Good day everyone,
I am happy to say that my Component Transfer is going smooth and had been contacted on multiple occasions to begin the process by handing in my RMC application, and than being booked for an interview. I would appreciate some feedback on my essay portion of the application, as every critique made is helpful.
Part 4 – Reasons for Attending RMCC
In the space provided, please explain your interest in the ROTP/RETP and your desires to pursue a career as an officer in the Canadian Forces.
When I was 10 years old, I always had one vision, one goal, one dream, and one desire which is to be a soldier and fight for this country I love. My deep patriotic feelings made me choose one decision that would change the way I live my life for as long as I live. Reflecting on my life, and what I wanted to do with it, I saw myself as a leader. I see myself as a man who is hard working, strong, brave and rational that can act and react when stress proliferates. I finally made the decision and joined the Reserves as an infantry soldier in The Lorne Scots Regiment when I was 16 years of age. My brother whom is a Corporal at 1RCR motivated me in going regular force, which is what my initial plan was. I joined the reserves to be one step closer in fulfilling my dream which is to be an Infantry Officer in the regular force in the Royal Canadian Regiment. After completing my reservist BMQ and my infantry DP1, I knew that I did not belong in the reserves, rather, my heart belonged to the regular force. I do not look at the military as a job, rather, a way of life. I knew that being an officer in the Canadian Forces is what I want, and I was willing to work hard to achieve my goal.
I am highly interested in the ROTP program to become an Infantry Officer in the Canadian Forces. I am a hard working soldier and had shown that throughout my courses in the reserves. I am a highly successful academic student whom earned the Ontario Scholar Award and completed high school with an 86 % average taking all university level courses. I currently am getting around 80S in my first year of university. Motivation, dedication, and hard work are the key factors that help me achieve pleasant marks. I remind myself every day, looking at my uniform hung in my room, thinking to myself one day I will be an infantry officer in the Canadian Forces, and I know it will happen.
I have been told by many of my peers and fellow soldiers that I have trained with that I am a good leader. What makes a good leader is a leader that is able to get his soldiers to trust him, and execute quick rational decisions under limited time and stress. Having the responsibility of leading troops to battle, and planning out an attack and passing down orders is what I desire. I am highly motivated in becoming an officer in the Canadian Forces to bring the inner leader out of me and put it in good use that will benefit the Canadian Forces. Continually learning new knowledge is what I strive for, and with my academic history and practical knowledge, I believe I would make a good leader. My leadership experience is shown through my participation in various teams.
To begin with, I was a member of my high school's football team, wrestling team, soccer team and the fitness club. Throughout my years in high school, I was given the opportunity to coach wrestling to some of the younger inexperienced wrestlers, and was given the opportunity to go to David Leader Middle School on behalf of my high school and teach those students everything they need to know about wrestling. I displayed integrity, enthusiasm, organizational skills and was open minded to the diverse people I worked with. I work well with others which maximizes the efficiency of teamwork. I am resourceful in the sense that I ask questions when I am confused, I utilize resources around me and improvise when necessary. As a leader, one must listen. I am willing to work with others to understand the needs and desires of others, specifically my fellow soldiers. I regularly ask many questions and consider the opinions and options of others before consolidating one solid decision.
With everything I have mentioned, it is time to explain what I can offer to the Canadian Forces. Being an officer in the Canadian Forces demands one who can lead, teach, listen to others, be bold and confident in their decisions and act rationally. I had experienced such factors throughout my life, such as when I was given the opportunity to be section senior during BMQ. Additionally, I navigated our lost group during DP1 back to the fob after stepping up and taking lead. Whilst my group was lost in the middle of a patrol in CFB Meaford, I stood up and notified my Sargent that I am confident in my navigation drills and can lead the way back, which is what I did. When I set my mind to something, when I set goals, I work hard to accomplish those goals and do whatever is necessary to get the job done. Every day on course I woke up happy, motivated, and proud of what I was doing with my life. The time has come where I wanted to commission and go full time, and when reflecting upon my life, I see myself in the Canadian Forces until I am forced to retire. If I am given the opportunity to become an officer in the Canadian Forces, the man they will be hiring is a man who is willing to give blood to complete my job, and put others before self.