Okay, so I've been working on this issue for awhile, trying to find relevant posts on this site. It doesn't seem to be working so I figured I'd post.
I recently graduated with a degree in Applied Science in Mechatronics Engineering (for anyone looking for an explanation of this see here:
http://www.mme.uwaterloo.ca/undergrad/mechatronics/home.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechatronics
Suffice to say, I believe it qualifies for all engineering occupations in the CF. At least for the two I'm discussing now).
So, not being very interested in the opportunities civilian occupations had to offer (as well as the good training and pay the military had to offer), I applied for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Officer, it being the closest to my field. Went through the application process and recently (today) found out that EME was full this year, and I'd have to re-apply for next year (March) if I wanted to try for it. They suggested that the Navy Engineering fields (Marine Systems and Naval Combat Systems) were still open, and I could apply for those.
While these fields interest me (particularly Marine Systems) I had some concerns about applying for them. In particular,
How much more time away is there in the Navy vs. the Army (particularly the two trades I mentioned)? I understand the military involves time away, and is a lifestyle choice. But I'm concerned that that means forgetting everyone I have now. I have a girlfriend, and while she's willing to move wherever I'm posted, I worry about having to leave her for several months at a time if I were in the Navy.
Perhaps my fears are unfounded, but I scoured this website and found suggestions of being away on a ship for 6-8 months at a time (I understand this is expected in terms of "deployment", but the way it was presented seemed to indicate it would be every year).
I also wonder about what people think of life at sea, the lack of personal space, etc. I figure I can deal with these things, but they're on my mind.
Anyway, if anyone can offer an opinion of Navy vs. Army, I would be appreciative (though please preface your post with any biases you may have, so I can take those into consideration).
Thanks for your time.
I recently graduated with a degree in Applied Science in Mechatronics Engineering (for anyone looking for an explanation of this see here:
http://www.mme.uwaterloo.ca/undergrad/mechatronics/home.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechatronics
Suffice to say, I believe it qualifies for all engineering occupations in the CF. At least for the two I'm discussing now).
So, not being very interested in the opportunities civilian occupations had to offer (as well as the good training and pay the military had to offer), I applied for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Officer, it being the closest to my field. Went through the application process and recently (today) found out that EME was full this year, and I'd have to re-apply for next year (March) if I wanted to try for it. They suggested that the Navy Engineering fields (Marine Systems and Naval Combat Systems) were still open, and I could apply for those.
While these fields interest me (particularly Marine Systems) I had some concerns about applying for them. In particular,
How much more time away is there in the Navy vs. the Army (particularly the two trades I mentioned)? I understand the military involves time away, and is a lifestyle choice. But I'm concerned that that means forgetting everyone I have now. I have a girlfriend, and while she's willing to move wherever I'm posted, I worry about having to leave her for several months at a time if I were in the Navy.
Perhaps my fears are unfounded, but I scoured this website and found suggestions of being away on a ship for 6-8 months at a time (I understand this is expected in terms of "deployment", but the way it was presented seemed to indicate it would be every year).
I also wonder about what people think of life at sea, the lack of personal space, etc. I figure I can deal with these things, but they're on my mind.
Anyway, if anyone can offer an opinion of Navy vs. Army, I would be appreciative (though please preface your post with any biases you may have, so I can take those into consideration).
Thanks for your time.