Thoughts on Combat Engineering

[Cataphract]

I previously posted this yesterday in the recruiting forum, but despite a dozen or so viewings there hasn't been any input, so after perusing the forums some more I found the dedicated board and figured I'd get an opinion from "the horse's mouth" so to speak.

Hi folks.

I'm currently seriously considering enlisting as a Combat Engineer and I would welcome any and all comments that anyone has to offer regarding this MOC.

Unfortunately I'm a wee bit past 'ideal' to be enlisting now, but I've got quite a bit of interest and some actual practical experience related to this field.

I'm 29, a bit out of shape (but not drastically so) and have spent most of my post-secondary education time in the Civil Engineering/Technology discipline. I'm one credit away from a diploma in Engineering and one year away from a diploma in civil engineering technology. I had previously started the recruitment process a half dozen years back, but was uncertain in my choice of potential career and didn't want to jump into anything without consideration.

I've been away from it for a few years, and I'm older and wiser now. Is it realistic or feasible to consider enlistment?

Anyone who has any input, whether it be postive or negative, please feel free to comment. Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[043]

Come on in!!!!!

 

[Ex-Dragoon]

Come on in!!!!!

Like that really helps him out. Can your provide something to help him out or continue to make inane comments?

 

[EODSpr]

Your diploma, will it be a degree? Are you considering enlistment as an Officer or a NCM? Do you have any Reserve service? Today we get new Sappers of all ages so I don't think age is an issue. Fitness, well you should get in shape prior to joining it will make life a a lot easier in keeping up with the younger guys.

What are your goals go you want to use this as a stepping stone or are you considering the possibility of a career? I don't know if you have looked for other threads about what we do and if not there is some good information about what Sappers do on this site. If you want to ask some more specific questions I will try to answer them. Or if you wish PM me.

E45

Chimo!

 

[patrick666]

I have no experience in the field and I am still joining up for Combat Engineer. If it is really what you want to do, then go for it. I've heard it is one of the best trades in the military but also one of the hardest working. They pay you to train, not the other way around.

After your basic training, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you do an SQ (Soldier Qualification) Course because they are also trained as Infantry (weapon handling, camoflauge, etc..) and then another 10 weeks in Gagetown, New Brunswick, for powertool and heavy machine training. Since you already have the experience, it really shouldn't be too much different other than the physicality of the job.

I'd recommend beginning a fitness routine while you are waiting to be enlisted. Something as simple as a 4-5km run a few times per week. You can work on your upper body if you'd like but remember that cardio is the most important. You can't sustainanyphysical exertion without proper lung capacity and strength.

All in all, it seems like a great opportunity to advance myself(yourself) at skills related to Engineering, not only Engineering, but Infantry, and general military knowledge.

If you want to, then so be it. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Cheers,

Patrick

 

[Cataphract]

I would join NCM, civil engineering technology can be 'upgraded' to P.Eng with a two year stint at a few Universities (Lakehead in Ont the most prevalent), but no degree. I have no intention of finishing either diploma prior to enlisting, as I'm currently employed in an unrelated field (desktop pc support).

I have no previous military experience in any capacity, but I'm looking long term. I'm looking at enlisting as a career choice as opposed to a stepping stone.

I have a highschool friend in the Navy, and a friend of my wife just went reg force from the reserves (Navy also), so I'm forewarned about the 'getting in shape' part of it.

I wanted a little heads up on if I'm too late to get into the game, availability of the trade, and how my post-secondary education would hold up trying to go 043. Obviously, a lot this may only be answerable by a recruiter (whom I plan on speaking with this week), but I think that speaking with people who actually DO the job is more valuable than all the shiney pamphlets I could get my hands on.

 

[EODSpr]

That being the case then no you are not to late, and no our trade is not closed we are undermaned right now. You are right talking to a recruiter is a must. The trade can be physically demanding and be prepared to be away from home a lot be it on training, courses or deployment. There is rarely a mission that the Engrs are not a part of.

Like any job it has its ups and downs but if you wish to soldier it can be very rewarding. If I had to do it all over again I would in a heartbeat.

E45

Chimo!

 

[043]

Hey man, to put it blunt, we will take anybody. The Corps of Engineers is a very good branch. The job of a Combat Engineer is challenging and rewarding.  You go on more tours than most other trades because we are double hatted all the time. What I mean by that is there are two Field Squadrons in each Regt, less 4 ESR in Gagetown, so that we get back to back roto's on occasion. Not to worry though, it's all good!

Good luck and start getting in shape. Total body fitness is important becuase if your not in shape, you will bring the rest of the fireteam, section or troop down.

 

[Cataphract]

I'm actually really enjoying the prospect of having a reason to get back in shape. I used to be a pretty active guy, I was into the weights and sports, etc. Three+ years at a desk job and a smoking habit has dragged me down. It was always something I enjoyed, I simply got out of the habit and didn't make the time for anymore.

I will take everyone's advice and start working on cardio stuff right away. I may even decide to kick the pack a day habit after tossing some lung butter around trying to get up to snuff. I'm a big guy and don't have a problem with the strength aspect of things (6'4 250 atm), but I know the cardio/endurance stuff will be rough.

Thanks for all the input so far people, I really appreciate it.

 

[Ex-Dragoon]

thanks E45 for taking the time out to answer Catraphacts questions.

 

[Cataphract]

From the barrage of CBLA affectations in your nick Dragoon, I'm going to assume that we're from the same neck of the woods.

Hello from a fellow Caper! If I get in 043, I guess I'll be able to formally muster up for CBLA Draft Beer Division huh? 

 

[Ex-Dragoon]

You bet but the first round is on you

 

[Cataphract]

You can hold me to it  ;D

 

[Gayson]

I would join NCM, civil engineering technology can be 'upgraded' to P.Eng with a two year stint at a few Universities (Lakehead in Ont the most prevalent), but no degree. I have no intention of finishing either diploma prior to enlisting, as I'm currently employed in an unrelated field (desktop pc support).

I have no previous military experience in any capacity, but I'm looking long term. I'm looking at enlisting as a career choice as opposed to a stepping stone.

I have a highschool friend in the Navy, and a friend of my wife just went reg force from the reserves (Navy also), so I'm forewarned about the 'getting in shape' part of it.

I wanted a little heads up on if I'm too late to get into the game, availability of the trade, and how my post-secondary education would hold up trying to go 043. Obviously, a lot this may only be answerable by a recruiter (whom I plan on speaking with this week), but I think that speaking with people who actually DO the job is more valuable than all the shiney pamphlets I could get my hands on.

A college diploma in Civil Engineering Technology cannot just be upgraded to a P.Eng by going to university for 2 years.  I know what program you are talking about (I am doing it).  To get a P.Eng after college you need to gain a B.Eng at an accreditied University then work in the industry for 2-4 years before being allowed to apply for a P.Eng.  Gaining the P.Eng requires that you pass an exam and worked as an Intern/Apprentice/Engineer in Training under someone who has a P.Eng and recorded your development.

University degrees don't make Engineers, they give students the foundation to go into the industry to gain the knowledge and experience to be an Engineer.

 

[Cataphract]

Actually, through the program I took, it was expected that some of our class would go on for the additional two years to get their P.Eng. I think it depends on where you got your diploma in Engineering Technology. I went to a University-College and had two options for continuing study - Lakehead or Dalhousie. Mind you, the Engineering Technology program was Co-op, which may have been used to bypass the 2-4 year experience requirement.

However I completely agree with you regarding the schooling does not in turn make the profession. We always knew that after we graduated, then we could get a job in the field and actually start learning how to do the job, as opposed to being 100% prepared to work in the field after we graduated.

That's why I never really enjoyed the scholastic part of it, even though it wwsn't a problem for me. I would much rather learn the trade by doing it as opposed to someone talking about it, which is why Combat Engineering is so attractive. I want to get out and actually do it and learn from doing it, as opposed to knowing that after I graduate with a piece of paper in my hand, I can learn how the real world actually does the job.

That's why I'll choose to go NCM instead of officer training. Even though I could probably do well scholoastically, I don't think I'd learn how things were actually 'done', and I can't see that making me qualified to lead people who actually knew what they were doing. That's just me though, no offense to any ROTP potentials out there!

 

[Gayson]

What college did you get your Diploma at?  Was it a Technology or Technicians diploma?

 

[Cataphract]

I studied at the University College of Cape Breton. It's a Co-operative Engineering Technology Diploma. At the time, the diploma was a 4 year program, but it's been cut down to a 3 year program. That may change the post graduation options, but I can only substantiate the way things were while I was in the program (they may have just gone to a three semester model, who knows).

 

[umpa]

Hello,hello
well sounds like there is some more potential meat for the proverbial grinder.And what a grinder it is.Oh yes.The well oiled machine that is the engineer corp or in specific 1 CER.What is that career ending regiment.Sounds about right.All I can say is that there is a reason that half the unit has remuster or releases in.Now some of the troops on here will try and convince you other wise.My guess would be that they are either officers or high ranking NCM's and possibly dont see things at the bottom or will tell you different just to lure you in.Well f$%K that I say.Get out while you still can.I cant wait for my OT to go through.Then my sanity shall slowly return(and my family life)Idiots!!

 

[Pieman]

All I can say is that there is a reason that half the unit has remuster or releases in.

Do tell. What do you think is so wrong about 1 CER?

 

[Infanteer]

Hello,hello
well sounds like there is some more potential meat for the proverbial grinder.And what a grinder it is.Oh yes.The well oiled machine that is the engineer corp or in specific 1 CER.What is that career ending regiment.Sounds about right.All I can say is that there is a reason that half the unit has remuster or releases in.Now some of the troops on here will try and convince you other wise.My guess would be that they are either officers or high ranking NCM's and possibly dont see things at the bottom or will tell you different just to lure you in.Well f$%K that I say.Get out while you still can.I cant wait for my OT to go through.Then my sanity shall slowly return(and my family life)Idiots!!

Wow, that's productive - anything substantive to offer, or are you just going to run at the disgruntled mouth?