I feel well qualified to add to this topic..lol. I agree with much of what has been said. There is definitely, or was definitely, and probably always be a bias within each Regiment to keep its best soldiers within the unit. I have seen first hand "bribes" ,or at least the perception of bribes, and even coercion to keep sappers sappers. Coincidentally, the things that sappers learn, and the soldiers who are drawn to the trade are exactly the troops that the COTP, VOTP, are looking for. I was fortunate enough to be able to cut my strings relatively easily, having put ( some would say snuck) my application through while I was between units. I remember standing in front of the BPSO's office @ 0 dark30, before PT, to get a quick word in without an appointment. HFX CROWE is WAY off track if he/ she thinks it is c of c's role to select candidates, beyond the basic, charges pending, C & P imposed unit knowledge that should be considered on CO's recommendation. The PSO and new trade course will sort out if the applicant is suited for the trade desired. Our military is too small to carry dead weight in any trade. A person should not be recommended for retention if they are not recommended for remuster. this is getting too long to read in one sitting, I will post again on this.
gully