensitive trade it may not receive a go ahead. Ot being able to doa background on you to establish trustworthiness as a Canadian citizen I don't see this one flying. Doesn't mean it may not, however chances may be slim. Best of luck though!

 

[Scoobie Newbie]

Could he not sign up for another trade and then OT

 

[medaid]

Quite possibly, but clearance criterium is all the same. So if they know he can't get clearance because of time and citizenship as factors then they would more then likely deny the OT until he's met the requirements for both citizenship and clearance.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Best of luck G2 Monkey. It can be a very long a frustrating process for some, I'm afraid.

One of the big problems is getting equivalencies for your British courses once they start to process your application. Assume success and make sure that now you make sure you scrape together every qualification certificate, course report, confidential report, course photo etc that you can get your hands on to prepare yourself for the ordeal. Also, before I left the Paras, I asked several of my old bosses for letters of reference. This really helped out alot as it gave me a third party description of what I had done in a format that was easier to understand than a confidential report. Before they write the letter though, give them a steer on what you'd like them to put in the letter. You could also start compiling a 'competency based' description of your military career in the UK that would help the decision makers in Ottawa figure out what they should offer you. Don't assume that they know what you're talking about when you give them the info on your courses or service record. For example: "Completed roulement tour in Belfast" becomes "Participated in 3 months work up training for COIN Ops in urban areas (describe NITAT training), deployed to one of the three TAORs in NI with the highest amount of terrorist activity for five months where I led a section (no one in Canada knows what a brick or multiple is) etc etc 

Despite your qualifications and background, be prepared to be offered something below your current rank and pay level. Don't take it personally, and decide now what you would do if that happens so you are prepared. I know of two guys who transferred to the CF from the UK who would be Lt Col/ Full Col by now in the UK, at least, but who are stuck at Major. They don't care that much apparently as the pay and benefits are so good compared to Blighty.

Anyways, feel free to PM me if you think I can help further.

Cheers,

D&B

 

[jacksparrow]

Good luck to the OP, hope you get the good news mate! I wasn't in the forces bck in blighty, but just got offered a CELE officer position in the air force after becoming a citizen last year.