Confused about the whole officer thing

[johnny_boy]

Ok, I was just sworn into 3 Int Coy in Halifax. So, I'll be in the reserves and going to school working towards a Commerce degree. Now, I know I am private recruit right now. Anyways, a lot of people have been saying "Why didn't you join as an Officer if you are going for a degree?" And I say "I dunno."

How does this work, I know the difference between Officers and NCMs but what are the qualifications to be an Officer? Is it possible for me to switch eventually? And if this makes any difference I don't plan on going Reg (but who knows, I can't predict the future).

 

[Redeye]

Ok, I was just sworn into 3 Int Coy in Halifax. So, I'll be in the reserves and going to school working towards a Commerce degree. Now, I know I am private recruit right now. Anyways, a lot of people have been saying "Why didn't you join as an Officer if you are going for a degree?" And I say "I dunno."

How does this work, I know the difference between Officers and NCMs but what are the qualifications to be an Officer? Is it possible for me to switch eventually? And if this makes any difference I don't plan on going Reg (but who knows, I can't predict the future).

As long as you are working toward a degree you could become an officer, though I don't know if that's possible in Int - because their officer selection requirements are a little different.  If you are considered to be a good officer candidate, you may well be offered the opportunity to commission from the ranks later in your career.

 

[chrisf]

Well, do you want to be an officer? If not, then don't be an officer. Just because you CAN be an officer is not justification to BE an officer, unless you're dedicated and motivated, please, don't waste everyones time.

How do you know if you want to be an officer? I don't know EXACTLY, as I'm not an officer, and don't have the motivation to become one (I am working towards a degree, and as such, COULD be an officer cadet right now... on the other hand, while I am interested in leadership, I'm more interested in small scale leadership, NCO type leadership).

As far as staying NCM vs going officer? For now, if you don't know what you want, stay NCM... if you decide to want to stay NCM, then you get to stay NCM (Hard to get rid of a commission once you have one), and if you decide you want to become an officer, then you are able, and you also have the added advantage of first-hand understanding of how the day to day functions of your trade are conducted.

 

[NavyGrunt]

In the Navy we have officer cadet. You take it while you getting your degree. I believe you get paid less though. NOT SURE. Ask your unit they'll have everything you need. You get called sir but you don't get the salute. No commision.

 

[McG]

... I am private recruit right now. Anyways, a lot of people have been saying "Why didn't you join as an Officer if you are going for a degree?" ...
... Is it possible for me to switch eventually? ...

Yes.

In the regular force it is called the Special Commissioning Plan, but I do not know if there is a particular name for it in the reserves.  If you want to make the switch, write a memo to your chain of command.  The screening is done by your unit and a local BPSO.  CFRC tests are now common for Officer & NCM applicants.  Provided you met the standard for officers, you would not have to rewrite that test.  Current fitness and medical tests may be required.

 

[Neill McKay]

I would think that it's relatively easy for a qualified reserve NCM to become an officer, if only because it's easy to release from the reserve force.   If your unit is happy with you, and supports having you as an officer, releasing and reapplying may be a simpler option than remustering or going through whatever progarmme might be necessary in the reg. force.


(Moderator edit: The perception that releasing and starting over at the Recruiting Centre will be faster is an Urban Myth. The part of the Recruiting/Component Transfer process that takes a Reservist extra time is the Verification of Former Service (VFS). The VFS is necessary for both serving and released Reserve (or re-enrolling ex-Regular) personnel. The fact that some civilians complete the processing faster than some reservists requiring the VFS DOES NOT mean that releasing first will speed up the process. - M. O'Leary)

 

[Jarnhamar]

I've heard that a lot.
Man why didn't you become an officer. you should go officer. You should let them put you through school to be an officer, how come you didn't go. I always answer "Because I didn't want to"
You don't HAVE to be an officer. Having a degree doesn't mean you can't be a "troop". Privates play just as an important role in the military as a lieutenant does.  Some people just aren't suited to being an officer, it doesn't mean your any less of a man or soldier. Do whatever YOU want to do.

 

[Michael OLeary]

johhny_boy,

For now I would recommend staying on your current path. As you work your way through BMQ you will gain a better understanding of the respective roles of officers and soldiers in your unit. Then, if the idea of pursuing your commission seems like a good idea, start by asking to speak with your Platoon Commander to learn more about what he does. Tell him you are interested in possibly requesting consideration for officer training and he will provide information from a unit officer's point of view that will help with your decision.

 

[humint]

Here's my two-cents.

1. It is easy to CFR (commission from the ranks) at a later time. Depending on your unit, it may take between three to six months. Please note that you will go through the regular officer interviews and boarding procedure as a DEO, but you don't have to re-apply through the Recruiting Centre -- meaning, you do it at your unit, and through the chain-of-command. Basically, you start off by informing your seciotn commander, and then it works its way up.

2. Releasing from the ResF and then re-applying is a pain in the @ss. Don't do it, as a VFR can take months, even years to complete. Just do number 1.

3. It is up to you if you want to be an officer. There's good and bad to both career paths. I can talk all day about why I became an officer, but that's off little consequence. Basically, it is up to you.

This may help shed some light on that decision making: http://www.sentex.net/argylls/p_ncm_officer.html

4. Now, since you are already enrolled as an NCM, my suggestion is to remain an NCM, get some experience of your trade under your belt, get to know the troops (whom you may lead in the future), and then (if it is of interest) CFR later on. You never know, you just might love the hands-on of being an NCM and will remain in the ranks.

5. There are two programs for officer applicants currently in university/college -- you would either qualify under OCTP or RESO. You would normally come into a unit as an OCdt, and then, once you complete BMOQ and CAP-R, you would be promoted to 2Lt.

Of course, this is entirely at the discretion of the CO.

Hope this helps.