navcomm >> PAO

[babybones]

Been doing the NAVCOMM thing out on the west coast for 8 years, and I knew from day one I didn't really care for it...and as time goes on the reasons to stay in the trade become fewer and fewer (don't get me wrong, I like the Navy and it has been fairly good to me, the trade unfortunately offers no real transferable skills to civy street) I luckily have some options at my disposal. I have a BA in English, and I am about to begin work on a MA in English while I am posted to shift work alongside.  The more I read about PAO the more I think it is best suited to my education and personal skill sets. I get a good sense from COC that if I went to them with this plan they would be behind me a 100% (I have VERY good bosses).  There doesn't seem to be a lot of info on ppl going from NCM to PAO in the forums and this is just testing the waters to see if any of you have any experience with anyone in my position and how to best go about getting the ball rolling in a really good direction on this. Some of the questions i have are 1) is it detrimental to my career to want to move out of a trade I devoted 8+ years to? esp. if the transfer is denied? 2)  i know there are a few program options out there for going from NCM to Officer, which one might be the best? 3) any advice on how to push the process along once it gets started?  I realize this is all kinda vague and not too specific but just looking for any kind of input from those who have gone before me  
Cheers!
Ready Aye Ready!

 

[Melbatoast]

Because you already have a degree, Special Commissioning Plan would be the way to go, I think.  PAO is on the list for this year's competition, but you're too late - deadline was September http://www.cfsuo-usfco.forces.gc.ca/adm/pdp-pps/doc/gen-138-2011-eng.asp .  That's OK, it'll allow you to get your ducks in a row for next year (PAO seems to be available more often than not).

I have no idea about the PAO occupation or what would make you a good candidate, but I can certainly tell you that applying and even being unsuccessful for a commissioning plan looks good for your career.  It shows ambition and desire for responsibility, and as long as you are a reasonable candidate and the process doesn't impact your day-to-day performance, it is definitely worth trying.  I had to try 3 times, and the support from my chain was better each time (from "good" to "awesome").

If you don't have PLQ, I would hope to get it ASAP, and any other professional and personal development you can take advantage of while ashore.

 

[babybones]

when you put it that way there is every reason to get the paperwork started ASAP...it's one of the few officer trades where having an English degree might actually help...from what I have gathered it helps to have a way with language and be able to interact well with the public...I'll have to wait to get back on the DWAN to check your link.

 

[Strike]

If you don't already have a French profile, work hard on getting one...NOW!  If you apply with a CBC under your belt you've already jumped a huge hurdle.  The way the trade is looking to change the language requirements, they probably won't even be looking at people with a profile less than that.