Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP)-RMC 2000 - 2018 [Merged]

[Portnord]

For the original poster dennis7t.life, you may want to keep asking around - real life people or companies if possible.

I've conducted interviews for engineering posts, and although I've occasionally gotten some curious instructions (like shelving CVs with PHDs for being too academic), noone ever mentioned any doubts over previous military experience.

I shared a cube with an ex officer (say 15 or so years ago now). He was plenty competent and I never heard anyone suggest otherwise. I've lost count of the number of people I worked with who served (mandatory or not) in foreign armies. Normally it doesn't even come up except as coffee room conversation.

That's just one personal experience, but so is your uncle's (with all due respect).

Edit for caveat: depending on your service, you might arrive at your new career with no experience that seems relevant to them. You might have to settle for a very junior entry position in that case.

 

[Ostrozac]

There's engineering as a degree, then there's an engineering as a military career. They may be mutually exclusive.

If you get a degree in aeronautical engineering, then serve in the air force as an aerospace engineering officer (AERE) for ten years -- then you may be very marketable on civvie street.

If you get a degree in chemical engineering, then serve in the army as an artillery officer for ten years -- you may be looking at an entry level chemical engineering job, and your skills may be rusty.

So it can depend.

 

[Portnord]

Ostrozac, I was remarking in particular about this part regarding an engineering career (sorry for any confusion):

He told me that it would likely be a negative effect after working with the Forces for 5 years or more. The reason he gave me is because in the Forces, you do what you're told, which means you don't really have a chance of solving problems and working your way out on your own as often.

I never saw any signs in engineering that you would damage your career just by having served and have run into enough people at work (at least one guy was infantry) with prior service to suspect the OP uncle's reasoning has some generous biases. Can your career be delayed? Certainly, but that's a hazard in civilian life too. I know some people who went straight from school to sales, and lord knows when or if they ever designed or tested a thing. They're engineers only by diploma and getting back in to technical work can mean starting at the bottom.

 

[Pusser]

He told me that it would likely be a negative effect after working with the Forces for 5 years or more. The reason he gave me is because in the Forces, you do what you're told, which means you don't really have a chance of solving problems and working your way out on your own as often.

And this conclusion is based on his vast military experience?  Hmm.  This common misperception is complete BS.  Yes, we have a heirarchical structure, but that does not mean we're all mindless automatons who are not allowed to think.  Not only do junior officers get plenty of opportunity to develop solutions to problems, it's expected.  If you're in some $**thole on the other side of the planet, with nothing but what you've managed to bring with you and a critical piece of gear breaks down, your only option may be to fix it with whatever resources you have available (which do NOT include a manufacturer's rep with parts following via FedEx).  As a junior officer, you may be the only engineer that's available and the only thing you've been "told" by the commander is to get that thing working.  There's plenty of opportunity for problem solving and working your way out of things, with the added bonus of danger from the enemy (who may not want you to fix that thing) and the elements.

Your uncle really doesn't know what he's talking about.  The Engineering Departments in ships are often finding solutions to problems in keeping machinery operating that you won't find in any operating or repair manual.  I remember losing the cooling system on the main engine of a ship years ago.  We re-routed the firemain into it so we could get home.  Unconventional, but it worked.

 

[Loachman]

Yup.

Scottie on the Enterprise certainly had to solve a lot of problems, and usually in under an hour. He was no mindless automaton, and neither are we.

 

[Army25]

I have to searching and searching for answers on the forum but I feel my situation is pretty unique. I apologize in advance if this has already been answered.

I am just starting my grade 10 year but am going to be taking grade 11 and 12 courses. I play the highest level of hockey possible and have a 93% average in school. Unfortunately I can't do many extra curriculars besides hockey, but I think the hockey will make up for it (hopefully  ;D). What I'm wondering is:
If I can graduate in my grade 11 year will RMC accept my application for the following year (I'm born in October if that matters)? I would also like to go directly to Kingston to try and make the hockey team  :hockey:  ;D
Do you need second language credits to attend RMC?
Do YOU think I would be too young for RMC?
I would be applying for infantry officer.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Scott]

Search RMC entrance standards.

Search RMC threads.

You are not unique.

Locked

 

[ethanab]

Hey everyone!
I am very interested in applying to the ROTP program but i just recovered from a PL injury and i gained quite a fair bit of weight.
I am worried about not being able to pass the medical/fitness exam
I know ill be back in my peak physical condition in a couple months
My question. Really is applying late going to affect my ability to get in ? Is it best to wait and be applying at the top of my game?
Also sorry in advance of this was covered i been scoping around but I'm in between lectures atm

 

[DAA]

Hey everyone!
I am very interested in applying to the ROTP program but i just recovered from a PL injury and i gained quite a fair bit of weight.
I am worried about not being able to pass the medical/fitness exam
I know ill be back in my peak physical condition in a couple months
My question. Really is applying late going to affect my ability to get in ? Is it best to wait and be applying at the top of my game?
Also sorry in advance of this was covered i been scoping around but I'm in between lectures atm

Your not even close to applying late.  NOW is the time to submit your application to the CF.  Chances are the processing won't start for another month or two, so you have time to start preparing yourself.

 

[ethanab]

I meant i wish to apply late November or after finals.
Because i want to be a 100 percent. I also do not fully under stand the process and when like the medical exam and interview would occur so i was worried if i wouldnt be ready.

 

[dcs]

Apply now.  This will give you plenty of time to address any potential medical concerns.  Odds are you will not have the interview and medical until the new year.  They can schedule you for the CFAT (Aptitude test) which has to be done earlier anyway.  Take a look at earlier posts... definitely not an advantage to wait.

 

[ethanab]

I have been looking..What is the issue with applying in November? The deadline is January 15 so I do not see the consequences. If you could send a link to the forum location or explain it be greatly appreciated.

 

[dcs]

ROTP 2014 - 2015 os one you can look at but many others. (From this one earlier....(

Take a look at last year posts and other posts by searching. A lot of your questions will be already answered.

As I have said in earlier posts.....  apply now.  Things get delayed and then you can schedule your CFAT, Medical etc without panic.  If there is anything that comes up, it can be dealt with.    You may have to see a medical specialist, or get copies of X-rays and reports ft such things as prior fractures.  Or even as is the case with my son currently in engineering, look into and possibly get laser eye surgery. (and yes there is an eyesight (medical) requirement for engineer... and other trades look into it now)

This will allow you to prepare for the interview and have thought of answers to possible questions and scenarios.

Go now and talk to the recruiters.... when it is not that busy and perhaps you have the time.  Take a look trough the trade descriptions and requirements academically.  Other son who just graduated and is a pilot took grade 12 physics and chemistry. This meant that he did not have to take in first year at RMC. (And yes arts degrees at RMC require).  If you are making your course selection, or can change you might want to think about...

Do your homework guys and then ask the questions.  But remember that it is the recruiting centre and staff that you should get definitive answers to specific questions.... do not take someone on these forums word for it. (Like comment that you cannot even apply now..)  Second son was told by recruiters that even though trades were indicated as closed, they were still "open" for RMC.

Talk to individuals there and recently graduated about what it is like and military training etc. Both sons have indicated that there are a number of individuals who leave with the reason being that "they did not realize how hard core military" it was.  Individuals  left that did not have the discipline, time management and drive to succeed.  They are training future officers and leaders, and demand, and rightfully so, a lot of the cadets.  Cadets also receive a lot.  I have had other children at Mt Allison, York, McMaster and Windsor Universities, and there is no comparison from a maturity and deportment stand point.

Still early cannot hurt, and it certainly can help.  You don't want to (or I would not want to) be rushed or potentially miss the first selection review board due.  Send you marks in early, and update when new, including min-term received.

And look at the other forums as to what others have had in regards to strong applications.  And remember being "merit listed" only means that you meet the requirements. You still have to compete against every other individual applying for that trade.

Best of luck to you all.

 

[DAA]

I have been looking..What is the issue with applying in November? The deadline is January 15 so I do not see the consequences. If you could send a link to the forum location or explain it be greatly appreciated.

There is no issue with you waiting until November to apply, what ever you are comfortable with.  If applying is your intention, then just make sure you submit your application well before the advertised deadline.

 

[ethanab]

Thank you very much also ...a topic still kinda on this :/ for the like drug test i take alot of supplements and i understand the military as a different drug code thing than the actual ...should i atop taking supplements all together or just tell them what i am taking before the test?

 

[DAA]

Thank you very much also ...a topic still kinda on this :/ for the like drug test i take alot of supplements and i understand the military as a different drug code thing than the actual ...should i atop taking supplements all together or just tell them what i am taking before the test?

If the supplements are "over the counter" and readily available at your local pharmacy or health food store without a "prescription", there really shouldn't be a problem and it shouldn't be of concern.

 

[oaktown]

Hi there,

I am currently an ROTP student. I was a reservist before switching over and was actually commissioned before taking my ROTP contract.

My question is this - I know of someone who was also commissioned while attending school, also ROTP and upon graduation they were promoted again to SLT. Is this a special case? Is this going to happen for me?

Background info: I am MARS, only have my MARS 4 course left to complete.


Thanks

 

[schwitz]

Im a Cpl trying to give advice to a friends younger sister, just wondering what marks are actually required to join the CF via ROTP? Any assistance on this subject would be most appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[DAA]

Im a Cpl trying to give advice to a friends younger sister, just wondering what marks are actually required to join the CF via ROTP? Any assistance on this subject would be most appreciated.

Cheers!

This year, a minimum academic average of 75% will be apparently be used as the minimum cut line.  I believe this will be based on the Gr 10-11 marks but may include Gr 9, not entirely certain at this point in time.

 

[mkil]

Keep in mind that the minimum will NOT get her a spot.