Jpargo,
I am currently completing my undergrad in Commerce as well and will be graduating this year. Upon completion of my studies I will proceed to training for Log. in the air environment. I was accepted under ROTP last year, meaning my education was subsidized. Given that the only real military exposure I've had was IAP last summer, I do not have a breadth of knowledge to share with you, but will do my best with what I know to answer your questions.
Firstly, I find it interesting that you are having a tough time finding a job with the degree/major that you have studied. You really do have a lot of options open to you. Its important that you realize the monetary opportunities for those of us in this area of study are far greater in the private sector (especially in finance). However, the job security and benefits you will enjoy as an officer are second to none.
1. Being a minority helps. Your vision does not matter because it is not a requirement for the trade. I would recommend reviewing www.dnd.ca and look under the various job descriptions. Logistics officer will be listed under all three elements (air, army, and navy). It will offer detailed info. that I'm not going to repeat here. Educational background is good as it fits well with the LOG role - depending on what you want to do. There are many different roles LOG takes, finance being a small branch, again consult the recruiting website. The better your marks are, and the more leadership/good job experience you show the greater your odds.
2. Can't tell you about day to day as I don't have that experience yet. You can be stationed anywhere in Canada and have the opportunity to go on deployments overseas. Also, as you progress in rank more interesting assignments become available such as UN HQ in Belgium. These are typically 2-3 yr postings. Again, it all depends. The chances of being permanently in one area are none. You will move around a few times during your career. Generally, you will be posted to locations that coincide with your element. IE> army bases, air bases, and ships.
3. I also plan on doing my masters. There are plans in the military that encourage this but with everything else they are competitive and there is no guarantee. Also, the military may offer to pay your studies but they may want you to concentrate on a specific subject that suits their needs over your own. Work hard and the opportunities will be available to you like in any other job.
4. Of course there is extremely good potential for growth otherwise no one would be interested in the forces as a career choice. Note that advancement in any work environment is based upon performance AS WELL AS WHO YOU KNOW AND HOW MUCH KISSING YOU DO. Thats just life. Frankly, if you go into business in the private sector you will have to do much more "Kissing" to get ahead...believe me I know from personal experience.
My advice: go talk to a recruiter who will be able to offer more insight into your options. Its definately a good way to go, and if its not for you, you can always get out later on and go back to civy life. You'll have gained a lot of experience and it looks f****n good on a resume.
Well there ya go. Clear as mud now eh? Hope that helps...
