OJT at an embassy?

[MC]

I'm an officer cadet, and have just completed my university degree. I've done IAP+BOTP but not CAP. I've been doing research at DRDC Valcartier for the summer, but that was supposed to end in August and we just recently came to the conclusion I won't be ready in time for CAP in september due to an injury I am recovering from. The next course after that begins only in January and so I'm looking into another potential OJT for the fall. Unfortunately, I can't be posted to any signals unit because they don't take anyone that hasn't done CAP, so its either DRDC or some kind of clerk job in Borden, until January.

To get to the point, I'd be really interested in doing any kind of work at a canadian embassy, as I know there are a certain amount of military personnel who are posted there. Does anyone know if its possible, or how I could inquire about such a posting?

cheers.

 

[dapaterson]

OJT at an embassy is all but impossible.  Set positions, all require acreditation with the host nation, and that process will not be done for someone who will only be there for a brief period of time.  Positions are from Capt+ at the embassies for officers.

Not to say that certain OJT jobs might not have you go somewhere on TD including an embassy, but an actual posting is pretty much out of the question.

 

[MC]

Start small... consider the Comm Res.

I'm reg force and the clerks at Borden say no signals unit will take an ocdt who has not done CAP. Its really what I'd like best though.

 

[MC]

OJT at an embassy is all but impossible.  Set positions, all require acreditation with the host nation, and that process will not be done for someone who will only be there for a brief period of time.  Positions are from Capt+ at the embassies for officers.

Not to say that certain OJT jobs might not have you go somewhere on TD including an embassy, but an actual posting is pretty much out of the question.

Thanks for the information. I should've figured it wouldn't be so simple. I shouldn't be complaining about the opportunity I have here at DRDC anyway.

MC

 

[dapaterson]

One other option:  Ask about working for ADM(Mat) or ADM(IM) in Ottawa for OJT.  Both have insane numbers of Sigs officers, and both are always looking for some relief.  ADM(IM) would give you more insights into some employment of equipment; ADM(Mat) would help with insight into the requiremetns definition and procurement processes.  Either one would give some useful insight into possible future employments (well into the future - on a permanent basis, positions, again, really start at Capt).

Working at an Army Reserve signals unit may be another option as well.

 

[aesop081]

I would contact the unit directly and see if they can employ you. The worst they can do is say no.

I'm positive that , even in the modern CF, we have something called a "chain of Command ". He has a boss he reports to i am sure. That boss will arrange for his employment.

 

[MC]

Agreed. As far as OJT's go, you make your own opportunities. I wouldn't be here at DRDC if I hadn't contacted staff here via a professor from university. They were more than happy to have another engineer in the lab, just as Borden was that I had found a suitable arrangement on my own. But I will follow your advice, CDN Aviator, and inform my chain of command of any contacts I make with different units. Thanks for helping me stay out of trouble.

MC

 

[aesop081]

Agreed. As far as OJT's go, you make your own opportunities. I wouldn't be here at DRDC if I hadn't contacted staff here via a professor from university. They were more than happy to have another engineer in the lab, just as Borden was that I had found a suitable arrangement on my own. But I will follow your advice, CDN Aviator, and inform my chain of command of any contacts I make with different units. Thanks for helping me stay out of trouble.

MC

If i was your boss and too busy to arrange things for you, i would certainly appreciate something like "hey boss, i'm going to contact X unit and see if they think its possible to be employe there for a bit. Is that ok with you ?"