Aaron97 said:
In anybody's opinion, did I ruin my shot at ROTP by already enlisting into the CF reserves or not applying for ROTP right out of highschool?
My opinion is you didn't "lose your shot" at ROTP by enlisting in PRes. Lots of different people join in different components for different reasons, plans, and commitments, and you happen to join to "try it out" while going to university.
Now given the info you've shared, I do personally think that if you got into university for fall 2016, you should have researched further and perhaps join as a OCdt or NCdt to the reserves to try it out. In the Navy reserves (NAVRES), there's the RESO program which allows for prospective or current university students to swear in as Class A naval cadet reservists. You'd do your trade training (ex. MARS 2,3,4) during your summers. I know many MARS (example) officers who have completed their courses and even their BWK course, that even before they graduated university, they were SLt! But, given all that, you are already an NCM militia Pvt, and all this wouldn't matter (unless you want to stay reserves but switch to officer while going to school).
IF, though, it really is ROTP that you want, you are too late (unless you've applied before 31 Jan 17?) to start as ROTP student for fall 2017. But after your 2nd year starts, you can put in for ROTP-CT (like DAA mentioned). Let me explain how you would go about doing this for ROTP competition fall 2018:
You need to inform your CoC, whatever your current reserve unit uses as method of correspondence (NRD's use request forms and memo's to the CO thru CoC). Your reserve unit SHOULDN'T have a problem with this. It's your career choice after all. You haven't wasted anyone's time; I'm sure you've learned valuable things so far and they will all add to your capability as an officer in the future. Now ensuring you let them know, since your butt belongs to them already, go to your BOR to someone who knows about ROTP-CT process, probably the BOR Chief Clerk, with your supervisor. Explain your intention, and they should guide you to the right direction. You'll be directed to go on this website where you will put in for an ROTP application. The site will look like you're applying as a civilian off-the-street, but complete it. You'll be required to upload a scan copy of all your transcripts (both highschool and university so-far). This gets sent from CT cell Ottawa to RMC Kingston. There used to be this other DIN website where you specifically apply for ROTP CT-OT, but that's not used anymore. When you've done this, you'll get an email to confirm your application was submitted, and (hopefully) soon, you'll be contacted by the CT Cell in Ottawa about your ROTP-CT application, your 3 trade choices, and about next steps. MAKE SURE your medical and FORCE test is current! And make sure you meet the minimum medical standard requirement for each of the trade choices you picked (med cat ex. 111225 shown on MPRR).
After this initial step, when RMC Kingston deems you are ACADEMICALLY SUITABLE, your CT Cell contact tell you and your nearest Recruiting Centre that you need to do an interview. Note, that you only get the interview if and only if you are academically suitable. To increase your chances and competitiveness, you may request for CFAT re-examination, but only if you are confident you will do better than the time you tested for enrolment to army reserves. This is very important because 60% of your score as ROTP applicant is actually from CFAT. 15% (or 10?) is from TSD test, and 25% (or 30?) is from your interview, which INCLUDES your academic scores and your previous experiences and skills. The point is, CFAT score is VERY IMPORTANT.
After all this, you are put on merit list (or not) based on your score as an ROTP-CT applicant. You don't compete with ROTP applicants from off-the-streets. They reserve about 10% of the ROTP positions to ROTP-CT applicants (i.e. if Sig O intake # is 35, there may be 4 or 5 space for ROTP-CT. You have to make it into that 4 or 5 spots. Nationally. Against all ROTP-CT applicants but not regular ROTP applicants).
Then you wait patiently. You may contact (don't do it; they are insane busy) CT Cell contact occasionally to ask any questions or ask for updates. They will respond when they can afford the time to. Then you'll get (or not) your offer for ROTP-CT, it will outline what school, what pay level, what VIE length, etc. I will not cover every one of those details, since the CFRC interviewer can advise you well too.
Feel free to PM me if you have questions!
p.s. I am a Class B reservist MS FSA (clerk), merit listed for Sig O Army under ROTP-CT, to civilian university for fall 2017. And I sure hell don't think my 6 year service with the reserves was a waste. It was the foundation to what kind of officer I will be for many years to come!
Brian
Just out of curiousity, when and how was Basic like for you? Were you in for the whole 15 weeks, or split like normal?
