Canadian recruiters are incompetent

[mdh]

Argyll Recruiting is right on this - the CFRC can sometimes be an issue but that shouldn't matter.   Be persistent and follow up, it's up to you to make your career happen, if you are determined not to take a non-response or a bureaucratic hiccup for an answer, then it's the first step in making you a better leader.

PS Argyll_Recruiting - are you making quota?

 

[Da_man]

Yeah what a bunch of morons. They lost the RAMQ card when i did my interview.  When i called back the lady on the phone almost told me to fuck off.

 

[Tracker]

Yes, we've all had tough times with CFRC.

But, if you still want to be an Officer with the PPCLI, all you need to do is apply as a DEO when you have a degree in hand.

And, it doesn't matter what degree you have, or what sort of high school credits you have, all you need is the degree.

When you go to CFRC, make sure you speak to the RECRUITING OFFICER and not the folks out front, as they are often just there marking time until their next tasking.

I'll call you on this one argyll.  The ones you shouldn't talk to are the class b recruiters because the don't know s**t about the Regular Force, they are usually marking time until something better comes along.  I doubt that you'll ever talk to a Recruiting Officer at any CFRC unless they are doing your interview or the enrolling you.  If you are interested in the Reserves, talk to a Reservist, they have part time experience.  If you are interested in the Regular Force, talk to a Regular, they have full time experience.

 

[beach_bum]

Whoa!!!!!  Easy there!  In every centre, unit, base etc there are good and bad.  Doesn't matter if they are Reg F or Res F.  Just as in every recruiting centre there are good and bad.  Trying to talk to a MCC (one of the 'recruiting officers') is not always possible.  They are busy trying to conduct interviews etc.  Yes, the recruiters might not have all the answers, they could be newly posted in, or the lastest info may not have been passed on.  That's life.  Doesn't matter where you are, that is reality.  Your best move is to watch the videos, read the information, and talk to a recruiter.  Try asking them if someone at that centre is in the trade you are looking at, or at least is within that field, ie army, navy or airforce.  Yes, you may still get some wrong information, but that is your best bet.  Remember that one day.....you could be posted to a recruiting centre.

 

[humint]

My point was that, and this is typical at CFRCs, the 2Lt or OCdt at the front desk is not a "recruiting officer" per se, but rather a person who has picked up the tasking while awaiting training.

Therefore, s/he would likely not have all the answers one may be looking for.

As stated, it is best to seek out the Recruiting Officer or Recruiting NCO, as they are properly trained in recruitment and are more familiar with the material, entry requirements, etc.

I was suggesting a Recruiting Officer for the above mentioned pers, primarily because he was interested in becoming an officer -- that said, he might as well try to meet with the Rcrtng Offr ASAP, so that he can open communication with him/her and develop a positive relationship.

 

[Jarnhamar]

Just made a surprise visit to the recruiting center.

I called and asked about my file, i was told I'd get a call back that day. No call days later so i dropped in for a visit.

No file there.  My paper work was supposed to be sent in 4 months ago. I think thats enough time to even put it in the computer.  If it's "lost" that will be the 4th time my component transfer has been lost or thrown out.

My buddy put his transfer in 5 months ago and is in the PPCLI now, I'm going to miss the sept 15th selection bored or whatever because my stuff was misplaced and if I'm lucky, there *might* be a selection board in January (Though it may not be for my trade).
I'm going to have fun trying to get courses or class B taskings when my regiment knows im going full time. (Though i wouldn't waste courses on someone in that case either)
Awesome.

If any recruiters are reading this I respect the fact that you have a huge work load and I know you guys deal with a lot of slugs wasting your time but honestly this stuff shouldn't be happening. If *I* lost important paperwork I'm fairly confident that I would be charged.

Guys reading this who are waiting to hear back from the army, keep harassing them. Call them every little bit and check on your stuffs progress. If your near the city with the recruiting center, drop in and check things out.  Trusting the chain of command is one thing guys but you need to fend for yourself when it comes to this stuff. Don't be like me and trust that everything will go smoothly or you'll end up left out in the cold.

 

[Spr.Earl]

Don't blame the recruiter blame the system.

I have buddy of mine who works in Van. and they do try but it's the system that is the major block.
He's just waiting to be posted back to a Reg.,  he can't handle all the calls and trying to explain the whys and what for's.

Just have patience.

 

[Jarnhamar]

Your right  Spr Earl.  I'm not dumping all the blame on the recruiters though I still feel some of them are a part of them problem. As are the regiment BORs who sometimes don't do their job properly OR the soldiers who get lazy and just expect things to be done for them (ME). As you said, the whole system is the problem. Talking to some friends theres guys in holding platoons for over 6 months. Some of them have been waiting for their courses for over a year! What a waste of defense budget. Paying untrained soldiers to sit on their ass all day, for a year.

I don't have any good advice on how to improve the system but I still think it needs to really take a look at how they do things. Being able to finish a 3 year contract before you even become a qualified soldier isn't only a joke it's a complete waste of funds that are needed else where.

 

[Bograt]

I'll add my 2 cents, for what it is worth. The recruitment office that has been working my file has been and continues to be absolutely excellent. Things have happened very quickly for me from the interviews and medicals to physicals and ACS. Unfortunately I know that this is probably the exception. While I was at ACS, the candidates talk over a beer how long it took and some of the problems that they faced getting to where I was. On average it took someone 18-20 months to get to ACS. For me it took 6-8 weeks.

I "dropped" into a recruiting center in St. John's a year ago while I was doing my PPL. I met with a Airforce Captain (only airforce guy I have ever met who wore a beard) who told me that I shouldn't get my hopes up, that the CF wasn't looking for pilots (at the time they were 260 short) and that I had a lot going against me because of my age (at the time I was 30). My brother in law had to deal with this bunch of yahoos as he tried to get in as a Air weapons controller. They gave him a wrong date for interview, and later missed a board deadline because the CFRC people didn't send in his medical. He complained about the delay, and was later told that he didn't have the necessary leadership experience for a DEO. He had to be re-interviewed (this time in Halifax- because he moved to find work) and was recommended. I don't understand- people are willing to give their professional lives to serving this country yet they are treated like files. I wonder how many people have been turned off the Forces based on their experience with CFRC?

I made sure I thanked the folks in my CFRC, but unfortunately I think they are the exception. From what I understand the recruiting folks are at arms length to the regular service branches and there is little accountability. Thank God I dealt with the people I did- they are enabling me to live my dream- unfortunately other CFRC offices are would have "woke me up".

Cheers,

 

[Tracker]

I've been in Recruiting for four years years now and I've never heard of an "air weapons controller"  Remember that a story or complaint has three sides, your side, my side and the truth. 

Unfortunatly it is hard to man CFRC's with the right kind of people, some people are there because they need a break from operational units, some people are there because they have been put out to pasture and some are there because they want to be.  Some take pride in their work and some don't.  If you don't think you are being treated fairly you can ask to speak to the next level of supervisor.  If you still feel that you are not being treated properly you can contact your member of parliment who will investigate.  Record names of the people you speak with and the date and times of these conversations.  An inquiry will go nowhere without you being able to identify the people you tlked to.

 

[Pieman]

My experience with the CFRC Calgary has been very good so far. (knock on wood) One thing they have once you get you application in is a person designated as a 'File Manager'. This one person is responsible for pushing your file through the system, will set up dates, and handle any problems you may have. If you have a specific question about your application, you have to talk to this person.   Do the other recruiting centers have this system? Having a file manager makes me feel secure that it is very unlikely that my file will ever be lost or misplaced as there is only one person responsible for it.

Mind you, I say it has been 'good' in the sense that nothing crazy happened to me, like my file getting lost. I think almost everyone here would agree that the system itself is slow, inefficient, and is in dire need of a make over.

Don't blame the recruiter blame the system.

What is preventing changes? Is the CFRC not allowed to reorganize itself?

 

[Private Jimbo]

If any of you say that recruiting is good, just take a walk on down to Vancouver... you'll have nightmares after your visit.  The whole process in the vancouver is shit.  I personally say that we should all join cadets.. Its way easier to get in, and they give you newer clothing to start with

 

[Garbageman]

I've been in Recruiting for four years years now and I've never heard of an "air weapons controller"   Remember that a story or complaint has three sides, your side, my side and the truth.  

Air Weapons Controller and Air Traffic Control Officer used to be two different MOCs, which were combined into one Aerospace Control (officer) trade.  This would have been at least 6 years ago, so please try to keep in mind that people can be referring to things that happened some time ago.

 

[Bograt]

I've been in Recruiting for four years years now and I've never heard of an "air weapons controller"   Remember that a story or complaint has three sides, your side, my side and the truth.  

Directly from the recruiting website: http://www.recruiting.forces.ca/engraph/airforce/jobs_e.aspx
The primary role of an Aerospace Controller (AEC) is to contribute to air operations by providing Air Traffic Control Services and Air Weapons Control. AECs take on a multitude of operational and staff challenges that can take them across Canada and around the world. Tasks range from controlling air traffic at one of the many airbases throughout Canada or, as part of an international peacekeeping force on the ground, to controlling multinational air operations. Challenging staff and command positions are also available in high profile places in Canada, the United States and Europe.

I understand your comment regarding three sides. I hope you now apappreciate there are cracks within some CFRC Centers. Like I originally said, my CFRC office was outstanding, but others I am aware off are less exemplary- and I am sure you will agree regardless of ones performace or experience there is always something to improve upon or learn.

 

[winchable]

Aerospace Controller (AEC)

Thought the job description may be the same,
The names are noticeably different.

 

[Bograt]

I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to Tracker for my earlier rebuttal. I am sure it is difficult to keep track of all the names and jobs within the CF- and whatever criticism I present is purely hearsay. I do know that my experience with CFRC has been and continues to be fantastic.

I have read some of the other posts presented by the starter of this thread and I am uncomfortable speaking on this topic anymore. Again my apologies and thanks for serving.

Cheers,

 

[Scott]

I call for a lock, I don't see this going anywhere. The very title of this thread is inflammatory and I think three pages is more than enough bandwith wasted especially since no new information is coming to light.

 

[Michael Dorosh]

If any of you say that recruiting is good, just take a walk on down to Vancouver... you'll have nightmares after your visit.   The whole process in the vancouver is shit.   I personally say that we should all join cadets.. Its way easier to get in, and they give you newer clothing to start with

Thanks so much for the insightful comments.  Locking this up.  Have fun in Cadets.