[Birdy]

Hi everyone, newbie here.

The situation: I'm 38, female, got a university degree in Fine Arts (it's ok to snicker!), a very diverstified resume (of course), no attachments (i.e. kids etc.), and after a 6-months tour at KAF as a civilian got myself a thirst for adventure as well as great respect for our forces (before my tour I knew nothing about the military except for dating a soldier once.) I do have a cushy contrat with the fed gov't starting soon but you know what? The idea of going back to sitting behind a computer cubicle is not that attractive to me anymore.

So I'm thinking of joining. Actually will be visiting a recruitment centre here in Ottawa tomorrow. But I thought it would be helpful to get info on this site. I'm curious to know if my age would be an issue, if it would cause a bias. I love travelling, so would it make more sense to go Navy? What are the pros & cons of each branch? How hard is it to obtain a position in the field of intelligence, something I find very interesting? How is the life of an officer compared to a NCO?

All input welcomed... thanks!

[BartSimpson]

In most military outfits the life of an officer is consistently better than it is for lower ranks. You get better housing, better pay, you don't get crappy jobs like cleaning toilets or getting posted to guard duty for 12 hours on Christmas Day.

If you have a choice, become an officer BUT be sure to always be respectful of the lower ranking folks. Especially sergeants and Warrant officers who typically have forgotten more critical things than you'll ever know.

[PublicAnimalNo9]

Sorry I'm not answering your question(s) but asking one instead.
What exactly does one study to earn a degree in Fine Arts? Not asking to poke fun, I'm genuinely curious.

[SprCForr]

Officer/NCO can depend on what you like at a personal level.

You want big picture, policy, planning or hands on, expert technical detail type stuff?

Both have good points and not so good points.

[Zipperfish]

Read "What Colour is your Parachute." If you're thinking of making a big life change you want to be sure to head it in the right direction. If its the inactivity associated with sitting in a cubicle that drives you nuts, then signing up may be a move in the right direction. However if its stultifying bureaucracy that intimidates you, then a move to the military may not solve your woes.

I have a "sitting in a cubilce" job right now, and I recently accepted a one-year civilian contract in Afghnaistan, in Kabul. Taking off at the end of the month, actually.

If you want to work in Intelligence, you have to excel. I have a friend in it, on the civilian end. You also need a good record, you'll likely be subject to a lie-detector test which may prove embarrassing, and it really helps if you are multilingual. Also--forewarned is forearmed--a lot of intelligence work is--you guessed it--sitting at a cubicle.

[Birdy]

Thanks for the replies!

@BartSimpson and SprCForr: was thinking I'd be more suited as an officer due to age but also because I'm good with people and do enjoy policy making. It also seems to be more suited to someone who likes change - something a technical trade may not be able to supply? Then again, I don't want to be a paper-pusher, I like to move.

Btw, doubt that I'd be a a-hole officer: as far as I'm concerned, NCO's are the ones doing the "real" job... and officers are there to support them.

@PublicAnimalNo9: I specialized in Studio Practices, which means drawing, photography, sculpture, art history, things like that.

[Benn]

As for the age part you are as old as you feel and let on. If you are as fit as the average next guy or gal they are hiring then they are getting the fitness level of a 20 something with the wisdom of a 30 something, it's a win-win for them IMO.

[BartSimpson]

Birdy wrote:

@BartSimpson and SprCForr: was thinking I'd be more suited as an officer due to age but also because I'm good with people and do enjoy policy making. It also seems to be more suited to someone who likes change - something a technical trade may not be able to supply? Then again, I don't want to be a paper-pusher, I like to move.

Whether or not you are a paper pusher depends on what you pursue. A combat command will have paperwork but you can always assign a clerk to those kind of things. If you're in logistics or in an HQ (read: political) posting then paperwork will be your reason for living.

Now the irony of most militaries is that lower ranking HQ or logistical officers rarely move up to brigadier. If you have you eye on some stars then go for a combat posting of some sort because that's what gets you into the 'big chair'.

Also, a combat posting gives you much more freedom than does an HQ posting. If you're a true self starter AND you are good with younger folks then this is for you.

[Canadian_Mind]

On my basic we had a woman go through who was old enough to already have her children in the CF and posted to what would become my regiment. Sadly she passed away of natural causes around 2 years ago. R.I.P. Swift.

[Birdy]

I'm envious, Zipperfish, would love to go back to Afghanistan. It was hard work, sure but the people made it worth it. The money wasn't anything to spit on either. If your company is hiring, let me know! Mine isn't anymore now that the troops are pulling out.

Benn you are absolutely right about the age thing. I'm fit but would of course step it up a few notches before going to training. I would feel I have something to prove to the younger kids, which would only help my case by having me work that much harder. As for the wisdom... lol

Sorry if I sound ignorant (it's because I am!) BartSimpson, can you tell me more about combat postings? Are they for officers as well as NCMs? I am, btw, a true self-starter and good with people, as well as having a thick skin. And a good sense of humour - learned how important that was during my time overseas with the troops... I miss those guys!

Swift sounds like she was a cool chick, Canadian_Mind. Thanks for the inspiration.

[SprCForr]

Join as an OR, see if you can hack it at the lowest level. If it's all good, then go for a commission right after. You may want to look at at a local Reserve Unit. Same standards, closer to home and just as employable in the big green machine.

[ginger]

38 is not old at all. You have a lot of experience to offer. As far as intelligence, you may find that this is a tough field to get into when applying as a civilian. This occupation interested me as well, but they tend to go for those from within the Military for Intelligence Officer. Plus you have the wrong degree for it. With Fine Arts, you'll need a position that simply asks for a degree, and doesn't mention any specifics (i.e. in Army, it's Armour Officer, Artillery Officer, Infantry Officer, etc.). I'm not good with Navy positions.

Good for you for going after what you want. It's admirable to not want a job at a cubicle.

[stokes]

Despite what SprCFORR says, dont join the reserves unless you want to be "stuck" there for a while. It is currently taking 18 months for Reserves to be able to transfer to the Reg Force, and if you dont want to go through basic again you will need to complete a bunch of coursing in order to get the bypass. So having said all of that you would not be able to transfer to the RegF for about 3 years.....if you expect all of your hard work to count.

The only basic training from the Reserves that is seen as equal is from the Navy, all of the Reserve army basic training is shorter and misses mandatory requirements, which are made up on further coursing but can take some time to be able to complete it all.

As it stands right now the only jobs we have open for your degree is Armoured Officer or Infantry Officer, for the NCM side you will have more options. It would be best for you to go and see a recruiter, no appointment required, bring your transcripts (HS and university), and let them show you exactly what you would qualify for based on your education.

Dont take this the wrong way, but it is a common misconception that someone who has post-secondary education will automaticaly trump the educational entry standards. Some occupations demand [b]ACADEMIC[b] Maths and Sciences from high school or appropriate coursing in college/university in order to qualify.

The days of grade 10 will get you a job are gone, it is so competitive for infantry right now that we are only looking at people who have completed at least one year of college.

[SprCForr]

stokes wrote:

Despite what SprCFORR says, dont join the reserves unless you want to be "stuck" there for a while. It is currently taking 18 months for Reserves to be able to transfer to the Reg Force...

There it is, more current info.

(Gah, I'm such a dinosaur...lol)

[stokes]

SprCForr wrote:

stokes wrote:

Despite what SprCFORR says, dont join the reserves unless you want to be "stuck" there for a while. It is currently taking 18 months for Reserves to be able to transfer to the Reg Force...

There it is, more current info.

(Gah, I'm such a dinosaur...lol)

I work in recruiting, the policy changes all of the time and we are almost at our cap of 68,000. so it isnt so much that you are a dinosaur, just out of the loop...