Looking to Commission from Ranks and would like to hear experiences from people who have done CFRP.
I was a successful applicant for FY 21/22
I'm currently waiting for BPSO appointment for more info and have read all the information provided online.
95 percent of what you need to know is located in the K R&Os, DAOD, and the CANFORGEN released this past July.
How did the process go? What was the timeline?
Message drops in July, started the paperwork in August 21. Did my CFAT rewrite in August. Interview in September. Paperwork deadline to Ottawa is November. The Selection Board sat sometime between Nov and March, radio silence until end of March. I received my offer in Late March, accepted, received my promotion message in May. Promotion took effect 15 Jul 22. PLAR for BMOQ/BMOQ-A/DP1 sent up shortly thereafter.
Did you have to re do CFAT?
Yes. 17 year old me was dumb as a post and hungover the day I went in to do my CFAT as an NCM. I did a study package, was well rested, and brought it up a solid 30 percentage points. Remeber though, if you bomb it the second time, thats your new score going in and getting a 3rd kick at the cat is rarer than jalapeño poppers at the mess on Friday.
How did you get the COs nomination?
My Sqn 2IC overheard me say I was thinking of doing it one day. He said "put up or shut up" and mentioned it to my OC, who then mentioned it to my CO. Before I knew it, the Sqn 2IC said the Adjt had paperwork for me to fill out and it needed done before the end of the week. It's a top down approach, but the top needs to at least know you're interested.
And any other general information you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Make your file competitive. Everyone you're going to the board with meets the minimum requirements the same as you do. Get your language profile updated. PD is huge.
Interview well, and if not, practice what you're saying. It's a job interview after all.
Your CO's recommendation carries a lot of weight, so make sure it's not a one word answer like "Recommended".
A lot of the paperwork you will need to complete is done and driven by you. Make sure you're up on your military writing and get a second set of eyes on everything before you throw it up the chain.
Finally, you miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take, but you also might miss this one. That's OK. There are only so many positions available by trade and there are fat and lean years for CFR applicants. Don't get disheartened if it's a "suitable, no position available" response. Keep being awesome, keep working hard, there's always next year.
Best of luck to you nonetheless!
