New Vocational Ambition. I have lots of questions !

[sisyphus84]

Hey everyone,

I'm on here looking for a little bit of direction and, if possible, some insights.

For the past 10 years I have been working in manual, general, labour positions and have done some work in mineral explorations. I am at the point now where I want to join a cause that is meaningful, and I want to start a career that has the potential to take me somewhere. I've often considered the Forces but have always had issues deciding what path to take and which branch of the Forces I would like to focus on.

I always seem to come back to the general branches of Navy and Infantry. I like the Navy because, honestly, it reminds me of Star Trek ! I'm kind of kidding..... But I do like the idea of traveling across the vastness of the Ocean, experiencing the weather, being on an incredible vessel, under the guidance of some amazing people. Infantry, on the other hand, I like because of all of the skill-sets and activities they have you doing. It has actually always been a dream of mine to be a part of the Peace Core/U.N, or a special ops team. I realize that the amount of training for either route will be immense but, as I have said earlier, I want to be a part of something meaningful.

 

[nn1988]

Sorry. I only see statements... Where are the questions?

 

[sisyphus84]

Sorry about that.

Here are my questions:

1) Is 30 years old to old to be considering the Forces ?

2) What branch of the Forces is in need of more people Infantry or Navy  ?

3) I have minimal traditional education does that limit my ability to choose career paths (Ie.. Captain, Special Forces, Peace Core) ?

4) I know that there is an aptitude test that helps you figure out a position but is there any other assessments that will  help narrow down the options ?

 

[Goose15]

1) Is 30 years old to old to be considering the Forces ?

No, 30 years old is definitely not too old to consider the Forces.

2) What branch of the Forces is in need of more people Infantry or Navy  ?

The Navy since Navy is an environment and Infantry is an occupation but if you meant to say Army, that would be a question for a recruiter. (Although, I'm sure someone on here will have that information.)

3) I have minimal traditional education does that limit my ability to choose career paths (Ie.. Captain, Special Forces, Peace Core) ?

Without a bachelors degree you would have to select an NCM occupation. There are many of those and I am sure that your work/life experiences will help in your application.

4) I know that there is an aptitude test that helps you figure out a position but is there any other assessments that will  help narrow down the options ?

The CFAT is to determine your general aptitude and can limit the options you have but I do not know of any the help narrow down your choices. That is a lot more based around what you want to do and accomplish.

 

[runormal]

Sorry about that.

Here are my questions:

1) Is 30 years old to old to be considering the Forces ?

2) What branch of the Forces is in need of more people Infantry or Navy  ?

3) I have minimal traditional education does that limit my ability to choose career paths (Ie.. Captain, Special Forces, Peace Core) ?

4) I know that there is an aptitude test that helps you figure out a position but is there any other assessments that will  help narrow down the options ?

1) No, not at all.

2) Recruiters have the most up to date information. Keep in mind lots of new postions should be open when the new FY year begins in April.

3) Without a degree* you will not be able to become an officer. *- There are programs like UTPNCM, CFR as well I read a few years ago you could get into combat engineer Engineering Officer with certain 3 year + college programs, but it wasn't ideal. Not sure if this changed or not. It has since changed, and doesn't appear that this still exists.

4) Your medical will limit your trade choices, the current link for the master list is down. I.E if your deaf you can't become a sonar op. If you have bad vision you can't become a pilot. There is also colour vision that will also limit your trade choices.

What I'd recommend is
1. Go on the forces.ca website, click browse job (http://www.forces.ca/en/jobexplorer/browsejobs-70) click NCM and then click what education you have, as well click what you want to do. There are categories that you can select what interests you.

"Health Care
Engineers
Technicians
Sensor & Radar
Administration & Support
Combat Specialists
Public Protection
Telecommunications
Air & Ship's Crew
Other"

This will then show all the occupations in which you meet the education requirements and show the categories you selected.

From there watch the movies, read the description get a few trades you like.

2. Go into a CFRC and talk to them about options and any questions you have.

Biggest advice, don't pick a trade for the sake of getting in. Pick a trade you think you will be happy in for a career (25+ years). Pick what you want to do. There is a lot of helpful information on this site so search away.

Edit: Wasn't clear in original post was referring to Eng O not Combat Engineer, reference strikeouts

 

[Goose15]

3) Without a degree* you will not be able to become an officer. *- There are programs like UTPNCM, CFR as well I read a few years ago you could get into combat engineer with certain 3 year + college programs, but it wasn't ideal. Not sure if this changed or not.

This would be Engineer Officer as Combat Engineer is an NCM trade and does not require a degree.

Biggest advice, don't pick a trade for the sake of getting in. Pick a trade you think you will be happy in for a career (25+ years). Pick what you want to do.

:goodpost:

 

[uzi]

30 years old is not too old to join the Forces. But, infantry? I am not too sure. If you are in shape and do sports a lot, there is no problem. If you are not, you may suffer a lot for the training.