Help me develop a plan of action in becoming a pilot

[FutureAce]

Hey everyone I'm new to the forums and have been thinking for some time now about joining the military. I've wanted to join ever since I was a kid, despite the fact my family was always against me when it came to this which led to me constantly re-evaluating my desire to join the military. Now that I've grown older I feel like I'm a strong enough not to give a crap what anyone thinks anymore, the physical training that I put myself through everyday to get more fit and strong is a reflection of my desire to be in the military, more specifically as a pilot. It's all I think about in my day-to-day life. I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes thinking "another pilot thread" or "does he even know what he's getting into", but to tell you the truth, I can honestly see myself as a pilot in the future. The vision that I have makes me feel like I have to achieve it no matter what. With that being said, I just have a couple general questions in addition to my main topic question. I've aalready read the recruiting FAQ, but am still confused about some things, namely ROTP.

1)When it comes to ROTP, I just want to know how would it work in regards to IAP,BOTC, & SLT if I'm still in school. What if I finish IAP & BOTC before completing my degree, do you go straight into your MOC training for flight training or do you have to wait, say 2 years (if thats the amount of years you have left until completion) until the degree is done before doing that? Also I've read that SLT can be several months long, wouldn't that cut into the school year after summer is over, or would you finish up the course the following summer?

2)Should I apply right away for ROTP?? Reason I'm asking is that someone said on this forum that slots for pilot are few, so I just want to know how will I know if I'm ready to apply for ROTP?? I was thinking of trying to boost my GPA to atleast a 3.3 since I'm at a 2.5 at the moment, before applying. I'm almost done my first year of my degree.

3)Does one really need a degree in engineering to qualify?? It says on the forces jobs site that any degree is alright, but I alot of applicants seem to have degrees in science.  I'm currently doing my degree in political science.

4)lastly, this relates to my main question, how can I make myself into better candidate for selection? I don't want to fail no matter what. So far i've been getting in good shape, focusing on my school work alot more then before, and reading books on canadian military history, aviation, and leadership. I'm kind of stumped in regards to volunteer work though. What kind of volunteer work can I do that is related to this career choice? Finally, does anyone know of a leadership course i can take in B.C? Is it necessary, because someone told me that taking a course in military leadership could do alot in improving my application.

Thanks, I know it seems like alot but I would appreciate if I could get some answers, especially with the last question(s).

 

[George Wallace]

WOW!  Just Wow!  Have you read this yet, Army.ca Conduct Guidelines, and then looked at any of the topics here at all, perhaps this one as a start: Recriting Forum FAQs - Please Read before Posting.

 

[brihard]

Volunteer work need not apply to your intended profession. That's not the point. The point is to demonstrate a commitment to service without personal gain.

Your marks need work. Pilot is extremely competitive. A degree in Poli Sci will almost certainly not be as competitive as a degree in something like engineering, and your marks certainly don't stand out.

*If* you succeed, be prepared for a long wait. I've got a buddy - former reservist in the infantry - who has been in the pipeline at least three years now as an air force officer cadet in the pilot trade. He's STILL waiting for basic flight training, and this is after completing a degree in aerospace engineering.

You are not the only person with a life long dream of becoming a pilot in the C.F. You have a hell of a lot of hard work, waiting, and frustration ahead of you, none of which guarantees you anything.

 

[hockey2010]

Like everyone has said, the pilot trade is very competitive, so make sure you have a couple of backup trades.

1. It is not called IAP/BOTC anymore, it is called BMOQ (Basic Military Officer Qualification). And you would do your military training during the summer months after each school year.

2. Yes apply right now as the deadline is sometime this month for next school year. The sooner you have your paperwork in the sooner you can get your CFAT, medical, and interview done.

3. No you do not need an engineering degree for pilot. If you like political science stick with as you will probably do better academically if you like the degree you are in.

4. Volunteer in something that you enjoy, it doesn't have to be pilot related.

Anyway, good luck.