Missed this years selection. Going to do some upgrading. Advice?

[Wilamanjaro]

Hey guys and gals.

It doesn't look like I get to start this year. But that's OK. I'm going to take this as a positive and use the time to really refine my trade choices and upgrade my application. Congratulations to all of you who were selected, see you soon.

It's been difficult for me to slim the trades down to 3 choices. I applied for Hull Tech, Armoured Crewman, and Vehicle Tech. All, things that sound very stimulating and suitable for me. Recently though, I've been thinking about Combat Arms, and more and more it sounds like how I would like to kick off my military life. One position in particular is Combat Engineer. I will get the action of being infantry that I crave but also the technical skills I need to challenge myself mentally. IT SOUNDS PERFECT. I get so excited just thinking about it. I'm almost relieved I wasn't selected this year, don't get me wrong, I would absolutely love any of my initial trades, but I'm starting to see them more as things I would like to settle down into "down the road", I'm young and full of energy, so I would prefer to start off with the excitement of Combat Arms.

Sorry, I'm getting excited. Short story is:

What courses or training can, or should I do that will make me a super-competitive person towards Combat Engineer? What sort of courses could I get at a college or university that would greatly help my application say "MAKE THIS GUY A COMBAT ENGINEER"?

Thank you, Army.ca.  -Wil

 

[frank1515]

Any sort of post-secondary education would boost your chances. If Cbt Engr is your choice then I guess you could go in a science/engineer field.

 

[Zoomie]

I applied for Hull Tech, Armoured Crewman, and Vehicle Tech.

A little more research on your part is in order - the Armour Corps is most definitely Combat Arms.

Courses to take at College/University - bridge demolition, bridge construction, blowing up things 101...   

My best advice to you - stay involved in your community, keep up with the news, develop an opinion on things that are going on in the world.  Talk to your file manager at the CFRC and see what he/she thinks was weak on your application.

 

[Wilamanjaro]

Thanks guys,

Yeah, zoomie, I realize that armour is combat arms, but it seems more like driving. I'm talkin' boots on the ground, breaching buildings, laying in the dirt, etc. Haha. Thanks though guys, I will take to my file manager and see how I can improve. I will look into some post secondary as well.

 

[CFR FCS]

Actually you should ask to talk to a Military Career Counsellor (MCC) not your file manager. The MCC was the one who reviewed your CFAT score, educational transcripts and evaluated you during the interview. They are trained to advise you on what you should do to upgrade your competitiveness. File mangers quarterback (read manage the flow) of your file but don't actually evaluate your file.  Good Luck.

 

[RCDtpr]

I'm armoured....in Afghanistan I did more foot patrols, and saw more dismounted combat than I did mounted.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Another bit of advice that's been offered by others elsewhere:  don't pick trades you won't enjoy just to get in.  If you really DO love combat engineering (and the "boots on the ground, breaching buildings, laying in the dirt" bits), methinks Hull Tech and Vehicle Tech (while both important jobs that need doing) won't turn your particular crank enough to enjoy if you got either of those and had to wait longer than one thinks to change trades.

Good luck, and keep working hard.

 

[Pusser]

I would absolutely love any of my initial trades, but I'm starting to see them more as things I would like to settle down into "down the road", I'm young and full of energy, so I would prefer to start off with the excitement of Combat Arms.

Don't count on being able to "settle down" later.  Although it is indeed possible to change trades later on in your career, it is by no means a given.  Many people try and are never successful.  Keep in mind the CF spends a lot of money training people for a career.  We'd like maximum return on the investment, which we don't necessarily get by letting you switch occupations.  Keep also in mind that everytime you switch, you also start near the bottom again.  Although not the very bottom, it's still a career step back.  If that's what you want, then so be it, but you may think differently in a few years.