Looking for some advice and perspective.

[rostha]

Hello,

I just recently joined this forum, and all I can say is what a wealth of information there is here for someone considering a career in the armed forces.  I have spent the past two days going through many of the articles here doing research so I can be better informed about mt options and choices.  I want to thank everyone for their posts, without them I would be even more naive then I am currently. 

That having been said I still have questions and am still looking for advice and perspective per my specific career choices and goals within the CF.

I have applied to the CF through the CEOTP entry plan.  While initially I had wanted to join as an INT O, there where no positions available this year in the Strategic Intake Plan for the CEOTP entry plan, maybe I'll get lucky and some will turn up in April 2009 (god forbid my app take that long).  So I have chosen Armour Officer or Inf Officer or ENGR O. 

I would ask which people like more or suggest, but I already know you will all say it depends on the person, which is exactly right.  But let me explain what I hope to achieve within (and for) the CF and perhaps some of you with more experience can tell me what a better route would be, or maybe tell me I am completely unrealistic. 

I am 25 y/o, while I do not have a college degree it is not because I haven't been, it's because I've never completed enough credits in one field to get the degree (I blame this on my younger self not having the focus needed), I have done about 6 years in college from Pre Med to philosophy, to studying Greek language.  I am now very focused and dedicated.  I am very athletic and fit.  I have always wanted to join the CF, but due to friends and family have always been dissuaded, finally I have taken the first step to my dream job. 

I would like to be involved with the recce aspect of the combat arms.  This is my first question what is the difference in recce between Armour and Inf and Engineer?  There are many courses that I would like to take to make myself a better soldier and a better leader.  Does being in Armour or Inf or Engineer have any bearing on who is selected for these courses (Pathfinder, Ranger US, Para, ETC)?  Eventually I would like to attempt to join the CSOR, would I need to complete my degree (being a CEOTP entry) prior to being able to join?  Does being in Inf or Armour help/hinder ones chances of joining CSOR?

While I am admittedly naive, I am not some young buck that wants to be the next Black Hawk Down hero, with badges and knives on his TV and some special beret to show off.  I am looking to become a career soldier and know that I want to push myself as much as I can, because I do NOT want to look back and say "what if" becuase I was too lazy or lacked the motivation to accomplish something great for myself and my country.

With my goals being, start in combat arms, move to CSOR and when my joints stop working and my eye sight goes try to OT to INT O., does anyone have any suggestions on the best line of attack?  Such as INF or ARMOUR or ENGR?  Should I aim for one unit over another?  Are there certain courses that I should try to take to make myself a more attractive applicant to CSOR? 

Thanks in advance for the help, as long as your criticism is constructive I'm open to it! 

 

[Klinkaroo]

I am by no means an expert, but in my little bit of experience, being in the combat arms field will definitely not hinder your chances of going into the special operations field.

After a few years as either Infantry or Armour and possibly some special operations experience, I would consider you a good candidate for the Intelligence Branch. Someone who knows what being on the battlefield is and even better someone with special forces experience is in my personal opinion a prime candidate for intelligence. If I was a commander and had the choice between an experienced Infantry or Armour officer and Joe Bloggins that is fresh out of university with a degree in military strategy, I would take the guy with field experience any day of the year. Some stuff you can never learn in school.

 

[rostha]

Thanks very much for the encouragement.  It always helps getting things done when people show support!

Although I was hoping to get some more detailed answers to my questions above.  I have tried "chat"ting with a recruiter on the forces.ca website, but they aren't that helpful believe it or not.  And while I'm sure many of these questions could be answered a CFRC, I live a good trek from the nearest one, and I always leave the CFRC with a couple of questions answered and a handful of new questions unanswered!  So any experienced members input would be a huge help. 

 

[PanaEng]

For Engineer officer you will need to complete an engineering degree, preferably civil or mech but elec/comp, chem, mining, etc. are all acceptable (AFAIK).