Is Infantry currently recruiting?

[BoldEagle]

Good Evening,

I was wondering if now is a good time to file in my application or should I wait until the 3rd of September? I initially aimed for ROTP into Air Navigation and due to my late date of submission (March 30th 2011) they told me that they will keep my application on file but that I should come back around September 3rd to rewrite and resubmit the ROTP form. Now I have had time to ponder upon my initial decision and decided that I'd be more suitable to just start at the bottom as a cannon fodder in infantry (That also being a quicker entry into the disciplined duty). Thing is, it seems the army's need for infantry is being exhausted as the Afghanistan campaign is pretty much over now. Do I have a chance? I'm highly competitive, have BCIT diploma and such with over 6 years in management positions in different civil sector (all irrelevant in army enviroment I know, but experience such as teamwork, management, project planing and execution etc. could be counted as viable) I'm 27 and I'm at 175lb currently preparing myself physically. I don't care about money, luxury or any life's comforts but I do value honor, teamwork and ever-changing enviroment. I'd like to pay my dues to Canada and serve for three years with The Royal 22eRégiment and possibly also learn French. Is that currently a possibility for myself?

Now I have another a little bit different question in regards of the general view of French Foreign Legion in CAF? The reason for that question is that upon successfully completing my 3 year service I was thinking of serving 5 years with the legion as it's in my personal wish to honor France for bringing my former homeland back into existence when it disappeared from the maps. However I'd like to come back serving Canada after my FFL tour (If I survive that is[reality check]) so I'd be reapplying this time possibly as an Officer. What are your thoughts on this?



I thank you kindly for taking your time to read and possibly comment on this.

Sincerely,

B

 

[Ayrsayle]

Well, having just recently been in a similar position (same age, etc) - I can answer a few of them. As of right now I believe infantry is closed - but I would still recommend putting in your paperwork as soon as possible, even if it means it might sit longer. Simply put, the waiting period is often quite lengthy (take a look around this site, you'll find plenty of examples) and even if they are not hiring at this moment having your paperwork in and completed means you might be considered in the future, whenever that may be (No paperwork = no possibility). Either way (and they tell you this) continue on whatever path you were before your application, wait and see.

While I do not know from personal experience (someone will likely offer more details), it IS possible to get the opportunity to learn French, but to my understanding the opportunities for NCMs are limited - some get lucky (or show aptitude, etc) and get on second language training courses but many more simply learn it on their own time (or not, as suits their interest). Typically, you are told where you are going - while you may request a Quebec posting, the Forces put you where you are needed. Unless you have viable French language skills, they would likely have french speaking candidates assigned there instead of you (Unless of course, you are needed there etc). It comes down to ability to comprehend/give orders and work in the language - Why would the Forces spend money to teach you french (which you may not pick up to a suitable standard) to be posted to Quebec (where French is the dominant language) when there is a better fit available?

As to your question regarding spending time later on in the French Legion - I have no idea. I would suspect that working for another country might have security ramifications for your re-enrollment, but that would be a question best put to your local recruiting center.

Ultimately it is not us you need to convince but the recruiters. Best way to impress them is to submit your paperwork and go through the needed steps to get to being considered - that will put you head and shoulders above everyone else who have asked similar questions. Good Luck!

 

[Towards_the_gap]

Never refer to the infantry as cannon fodder........ :rage:



As for the FFL, I dare say nobody will really care either way. They have their way of doing things, we have our way. Very good at directing German traffic oddly.......

 

[BDTyre]

We've recruited at least on former FFL para into my regiment.

 

[Spooks]

... cannon fodder in infantry ....

Ouch. My eFeelings are hurt.  :crybaby:

As you are entering into ROTP, should this be the kind of mentality that you have as a possible leader? Please, please, do not use that term in reference to the infantry when you go for your interview.

 

[Michael OLeary]

As you are entering into ROTP, should this be the kind of mentality that you have as a possible leader?

Well, it's not like we provide a ready resource that says "these terms for trades are acceptable in the company of serving members" and "these are not ...."

A quick search of Google for "cannon fodder" infantry returns "about 715,000 results." Even limiting the search to this site: "cannon fodder" infantry site:army.ca still identifies about 68 results in these forums where those terms have been linked in some way. Until someone is coached not to use a term that appears often in references to infantry, we can't expect them to know that those who are serving, or have served, in the infantry find it distasteful.

In the absence of specific knowledge, we must teach before we find cause to chastise.

 

[Spooks]

....In the absence of specific knowledge, we must teach before we find cause to chastise....

I was not intending to chastise, but I will mind my tone in the future.