OT from CMBT ENGR to INT OP

[sapper1987]

Hello, I am a Reg Force/Cpl/Combat Engineer who has just submitted an OT for INT OP. I was just wondering if anyone could answer some questions that I have:

1. I was told the next selection board will be December 1st. Roughly, what will be the intake quota for 2011 for INT OPs?

2. How often do they have selection boards for INT OP? (Just wondering in case I am not considered this winter)

3. On the CF Recruiting website, it does not say how long the QL5A course is. How long is it?

4. I only speak english and have no other certified skills outside of the CF, and no post secondary education. I have 1 overseas tour and I did complete specialty training courses in the engineers. How competitive do you think I will be?

INT OP is actually one of the trades I wanted from the start of my career, however when I first joined it was only open for pers who were OTing, and I decided a combat trade would do me some good for the first 4-5 years of my career.

I have COMMS RSCH as my second choice, which is another trade I think I would enjoy, just in case I do not qualify for INT OP.

If anyone could answer these questions, it would be a great help. If anyone has advice, feel free to PM me.

 

[Franko]

Your best bet is to go into the BPSO's office and ask them.

Regards

 

[CallOfDuty]

  Hey there.  If you go on the DIN, and go to your base BPSO site, they should have links to the in service selection site and you will be able to see the status of the trade, exact numbers, and all the OT info you need. 
  I just went to an OT seminar the other day, and one of the main things I can tell you is that its a pretty basic formula.  First you have to compete with others in  your trade, to actually be allowed out( depending on your trades health they might only let a small percentage to OT).......and then you are scored on your supervisors write up, your interview, your CFAT scores, knowledge of your new trade, etc.
  Then if you are scored high enough and are deemed a good fit for the trade you'll get an offer around springtime and as of mid July you'll be in your new trade.
  Hope that helps some....
PS---have you gone and spoke to some int ops and comms rsch people?  It is not only good for you to know the ins and outs, positives/negatives of your choices, but it is beneficial for your interview to have done your research.

 

[sapper1987]

I'll get on to the DIN on tuesday to find out what I can.

Also, I have a co-worker who's friends with an INT OP, and I'll be seeing him next week to ask all the questions I need.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[George Wallace]

Have you read any of the threads on INT OP?

http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/31120.0.html

Some of your answers are there.  Others you can get from the PSO, or visiting the CFSMI site on DWAN.

 

[Wolfhaven]

I don’t have the info regarding questions 1 and 2 but like everyone said, a quick check with the BPSO should solve that. I think the current QL5A regforce is shy of 6months.

As for how competitive you will be really depends on your scores, pers file and the other candidates. A bonus is you have operational experience and that is good. Combat arms experience is very useful (more so if you remain in your element) and will make some of lessons easy ie map reading, tactics etc but can be a disadvantage as some basic Combat arms crses do not prepare you for the type of learning required at CFSMI. Lot of volume to know and for many who have been out of school for years the transition can be difficult. Basic IT skills help as well.

As for languages, be sure that if English is the only language you know, know it well and be capable of expressing yourself. Many struggle with public speaking. If an additional language is required for a post or job you will be placed on a course although the ability to speak various languages is always a plus.



Mature and dedicated professionals are wanted and some people get a little reality check when they fail the DL, something that isn’t that difficult but does eliminate those who require maximum supervision or aren’t ready to learn. A word of advice, attitude prior to arriving to Kingston can make life easier. Arrive with open mind and ready to learn, CFSMI will teach you the lessons you need to pass, you have to provide the hard work.
As for questionable conduct and issues of the like, you will be bounced from the school if your honesty and integrity come into question.


Comms Research and Int is not the same and the initial start in either trade is different, make sure you do your homework.

Cheers