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I thought I'd put my story and thoughts in writing...just in case anyone cared to know. ;D
My military story is a long one....starting back in the day when I was 19 years old (8 years ago). I had been an Air Cadet and instantly fell in love with the idea of the military. I had my heart set on applying for RMC and pursuing a dream of being a pilot. I even had the CO of my last cadet summer camp write me a letter of recommendation for the school. I worked hard at being the biggest, and most uber-keener that I could be.
Somewhere along the lines I changed my mind about the military. I don't remember my reasons now...I hit an age where I was at a crossroads. I'd just gotten into a semi-serious relationship, and I'm guessing that my priorities changed. I was urged by my associates in cadets to come back as CIC. Which is exactly was I did. Unfortunately, after some less-than-inspiring experiences, I decided to pack my bags and leave town for college. I don't mean to make any generalized comments about CIC - I still have the utmost amount of respect and faith in the organization. But I was pretty let-down by the behaviour of some of the 'adults' that I'd come to revere when I was a teenager.
While in school, I found I didn't have time to continue working for a squadron. Somewhere along the lines the CF noticed I hadn't been active in a *long* time, and discharged me. I absolutely regret this now, as it was irresponsible on my part. At the time I was sure of what I wanted and how my career would progress - I was going to be a police officer. No question about it. I still somehow drifted towards army reservists while in school...made lots of friends with them. I always had this nagging regret and jealousy over letting the military go.
Fast forward to 2005. I've been out of college for 2 years, but I still was not a cop. I was working security at the time, and it was enough to make me comfortable, but it definitely wasn't anything to make a career out of. I thought that I'd keep myself busy by applying for the reserves as armoured recce. Don't even ask me why I chose that profession, I don't think now that it would have been a good fit! I started the application...but didn't finish it. I had my medical and was presented with numerous forms to take to my doctor. Unfortunately, 1 had to be signed by my dermatologist, and an appointment would have taken 3 to 4 months to book. Again, indecision and de-motivation reared its ugly head.
Fast forward to late 2007. Well, I'm still working security. I can't even complain about my position or my salary, as they are both pretty decent. But there's no way that I can do this the rest of my life. As much as I pretend to shrug it off, I can't stand being called a 'rent-a-cop' any longer. I know it sounds superficial, but I want to take pride in my work, and this shouldn't necessarily be dependent on the opinion of others. But...it *is* a factor. The military was still bouncing around in the back of my head like a basketball. I made up my mind - I was going to go back to school for paramedic, and I was going to join the reserves as a med tech. I applied for college and I applied at 25 Field Ambulance (right around the corner from where I worked). I did my testing for the CF and was successful, as well as my admissions test for Humber college. I kept my fingers crossed. 25 Field Ambulance wouldn't take my as a med tech unless I was accepted to college for PCP.
After many long talks with my common-law girlfriend about the possibility of getting turned down by the college, we both decided that joining the regular force was an option. She had thought about the CF for many years as well, and I was ready to jump head first into the military full-time. I didn't even care anymore whether I was accepted into Humber. I began to realize that there was a reason that I was being drawn back the CF time and time again.
Sure enough, I received my letter in the mail today from Humber. I had been rejected as a paramedic student, but somehow made the cut into the practical nursing program. Go figure. *shrug* I drove straight down to the recruiting office and asked them to change by application to regular force. I know that this is what I want, I am no longer going to waffle under indecision.
So now I play the waiting game...I might have to do some academic upgrading to obtain my grade 12 chemistry (when I was in high school, it was grade 11). The recruiters told me that they might be able to push me through without it, but I'll find out later today.
Wish me luck! Finally I'll be living my dream!
:warstory:
My military story is a long one....starting back in the day when I was 19 years old (8 years ago). I had been an Air Cadet and instantly fell in love with the idea of the military. I had my heart set on applying for RMC and pursuing a dream of being a pilot. I even had the CO of my last cadet summer camp write me a letter of recommendation for the school. I worked hard at being the biggest, and most uber-keener that I could be.
Somewhere along the lines I changed my mind about the military. I don't remember my reasons now...I hit an age where I was at a crossroads. I'd just gotten into a semi-serious relationship, and I'm guessing that my priorities changed. I was urged by my associates in cadets to come back as CIC. Which is exactly was I did. Unfortunately, after some less-than-inspiring experiences, I decided to pack my bags and leave town for college. I don't mean to make any generalized comments about CIC - I still have the utmost amount of respect and faith in the organization. But I was pretty let-down by the behaviour of some of the 'adults' that I'd come to revere when I was a teenager.
While in school, I found I didn't have time to continue working for a squadron. Somewhere along the lines the CF noticed I hadn't been active in a *long* time, and discharged me. I absolutely regret this now, as it was irresponsible on my part. At the time I was sure of what I wanted and how my career would progress - I was going to be a police officer. No question about it. I still somehow drifted towards army reservists while in school...made lots of friends with them. I always had this nagging regret and jealousy over letting the military go.
Fast forward to 2005. I've been out of college for 2 years, but I still was not a cop. I was working security at the time, and it was enough to make me comfortable, but it definitely wasn't anything to make a career out of. I thought that I'd keep myself busy by applying for the reserves as armoured recce. Don't even ask me why I chose that profession, I don't think now that it would have been a good fit! I started the application...but didn't finish it. I had my medical and was presented with numerous forms to take to my doctor. Unfortunately, 1 had to be signed by my dermatologist, and an appointment would have taken 3 to 4 months to book. Again, indecision and de-motivation reared its ugly head.
Fast forward to late 2007. Well, I'm still working security. I can't even complain about my position or my salary, as they are both pretty decent. But there's no way that I can do this the rest of my life. As much as I pretend to shrug it off, I can't stand being called a 'rent-a-cop' any longer. I know it sounds superficial, but I want to take pride in my work, and this shouldn't necessarily be dependent on the opinion of others. But...it *is* a factor. The military was still bouncing around in the back of my head like a basketball. I made up my mind - I was going to go back to school for paramedic, and I was going to join the reserves as a med tech. I applied for college and I applied at 25 Field Ambulance (right around the corner from where I worked). I did my testing for the CF and was successful, as well as my admissions test for Humber college. I kept my fingers crossed. 25 Field Ambulance wouldn't take my as a med tech unless I was accepted to college for PCP.
After many long talks with my common-law girlfriend about the possibility of getting turned down by the college, we both decided that joining the regular force was an option. She had thought about the CF for many years as well, and I was ready to jump head first into the military full-time. I didn't even care anymore whether I was accepted into Humber. I began to realize that there was a reason that I was being drawn back the CF time and time again.
Sure enough, I received my letter in the mail today from Humber. I had been rejected as a paramedic student, but somehow made the cut into the practical nursing program. Go figure. *shrug* I drove straight down to the recruiting office and asked them to change by application to regular force. I know that this is what I want, I am no longer going to waffle under indecision.
So now I play the waiting game...I might have to do some academic upgrading to obtain my grade 12 chemistry (when I was in high school, it was grade 11). The recruiters told me that they might be able to push me through without it, but I'll find out later today.
Wish me luck! Finally I'll be living my dream!
:warstory:
