Hey, I was hoping that someone could help me with some information I have been having a hard time finding. (I've spoken to recruiters, searched the web, the forums here and such).
Anyways, I'll be graduating with my Bachelors in Engineering Science - Mechanical Engineering next April and would really like to pursue a career in reconstruction. As such, working with the Provincial Reconstruction Team, (or DART I know they are not reconstruction) would be of great interest. I realize that I would join the forces as an Officer in an Engineering Trade. However, what I do not know is what happens after being in the forces for three/four years and having completed a few tours etc. My question is how much direction will I get over my own career?
Essentially, would I simply have a 'chance' of being assigned to a reconstruction team, or DART posting, or are there ways in which I can apply to become part of these teams. I realize that that is highly improbably that I would be able to get a position soon after joining the forces. However, I know that DART has about 50 'fulltime' members, and am curious as to whether reconstruction teams have a similar core group of people, and whether or not I would be have a shot at getting one of those positions after I have served long enough, reached a certain rank etc. If I do, how long should I expect to wait/what rank would I need to reach?
Also, I have an interest in being on the ground making things happen, so I was thinking of going into the Combat Engineers, because most of the remaining trades seem more focused on maintenance, electronics, etc, whereas I am more interested in the infrastructure aspect (which I realize is not directly related to Combat Engineering, but I believe they have an infrastructure specialization). Am I perhaps overlooking a more appropriate trade?
Thanks for your help in advance,
Mike
Anyways, I'll be graduating with my Bachelors in Engineering Science - Mechanical Engineering next April and would really like to pursue a career in reconstruction. As such, working with the Provincial Reconstruction Team, (or DART I know they are not reconstruction) would be of great interest. I realize that I would join the forces as an Officer in an Engineering Trade. However, what I do not know is what happens after being in the forces for three/four years and having completed a few tours etc. My question is how much direction will I get over my own career?
Essentially, would I simply have a 'chance' of being assigned to a reconstruction team, or DART posting, or are there ways in which I can apply to become part of these teams. I realize that that is highly improbably that I would be able to get a position soon after joining the forces. However, I know that DART has about 50 'fulltime' members, and am curious as to whether reconstruction teams have a similar core group of people, and whether or not I would be have a shot at getting one of those positions after I have served long enough, reached a certain rank etc. If I do, how long should I expect to wait/what rank would I need to reach?
Also, I have an interest in being on the ground making things happen, so I was thinking of going into the Combat Engineers, because most of the remaining trades seem more focused on maintenance, electronics, etc, whereas I am more interested in the infrastructure aspect (which I realize is not directly related to Combat Engineering, but I believe they have an infrastructure specialization). Am I perhaps overlooking a more appropriate trade?
Thanks for your help in advance,
Mike
