Hi all
First of all, I am new to the forums and would like to introduce myself and thank in advance for any help I would be getting.
I am not enlisted in the CA armed forces, but I am in the process of acquiring the permanent resident status in Canada (I am qualified). I come from central Europe and once in Canada, I believe it is only fair that I would do my share of thanking the country for accepting me as a future citizen, by enlisting. I therefore have a few questions at hand. I currently hold an American University bachelor degree, am 31 years old, and have a pilot background (airline and executive pilot). I am not interested in the Air Force (most likely I am too old anyway), but what interests me (since a child) is the Navy.
I understand that non-CA citizens that can legally live and work in Canada, are allowed to join but as non-officers, I hope I am correct here. I also read on the CA Armed forces website, that there is a fast track program for obtaining CA citizenship faster that way. My long term plan is a full career as a Navy Officer, preferably to have a leadership position in ships. As an ex-airline pilot I had a great time working in teams, I never had any problems and was always liked and respected by my fellow crew, and the captain in charge (I was always an FO/co-pilot). People kept telling me that I had what it takes to be a good leader and frankly, I never understood why, I was just being myself, fair with others and always see things from all perspectives.
What would you recommend I do? Enlist as a cadet, participate in the fast track (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/cit-armed-forces.asp) and is there a possibility after I acquired the CA citizenship, to be transferred for officer training? By that point I would be having my bachelor of science degree in Aeronautics from a US University, 5 years of Airline pilot experience and for sure a validated CA commercial pilot license (although my interests lay in the navy, hobby wise I will for sure still fly from time to time), and I assume I would be having experience as a non-Officer as well. I am also an Advanced Open Water diver but I dive only as a hobby.
Basically, would I be able to join the Canadian Navy as a non Officer, and then once having CA Citizenship, enter Officer school? Also, I saw there are many positions in the Navy to enter. Recommendations and suggestions are very welcome, remember, I would like in the future to be working on deck on leadership positions of ships, such as a ship captain. Once I enter without a CA Passport but with my resident permit, what path do you suggest I should take? I have had a long look at the official forces.gc.ca website and am a bit confused as to what route to take. At one point, the Navy Boarding Party interested me. I am by no means wanting to maybe join that unit because of thinking I am Rambo, but rather thought that specialty would give me experience operating in teams, help me enhance my leadership knowledge/critical thinking/working under stress etc, which would ultimately be very beneficial for a future post as an officer on a ship. Maybe this sounds not rational and makes no sense, I might be a bit naive to how things work in the armed forces due to my lack of experience in the military.
One of the only concerns I have is that I would be around 32-34 years of age upon enlisting. Would I be too old? As for medical condition, so far I am completely fit, no disabilities whatsoever, for now at least I am still winning the battle against age
Again, many thanks in advance. Although I am not Canadian yet, I appreciate your service that you do for your country and humanity.
Vara
