[Canadian_Mind]

Part of it has to do with getting paid to play in the mud and shoot at stuff.

I'm doing it for the experiance. Don't know what I'll actually experiance when I get there, but once I've been there, I'll be able to say that I've been there.

[AirDet]

Damngrumpy, you should be thanking people like this lad, your Grandfather before him and all us in the CF for safeguarding your right to express such crap without fear of reprisal. People like you should get out and travel the world and I don't mean Paris or Mexican resorts. The world is a nasty place and it is our military and police that protect useless lambs like you from the wolves of the world.

[AirDet]

Good luck, lad. I never worked in the recruiting world but I suppose it should be no different than any other unit. We plan everything we do around the all important budget.
Remember this advice an old CSM gave me 25yrs ago. It always worked for me. "Keep your mouth in check, your ears always open, and work like an ox." If you do this people will always come to you for advice. The higher ups will choose you over others. Your career will be shining.

[mangochutn3y]

people always mention that you should join as an officer rather than NCM... besides pay/rank... i don't get why it's a big deal to be an officer above all...

[BartSimpson]

mangochutn3y wrote:

people always mention that you should join as an officer rather than NCM... besides pay/rank... i don't get why it's a big deal to be an officer above all...

When you get out of the service a lot of doors open for former officers that don't necessarily open for former enlisted folks.

[SprCForr]

mangochutn3y wrote:

people always mention that you should join as an officer rather than NCM... besides pay/rank... i don't get why it's a big deal to be an officer above all...

The variety of postings and opportunities is wider for an officer for one. There is a trade-off as always. It all comes down to what it is you want from a career.

[AirDet]

SprCForr pretty much nailed it. I joined as an NCO and have had an amazing career. Then again my goal was to see the world and I did. If you are joining for a specific reason figure out what path will best help you achieve your goal.
Officers have difficulties too. Their world isn't all roses.

[ShepherdsDog]

how do you join as an NCO? Did you already have professional certification in a trade before enlisting?

[421_434_226]

You do not need a professional certificate to join as an NCO (now known as an NCM Non-Commissioned Member), although in some circumstances it could help. Have a look at the forces.ca website for job and recruiting information, feel free to send the contact centre questions via the email link or use the live chat after the 1st of June.

(edited for spelling)

[ShepherdsDog]

I've already served and left....years ago. my question dealt with the usage of NCO, which describes/d the rank from corporal to Chief Warrant Officer. When I went through Cornwallis many moons ago we had an x ray tech in our sister platoon who was immediately made a corporal after she graduated.....everyone else was a PTE(R) or in our case OS. You didn't become an NCO(LS/Cpl.) for at least four years.

I should add that she lost her chevrons the next day because she and a few others had a private party and Mary Jane was invited....as well as the SIU.

[421_434_226]

Still the same thing around 4 years to make Cpl, to keep it you have to complete QL5 sometimes now referred to as Journeyman's dependent on the occupation. NCO is sometimes still used when referring to WO's and up, or old dogs like us. You said that you did basic in '84 so did I 8429 actually.

[ShepherdsDog]

we were there at the same time only a few weeks apart. What platoon? it's pretty freaking depressing the state that Cornwallis is in now. A few on FB have compiled some photos and videos.

[421_434_226]

If I remember correctly I was in B sec of 8429A as we had a sister platoon 8429B. We had a guy in our sec whose last name was Recruit, led to some confusion if staff happened to be yelling that word. (not that they went around yelling much ) Perhaps of interest to you, my user name is the 3 trades I did in the military basically 7 years in each. And just for fun I got out for a time then did basic again in '97.