Is there help before I'm "aged out"?

[freedomline]

:Well, after studying this site, it seems to me that I am between a rock and a hard place. I failed the math component quite miserably last summer. Postings here indicate that I can only re-test after one full year has expired. I have signed up for Life-time Learning to review my high school math.

The problem is this: I do not have the luxury of time to wait until next summer. I turn 55 this January. Public Service tests can be re-done after 180 days. Has anyone heard of special dispensations from Ottawa for cases like mine or am I the only oldster out there and no precident cases have been set? :rules:

 

[BC Old Guy]

The retest policy was changed some time ago, so you can rewrite much sooner than a year - some CFRCs are allowing rewrites within a week.  However, the most recent test result is the one that will be used, even if it is lower than the original test result.  And the process to get a second rewrite is much longer and difficult than to get authority for the first rewrite.  Before you go to the CFRC, make certain you take the practise test to see if your math review has helped.  Note that the practise test is not the real test.  However, it does give you an idea of what is in the CFAT, and was designed to help people prepare.  The link is :

http://www.forces.ca/#en162-8  - click on Preparing for your aptitude test.

I navigated to this site through "Resources" "Downloads" and then "Guides" - using the flash version of the website.

Speak with the CFRC about rebooking your aptitude test - they are all busy, but you should be able to find someone in the CFRC who is sympathetic. 

Good luck.

 

[aesop081]

  I turn 55 this January.

I'm sorry but the last guy who showed up at BMQ at 55 years old was sent back home the very next day. Retirement age is 55. If one cannot complete his/her first contract before CRA, then they will not be enrolled.

Someone is dropping the ball with you.......

 

[Loachman]

CRA was changed to 60 some time ago.

 

[GUNS]

Is that retirement age for all components of the CF?

 

[kincanucks]

Is that retirement age for all components of the CF?

The CRA for all members of the Regular Force and the Primary Reserve who joined July 1, 2004 or after is 60.

http://www.dnd.ca/hr/cfpn/engraph/7_04/7_04_cra60-main_e.asp

Regardless, why in the hell would someone want to join at 55 anyway?

 

[Blakey]

I'm suprised that some members are not aware of this, as LM has pointed out the CRA was in fact changed what, 5 maybe 6 years ago?

GUNS, as far as I am aware, that is forces wide.

Only 21 more years until I have to retire...... ;D

EDIT: KC thanks, posted just before you.

 

[aesop081]

I'm suprised that some members are not aware of this, as

As i dont plan on being in that long i havent paid much attention. Last time i had checked CRA 60 was not for everyone and was only going to be aproved in specific cases.

 

[GUNS]

55????????????

I am sure CFRC will make the correct response to his request for enrollment.

 

[George Wallace]

CRA may be 60, but for anyone that is over the age of 54, the chances of getthing through the Recruiting System, BMQ, SQ and Trades Training, is likely to find that the CF will not take them, solely on the amount of time required to get them to be a fully trained skilled member of the CF under ideal conditions. 

Anyone coming in above the age of 54, would have to factor in length of time for training, awaiting courses, injuries, etc.  It the Recruiting process adds one or two years into the equation, a person may find that they have reached CRA prior to successfully completing Trades Training. 

The "Bean Counters" don't find that acceptable.

 

[geo]

Ummm...
1) If an individual was a member of the Regular Force or of the Primary Reserve on June 30, 2004, they may retain their current CRA or change it. If a member does not want to change their CRA to 60, they simply take no action. Individuals who join the Regular Force or the Primary Reserve after 1 July 2004 automatically have a CRA of 60.

2) As is the case with CRA 55, CRA 60 only creates a potential, not an entitlement, to serve to that age. Regardless of whether or not you elect CRA 60, effective 1 July 2004,Chapter 15 of the QR&O authorizes the CDS to recommend the release of officers and to direct the release of non-commissioned members anytime after completing 30 (or more) years of service. However, this will only be used as a last resort if there are service reasons to do so.

 

[BC Old Guy]

CRA may be 60, but for anyone that is over the age of 54, the chances of getthing through the Recruiting System, BMQ, SQ and Trades Training, is likely to find that the CF will not take them, solely on the amount of time required to get them to be a fully trained skilled member of the CF under ideal conditions. 

Anyone coming in above the age of 54, would have to factor in length of time for training, awaiting courses, injuries, etc.  It the Recruiting process adds one or two years into the equation, a person may find that they have reached CRA prior to successfully completing Trades Training. 

The "Bean Counters" don't find that acceptable.

I agree.  However, for the Reg F, the maximum age is  determined by the VIE length, so CRA 60-VIE=max enrl age.  Although there are complications that can increase the length of time to get through Recruiting, and the complications tend to increase as we get older (more health problems that require specialists reports, possibilities of  extended out of country work placements, etc) the Recruiting system can be fairly quick in some cases, so a person can be enrolled just before their 57th birthday, and technically complete a 3 year VIE.

Some CFRCs have more difficulty communicating this, and the grey areas that will slow down the process, than others.  However, those are the rules they are working under, so they do have to be careful how they communicate the realities of the individuals specific situation to them, since it changes with Component, and Occupation.

edit to clarify relationship between VIE and max enrl age.

 

[kincanucks]

Ummm...
1) If an individual was a member of the Regular Force or of the Primary Reserve on June 30, 2004, they may retain their current CRA or change it. If a member does not want to change their CRA to 60, they simply take no action. Individuals who join the Regular Force or the Primary Reserve after 1 July 2004 automatically have a CRA of 60.

2) As is the case with CRA 55, CRA 60 only creates a potential, not an entitlement, to serve to that age. Regardless of whether or not you elect CRA 60, effective 1 July 2004,Chapter 15 of the QR&O authorizes the CDS to recommend the release of officers and to direct the release of non-commissioned members anytime after completing 30 (or more) years of service. However, this will only be used as a last resort if there are service reasons to do so.

Ummm what?

 

[geo]

OK, so let's try this one again.... this material was picked out of CMP

1) If an individual was a member of the Forces on June 30, 2004, they may retain their current CRA of 55 or change it. If a member does not want to change their CRA to 60, they simply take no action. Individuals who join the Force after 1 July 2004 automatically have a CRA of 60.

2) As is the case with CRA 55, CRA 60 only creates a potential, not an entitlement, to serve to that age. Regardless of whether or not you elect CRA 60, effective 1 July 2004,Chapter 15 of the QR&O authorizes the CDS to recommend the release of officers & NCMs anytime after completing 30 (or more) years of service. Note that this 30 year rule will only be used as a last resort if there are service reasons to do so (health &/or universality of service)

 

[kincanucks]

OK, so let's try this one again.... this material was picked out of CMP

I know where it is from because I put the link in my post.  What I can't understand is what this has to do with what the person was asking.

 

[freedomline]

Thank you very much, everyone! I did think I could retest but so many conflicting pieces of information come my way because of reg changes, as this thread has so competently illustrated.

The most sobering observation of the site delineating the new optional retirement age is that the Forces seem to have a discretionary right to deny or put off someone like myself because we would only be in for five years. However, a 20 year old only commits to five year terms as well with no obligation attached. Yet, certain positions would be closed because of their protracted training time would indeed have the bean counters up in arms! 

For some reason, my recruiting officer is not getting back to me, which is a difficult thing to patiently sit on the sidelines for as the clock ticks away. How might I at least get some action on the processing of a reliability check?

Secondly, my recruiter suggested officer training because I wouldn't have to pass the math test for it (I have a B.A. in Psychology)....curiouser and curiouser.  How do I find out which officer positions are open that I qualify for?

What is 3 year VIE? I understood that three year terms had gone by the board and only Reserves to Bosnia have three year terms. Five years is the standard, correct?

Thanks again for the excellent and most interesting responses to my query thus far.

 

[Bruce Monkhouse]

Thanks again for the excellent and most interesting responses to my query thus far.

Just as long as you understand that this is just an internet website [albeit, the best ] and your Recruitment Centre has the final word.

 

[freedomline]

Thank you. Another quick question:

When people go into officer training at St. Jean with a B.A. Arts degree, is it that there are positions for them as officers for the five years or are they being signed up for seven years or so for extra training? Anybody know of any cases?

 

[Celticgirl]

Thank you. Another quick question:

When people go into officer training at St. Jean with a B.A. Arts degree, is it that there are positions for them as officers for the five years or are they being signed up for seven years or so for extra training? Anybody know of any cases?

Hmmm, well, I have a B.A. and I'm going to St. Jean in January for the BMOQ (swearing in this Dec.). My contract is for 6 years and that includes training.

 

[freedomline]

Well, that is an answer. Regs would have me out in five, no time to accommodate the extra year.

I went to the Armoury again today. I shall endeavour to be accepted for med tech.