What do recruiters look for on a ROTP application

[SMCS157]

I'm in Grade 10 now, and look to be applying to ROTP in the next couple of years. I'm also in the Air Cadets, 180 Mosquito Squadron to be specific. Joining the Forces has been a long standing dream for me.  I understand that the choices I make now affect my chances in the future.

Which brings me to my situation. As I said, I'm in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets now, at Sergeant's rank. I estimate that I'll make WOII, if I'm lucky. I also have another opportunity: to run for the postition of Student Trustee for the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), a board that consists of about 90,000 students from J.K to Grade 12. I'm confident I could win the election if I enter my name into the race.

The question is do I want to run. To a Canadian Forces recruiter looking over a ROTP application in a couple years, what looks more appealing: Air Cadet WOII from a well-known squadron, or Student Trustee from a Board as large as the TCDSB? In essence, there's no way I can keep up with cadet work, board of trustee work, and school work. So which do I choose to get the maximum chance of ROTP acceptance: cadets or politics?

Not all provinces and territories have Student Trustees, so I'll quickly explain what they are here. Student trustees are members of a School Board's board of trustees. They have no vote and they can't actually make motions, but they do act as the voice of the students at the Board level. They're expected to attend all committee meetings and keep up with adults who do this sort of thing for a living and aren't expected to keep up with school work. As you can guess its a pretty demanding job. I'm pretty sure there is a wikipedia page for it somewhere, if you need more info.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. I know I'm still a ways off from joining up, but I'm the kind of guy who likes to plan ahead. Then again, the best laid plans...

Regards,
D Campbell

P.S - FYI, this is one of my first times posting on a forum, but I've read milnet stuff for a while and I'm rather impressed with the helpfullness of the material and the contributors.

 

[BeyondTheNow]

Unfortunately, I can't offer any insight into your questions, but hopefully someone will be along shortly to offer advice.

What I did want to comment on, however, was your post. Thank you for posing your questions/situation in a pleasant and professional manner.  It goes a long way in seeking assistance from others.

Take care and best of luck in your journeys!

 

[SeR]

First of all, if you have heard of the four pillars (academics, athletics, bilingualism, and leadership), you should know that anything you can do that can fit into one of these four areas will help your chances. Both cadets and the student trustee position would fall under leadership, but those making the selections are looking for people who are well rounded individuals.

Another thing I would like to throw in is that if you can't handle two extracurricular activities and school work, there is no way you will be able to succeed at RMC without difficulty. That is exactly why they are looking for people that have time management skills. Cadets is three hours once a week and the occasional weekend. I am also aware of the student trustee's responsibilities and like cadets, it is not something that you must dedicate every minute of every day to.

If I were in your shoes, I would stick with cadets and run for student trustee!

Best of luck!