Hi everyone, this is my first post. I searched extensively in these forums for an answer to my question, and while I did find information scattered here and there, there were no posts that directly addressed my dilemma. (MODs: this is not an NCM vs. Officers question. Please don’t just link me to one of those mega-threads and close this one. Much appreciated.)
So here’s my story. I am 27 and have a degree in IT+Business Mgt. from Ryerson U. I’ve worked in the IT field for 1.5 yrs and got sick and tired of desk jobs. I was so sick with the whole cubicle lifestyle that I quit a well-paying IT job and started working in the retail sales for a cell phone company in Toronto. Now I am in search of a career, and for the third time in my life, found myself considering the CAF as an alternative to the desk jobs.
I almost set my mind on applying and shortlisted Signals Officer and Communications and Electronics Engineering (Air) Officer as they tie back to my IT background. I was under the impression that since it’s in the military, I could break free from the whole cubicle structure. However, upon further research and discussions with two current CAF members, I realized the officers are tied to the same old civilian style desks. This is a major turn-off as that was sort of the main reason for me wanting to join the Forces. (I know some of you may say that’s not a solid reason, but we all got our own motives.) After some research, I leaned towards Aerospace Control Officer as it seemed like less of a cubicle job and mainly at the control tower. I was also advised to take the NCM route as that would be more hands-on and always a field work. But I am not much keen on it as I want to utilize my degree that I spent $50k and five years completing. If I choose NCM, I would apply for ATIS Technician or ACIS Specialist.
Now here are my specific questions.
1. Are the stereotypes true, that officers spend most of their career in the office? If they do, how do they lead their platoon/troop?
2. At what level/rank do officers tend to get desk jobs? I understand 2lt/Lt would be spending more time with their platoon on the field?
3. Can someone give me a typical breakdown of an officer’s day/year at Lt/Capt rank? What percentage is in the office vs. on the field?
4. Even for NCMs, when they rise to the ranks of NCO, wouldn’t they have more of an office job?
5. I know most people ask about switching from NCM to Officer, but is there a possibility of the reverse? If so, how long does it take approximately?
I request inputs from everyone, but if there is any Sig. O or CELE O., I would really appreciate their two-cent on it. Some questions I asked may seem redundant, but I want to make an informed decision. I don’t want to spend two years of my life applying+training and then find out I am back where I was trying to run away from. Thanks in advance.
So here’s my story. I am 27 and have a degree in IT+Business Mgt. from Ryerson U. I’ve worked in the IT field for 1.5 yrs and got sick and tired of desk jobs. I was so sick with the whole cubicle lifestyle that I quit a well-paying IT job and started working in the retail sales for a cell phone company in Toronto. Now I am in search of a career, and for the third time in my life, found myself considering the CAF as an alternative to the desk jobs.
I almost set my mind on applying and shortlisted Signals Officer and Communications and Electronics Engineering (Air) Officer as they tie back to my IT background. I was under the impression that since it’s in the military, I could break free from the whole cubicle structure. However, upon further research and discussions with two current CAF members, I realized the officers are tied to the same old civilian style desks. This is a major turn-off as that was sort of the main reason for me wanting to join the Forces. (I know some of you may say that’s not a solid reason, but we all got our own motives.) After some research, I leaned towards Aerospace Control Officer as it seemed like less of a cubicle job and mainly at the control tower. I was also advised to take the NCM route as that would be more hands-on and always a field work. But I am not much keen on it as I want to utilize my degree that I spent $50k and five years completing. If I choose NCM, I would apply for ATIS Technician or ACIS Specialist.
Now here are my specific questions.
1. Are the stereotypes true, that officers spend most of their career in the office? If they do, how do they lead their platoon/troop?
2. At what level/rank do officers tend to get desk jobs? I understand 2lt/Lt would be spending more time with their platoon on the field?
3. Can someone give me a typical breakdown of an officer’s day/year at Lt/Capt rank? What percentage is in the office vs. on the field?
4. Even for NCMs, when they rise to the ranks of NCO, wouldn’t they have more of an office job?
5. I know most people ask about switching from NCM to Officer, but is there a possibility of the reverse? If so, how long does it take approximately?
I request inputs from everyone, but if there is any Sig. O or CELE O., I would really appreciate their two-cent on it. Some questions I asked may seem redundant, but I want to make an informed decision. I don’t want to spend two years of my life applying+training and then find out I am back where I was trying to run away from. Thanks in advance.