Position Not Available In City; Apply for alternate job, transfer after BMQ?

[Magnavia]

I applied to join the Communication Reserve online. I received calls from my local recruiting office, saying that the position(s) I applied for are not available here. Communicator Research OP, Aerospace Telecommunication & Information Systems, Intelligence Operator.

It was suggested that the closest position available was a Signal Operator. I consented to change my application to that with the reaffirmed belief that after BMQ, I could transfer to say Communicator Research Op, as there is a good possibility I will move to Ottawa, Ontario this year.

After thinking about this after the phone call, I'm having doubts about the efficacy of this plan. I doubt that a transfer to a totally new position (Communicator Research Op) at least to the eyes of someone receiving my request after BMQ training, would "fly" well with them or be "routine" in any way.

I'm looking for a reality check. What are your thoughts on this? Should I simply say that I want to change my application back to how it was, and deal with the recruitment office in Ottawa directly, instead of going through the local one, which cannot provide me with a position I requested but allow me to start BMQ training in July-Aug?

Thanks

 

[George Wallace]

As no one here knows who, what or where you are, your questions are hard to answer.

 

[Magnavia]

...

The more I think about it, the more silly this question seems. I'm a typical homegrown Canadian youth, living in Ontario. I'm not sure how those details would provide much if any significant contribution towards an honest answer.

 

[Remius]

Contact 763 comms @ 995-3529 to discuss your options with them.  or 2 Int platoon @ 949-8729.  They are the best ones to tell you what they are looking for this year.  You asked for a reality so here is one, get your application in soon as the summer training cycle will be starting soon (started for some units).  f

 

[Remius]

...

The more I think about it, the more silly this question seems. I'm a typical homegrown Canadian youth, living in Ontario. I'm not sure how those details would provide much if any significant contribution towards an honest answer.

Also you might not want to bite the hand that feeds you.  That info can help give you a more accurate "honest" response. Your geographical location is of interest because we can maybe refer you to units you didn't know exist, how far you would have to commute, someone might know someone to help you etc.  The "when" is very key.  When do you plan on applying, when do you plan on moving to Ottawa.  reserve units have strict schedules and time frames to meet for courses, they don't just start courses up courses at anytime.

We weren't asking for personal info, just maybe "I'm from Edmonton AB and plan on moving to ottawa in the fall... I currently have no experience etc etc."  We can't give you a full reality check without knowing your full reality.

 

[geo]

Magnavia....
Communicator Research OP, not a typical reserve trade - not sure you will find a reserve unit that supports that trade.

Aerospace Telecommunication & Information Systems, yes, a reserve and reg force trade BUT - only if there is an Air reserve unit near where you live (or plan to live)

Intelligence Operator - yes, a reserve and reg force trade BUT - only if there is an Int coy where you live (or plan to live) - Also, most int units prefer to get their new people through remusters - thus bringing experience and associated trade bagage to the new trade.

Sigs Operator - yes, a reserve and reg force trade BUT - only if there is a Reserve Comms unit where you live (or plan to live)

START by finding out what reserve units exist where you live & where you plan to live.  Find out what trades are employed within those units - then make an informed decision.

 

[Magnavia]

Also you might not want to bite the hand that feeds you.  That info can help give you a more accurate "honest" response. Your geographical location is of interest because we can maybe refer you to units you didn't know exist, how far you would have to commute, someone might know someone to help you etc.  The "when" is very key.  When do you plan on applying, when do you plan on moving to Ottawa.  reserve units have strict schedules and time frames to meet for courses, they don't just start courses up courses at anytime.

We weren't asking for personal info, just maybe "I'm from Edmonton AB and plan on moving to ottawa in the fall... I currently have no experience etc etc."  We can't give you a full reality check without knowing your full reality.

I'm sorry if it sounded like I was being rude. My second post about 'silliness' was directed at my original question, not about the clarification on details. I just don't want to sign up for a less-than-ideal position, hoping to get a position I want, and likely be stuck with something else.

I started looking into the trades a bit more and I think I'll maintain my original list, but replace ATIS with LCIS. It so happens LCIS is in-demand like Signal Ops, so there should be a good opportunity for that.

Thanks for your comments I appreciate it.

-Magnavia

 

[vangemeren]

I have an opinion question that I think is related to this one,

I'm in the last year of my undergrad and I'm considering joining the reserves. The trade choices available to me are not my first choices of occupation. Right now, where I am going to be after may 2008 is up in the air, depending on the outcome of my last year of school.

Should I wait until I finish school and move to start the process, or start now and then change trades after I'm in and know where I'm going to move to?

 

[geo]

start now!

Mind you, at this late date, you have missed the boat for any summer employment - it'll take a while to process the paperwork and you will not be enrolled prior to the fall.

During the winter months, there is no basic trade training, just general military training (BMQ & possibly SQ).  So you won't have much of an oportunity to get trade training prior to the spring of 08 anyway......

 

[vangemeren]

Thanks for the reply Geo,

I knew I wasn't going to make the boat for awhile, so I'm doing summer courses at the university.

The only reason why I ask, is that it takes time for the application to be processed. Knowing that the summer is a dead time, realistically things would (from what I gather) only really start moving in September. I would have to book a medical, interview (done cfat already) and wait for an officer board to sit (cause I'm going in as an officer.) I don't know what the response would be if I told them I would be wanting to change my occupation in less than a year, fully knowing that I wanted to change from the beginning. By the time everything is processed, it would probably be well into 2008. There would also be the time that it takes to change the trade, (MARS more than likely).

What would be the best way about going about things?

Thanks,

Jack

 

[geo]

Jack,

Officer training is a little bit different from that given to the "other ranks!"
Pert much all given during the summer - and you have missed the train for this summer's trg.

Phase training is staged and is ideal for university students and summer breaks

1st year's phases are "COMMON" to all trades - so it won't be all that much of a problem to swop - as long as there is room in the officer trade you want, when you decide to jump.,

 

[kabogadil]

I have an opinion question that I think is related to this one,

I'm in the last year of my undergrad and I'm considering joining the reserves. The trade choices available to me are not my first choices of occupation. Right now, where I am going to be after may 2008 is up in the air, depending on the outcome of my last year of school.

Should I wait until I finish school and move to start the process, or start now and then change trades after I'm in and know where I'm going to move to?

I am also in my last year of university and my program will officially finish this August.  I applied around April and was scheduled to do my CFAT, medical and interview 3rd week of May.  When I came to do all these things (CFAT, medical and interview), the officer told me that I won't be having my interview on the same day because technically, I haven't finished my school and haven't passed my board exam.  I passed my CFAT and medical (though, i had to take a paper to my doctor to have him sign it).  My papers were put on hold till the end of September when I will have the results for my board exam.  The officer told me to go back there as soon as I get the results so that they can finish the processing (criminal background, credit check) and finally have my interview.

So, in my opinion, I would go on with the application and explain to them your present situation.  They are always helpful and supportive about what you really want to do. As for me, all they are waiting for is proof of my graduation and successful board exam. Hopefully, if everything goes well, I can be in the BMQ during the winter. Btw, im just goin for a NCM trade.