Hello
The reason why they want you to join is because the trade is short of exp people(in the trade sense as a skilled journey-man), the reason you will be a Cpl is because as to the trade standard on civilian street, it is comparable in the mind of the military to how long and money invested in the normal soldier who joins as a private until he becomes a cpl. Some trades (journey-man/ specialist) and most do if you meet the requirement get a bonus for joining. I totally disagree with this (this has nothing to do with you wanting to join, it is a govt problem) everyday we loose good soldiers that want to take their component transfer because they are tired of no promotions, endless operations and no time to educate themselves. I had this discussion with the ombudsman when he visited last, I blasted him for this and told him that I was losing good soldiers to component transfers and I was not discourging them as they need an education once they retire. Yes there is money to go to school but in a combat arms, operational unit, FORGET IT! I would rather see the money go to the Cpl as a signing bonus to stay in one of the combat arms trades, we need them and they are the future leaders of the army and as eluded to you would have to do the SQ course, I can tell you that trade wise you will be on the same level as your peers but as far as experience or operations, I'll take the 2 year private. Again this is not pointed to discourage you, but I'm getting a little tired of the politicians deciding what is good for the army, let the army decide. I hope this helps you and as I stated don't be discourged by this, but with my experience I know this is a touchy subject within the regular force.
TANKS