Neo Cortex said:
To be honest I think the "everyone" part refers to civvies as opposed to military personnel. Canadian society (at least the part of it I've been exposed too) has been "prepped" into believing that University is better than a high school diploma, and that more money is better than less money. They don't take the time to realize that as an Officer you're doing a different job than an NCM -- not necessarily a better or more important job -- just a different one.
It's not just civilians who think this way. Actually, most of my civilian friends don't know the ranks or the difference between NCMs and Officers, and would probably guess (albeit incorrectly) that Officers are just higher-ranked NCMS. At the CFRCs, however, the staff tend to promote Officer trades to applicants with degrees. They did this with me and also with a friend of mine, as we both originally went in asking about the RMS Clerk trade. Eventually, I switched to the Officer side, but she did not. She has just started work in the reserves as an RMS Clerk (and she not only has a Bachelor's degree, but is 2 credits shy of her Master's). We're both happy with our respective choices. However, as to why the CFRC staff was so quick to suggest Officer trades, I would guess that they don't get as many applicants looking at those trades, so when they see someone who would qualify, they make the suggestion. Personally, I was looking for a trade that I felt was the right 'match' for me and I looked at several NCM and Officer trades before choosing 3 Officer trades.
I don't understand the whole NCM vs. Officer 'attitude' (for lack of a better word) that I see amongst some military personnel, however, both online and in the non-cyber world. I've yet to hear an Officer talk in a disparaging way about NCMs, but I've heard NCMs cut up Officers on several occasions. In some of the cases, the complainant may have had a legitimate beef. Nonetheless, it comes off looking like sour grapes a lot of the time.
To the OP: Read up a bit more on both trades that you are considering and about the responsibilities and roles of an NCM vice that of an Officer. Which role do you see yourself in more realistically? Either way, you are looking at some time getting more education and training in your chosen field. You want it to be time well spent, so choose the one that suits you best. Stop listening to people who don't know anything about the military or the trades you are considering. Talk to those who do.
