Hey there, I am in my first year of university and the infantry officer position is becoming more and more appealing each day. I would prefer to be a soldier, because they do the cool sniper/machine gunner positions, but frankly I do not want to waste a university education and get paid less....so I will stick with infantry officer....I have a lot of questions though AND I realize some of them may be answered on the CF website or by talking to recruiters, but honestly I want a first hand account, and most of these questions are too specific for the recruiters...thanks guys....any help is appreciated
1) What are the pay deductions like (in numbers $$) for an infantry officer? (assuming I lived on base and had a meal plan)
ex. If I made $50,000 a year how much would I really be taking home?
2) What are some of the courses an infantry officer can take to improve himself/herself and what are the courses that are necessary for promotion?
ex. I want to know about the jump programs and mountain warfare etc., but also details about the leadership programs
3) How hard is it to rank up and what is the best way in achieving this? The recruiter told me whether or not I receive a honours degree or a normal bachelors degree is irrelevant, is this true?
ex. I believe that you are almost guaranteed the rank of captain assuming you are competent, however how hard/what does it take to become a major and etc.?
4) If I start in the military at age 21-22, I legally have to retire after 43-44 years in the service....I may not be in for that long, but how does the years of service affect the pension plan?
ex. I know that some pension plans are based on how much the highest 5 years of pay are and then they cut it down to 75% of that or what not, so how is the forces pension calculated, and how much weight does more years add to the pension?
5) What is the daily life for an infantry officer like?
ex. I have read that it is some paperwork, and other office duties, but what is it really like from experience? Also, is there time for you in the day to workout etc.?
6) What is the best way to deal with leaving home and missing friends, and how possible is it to be stationed close to home as an infantry officer (I live in southern ontario)?
ex. Right now I have a large social group and I want to stay close to my family, so how could I best do this while away, and how can i best persuade the commanders to put me close to home?
7) What is life like after work in these remote regions?
ex. I cannot see there being much to do in Petawawa etc., so how do you guys handle it and ESPECIALLY HOW DO YOU MEET GIRLS?!?! I want a wife one day but in Petawawa I am not sure I'd find a suitable candidate, or am I just making it seem worse than it is?
8) Anything you think I should know/do/prepare for?
9) THANKS!
1) What are the pay deductions like (in numbers $$) for an infantry officer? (assuming I lived on base and had a meal plan)
ex. If I made $50,000 a year how much would I really be taking home?
2) What are some of the courses an infantry officer can take to improve himself/herself and what are the courses that are necessary for promotion?
ex. I want to know about the jump programs and mountain warfare etc., but also details about the leadership programs
3) How hard is it to rank up and what is the best way in achieving this? The recruiter told me whether or not I receive a honours degree or a normal bachelors degree is irrelevant, is this true?
ex. I believe that you are almost guaranteed the rank of captain assuming you are competent, however how hard/what does it take to become a major and etc.?
4) If I start in the military at age 21-22, I legally have to retire after 43-44 years in the service....I may not be in for that long, but how does the years of service affect the pension plan?
ex. I know that some pension plans are based on how much the highest 5 years of pay are and then they cut it down to 75% of that or what not, so how is the forces pension calculated, and how much weight does more years add to the pension?
5) What is the daily life for an infantry officer like?
ex. I have read that it is some paperwork, and other office duties, but what is it really like from experience? Also, is there time for you in the day to workout etc.?
6) What is the best way to deal with leaving home and missing friends, and how possible is it to be stationed close to home as an infantry officer (I live in southern ontario)?
ex. Right now I have a large social group and I want to stay close to my family, so how could I best do this while away, and how can i best persuade the commanders to put me close to home?
7) What is life like after work in these remote regions?
ex. I cannot see there being much to do in Petawawa etc., so how do you guys handle it and ESPECIALLY HOW DO YOU MEET GIRLS?!?! I want a wife one day but in Petawawa I am not sure I'd find a suitable candidate, or am I just making it seem worse than it is?
8) Anything you think I should know/do/prepare for?
9) THANKS!
