Author Topic: Guys, I really need some advice about joining. Badly. (Read 53961 times)

JJJ · « **Reply #50 on:** July 09, 2008, 19:43:07 »

I wrote my GED at the age of 19. I was probably one of the more young people there. Most were at least 40+ Your grade 12/GED is always a good thing to have if the military does not work out. Grab a GED book, look it over and do the test. Its not that bad of a test.

Mr.Blakey · « **Reply #51 on:** July 09, 2008, 21:09:38 »

Thanks for all the replies!!

But im still a little confused here, if i did join the army they can get me my high school diploma while i serve? Can anyone give me links to this specific info, i would sift through old posts but i dont seem to have the time right now.....Is a high school diploma that much better than a GED? I wish the recruiting office was closer to me it seems they close before om off work which makes it somewhat more difficult in finding answers........

PMedMoe · « **Reply #52 on:** July 09, 2008, 21:30:14 »

I have to agree with kincanucks, here. Go and get your high school diploma. You are probably only short a few credits and yes, a diploma is much better than a GED. For example, if you did want to apply for university/college course, they may require specific prerequisites which a GED does not have.
As far as I know, the army will not "get you your diploma" while you serve. The BPSO is a great source for courses, however, in your first year or so (depending on trade choice) you will be too busy on BMQ and trades training. Also, there are opportunities to go and take courses on your own, via distance education or by going through an adult high school where you do assignments on your own, hand them in to be marked and only have to be present for the final exam. The latter one is what I did when I went and got my Grade 11 Advanced Biology (at the ripe "old" age of 38

).
In my opinion, the recruiting centre will look more favorably on you with a diploma vs. a GED.

gnplummer421 · « **Reply #53 on:** July 09, 2008, 22:03:01 »

I took my GED while in the Forces. If you are looking for structure, you picked the right place. The military is that. Not only will you attain life skills and likely a trade, you will be preferred by most civilian companies when you get out. Companies value Honour, honesty, strong work ethic, integrity. All things you can achieve while serving in our Military. And like other posters noted, go with your instincts, consider the opinions of others, but the decision has to come from within you.

Good luck!

Gnplummer421

CFR FCS · « **Reply #54 on:** July 09, 2008, 22:15:43 »

I'm not sure what province you are in but check out ALL your options. Some High schools have a mature student program that evaluates your previous schooling and current work experience / skills you might have picked up along the way. The GED is a fairly quick fix and will help you during the recruiting process. We look at more than education when selecting our soldiers. The CFAT is also important in the process.

It all depends on your personal situation, are you working now and don't have time to study / go to school or are you between jobs? Each person has their own issues with life that nobody on this forum is privy to so do some research, write out your options and make the best decision for you. You have a great start by realizing you want to do something more than you currently are.

Best of Luck.

Jaydub · « **Reply #55 on:** July 10, 2008, 09:02:03 »

Mr.Blakey, you could always consider joining the reserves while you work on your GED/Diploma. I joined the during high school and took what's called a "component transfer" into the regular force after I graduated. I found my time in the reserves to be a valuable experience getting my foot in the door, and deciding what I want to do with my life.

Mr.Blakey · « **Reply #56 on:** July 10, 2008, 15:46:39 »

So aside from a high school diploma, what post secondary would i need to become an officer?

Sigger · « **Reply #57 on:** July 10, 2008, 16:09:31 »

That depends on the trade...

The recruiting website has this info.

rocksteady · « **Reply #58 on:** July 10, 2008, 19:42:59 »

Mr. Blakely,

Not having your high school diploma at 21 is not embarassing...I finished mine through correspondance when I was 23 and then I went to college for 2 years and got a diploma in Police Foundations and then went to university and got my degree...I am now in the regular forces and I did 3 years in the reserves before that.....

I would suggest getting your high school diploma rather than the GED but that's just me...They will give you maturity credits if you do correspondence and you can work from home...

Check out this website if you want to find out about high school correspondence courses and if you have any questions about it you can personal message me...

http://www.ilc.org/cfmx/home/home.cfm?Menu_ID_Sel=50&Lang_Sel=1

TrexLink · « **Reply #59 on:** July 12, 2008, 22:19:47 »

Ignorance is not embarrassing, my friend. Choosing to remain ignorant is. The fact that you are aware of a possible deficiency and are thinking about doing something about it is very creditable.

My 1/50 of a buck:

1. The more education you can get, the better.

2. You can upgrade now or upgrade within the CF.

3. WRT a commission - there's nothing to stop you from enlisting as an NCM, getting some education and then working on a degree (which the CF will pay for) to qualify you. But the NCMs can have a lot more fun sometimes.

4. Best advice I have seen to date - talk to your local recruiter.

Good luck.

Catherine Faye · « **Reply #60 on:** July 13, 2008, 06:00:25 »

I am just a year younger and I'll be finishing my diploma in May. What has helped me out is knowing that I am not the only one.
I decided to get my diploma to increase my options and it will be over with. I am amassed how a few years has gone by and my attitude has changed, and I am very different from high school. I found I can take in alot more information than I could back in high school, however I learned I had to go in it slowly or I'd get burned out. That is the problem from being away from school to long.

Alot of colleges have options of taking your high school online, which is a bonus.

GUNS · « **Reply #61 on:** July 13, 2008, 09:51:48 »

Education, Education, Education.

If 21 is " old " , I should be dead.

Education is a tool to be used. Either in joining the military or on civvy street.

There are many good suggestion offered here, pick the ones that you are comfortable with.

There is the possibility that furthering your education while serving could be difficult, depending on you trade. Not impossible though.

Its not uncommon for people who express their long lasting desire to join the military, putting in for their release. Its not all fancy TV commercials and posters.

If the military is in you, then you will be in the military.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

George Wallace · « **Reply #62 on:** July 13, 2008, 10:09:33 »

If 21 is old; what will you be next year, or the year after?

Get your Diploma. If you want join the Reserves to get a taste of what the CF is and earn some extra money. If you are currently employed, this will take up some of your "non-work day" as would going back to school.

You only require a Grade Ten to join the Reserves. The Regular Force requires a HS Diploma.

Will the CF pay you to get an education? In a way yes, but you will have to do so, in most cases, in your off hours. This is not in reference to being accepted to RMC or another officer entry plan for graduating HS students. There are different programs and incentives that the CF has to further one's education. You will also find that the CF is constantly training you and putting you on courses (military).

GAP · « **Reply #63 on:** August 11, 2008, 20:21:49 »

Quote from: Blackadder1916 on April 25, 2008, 13:37:33

While a "slang" term for anything does not have to have official recognition to be used, sometimes there are consequences for using the wrong slang. I've most often heard "boot camp" used in reference to USMC basic recruit training. Way back in 1976 (when I attended CFRC Cornwallis) the commonly use term was "basic". One of my fellow recruits once used the term "boot camp" in the presence of an instructor (and he may also have called him a DI, another no-no). The instructor, to reinforce his lesson about nomenclature, made the recruit wear both pairs of his boots, one pair on his feet, one pair on his hands and had him walk on all fours around the barracks 100 times.

Nomenclature aside......he's a DI through and through....

Quote

Finger Eleven, Goo Goo Dolls, Faber Drive, Jimmy Eat World.

These are bands......ohhhhh, am I ever out of date....I thought they were snacks.....

rocksteady · « **Reply #64 on:** August 13, 2008, 12:04:57 »

You are old enough to make your own decisions now....Be a man and make the decision to do what you want to do....You are going to have to live with your decision for the rest of your life so if your parents make that decision for you than you may not be happy say 20 years down the road...But if you decide to join and you don't like it than you can always do something else....Your decision to join may not be popular with your parents but you are your own person when you become an adult...

If you want to be a soldier than be a soldier...If you want to be an engineer than be a engineer....It's just that simple...

Nathan21 · « **Reply #65 on:** August 14, 2008, 06:04:28 »

Our stories ran down similar paths. I went to college and it just wasn't for me. My gf and parents told me not to join... i told them to support my decisions.. and they did now I'm waiting for basic.. Army isnt a career choice I think it's more of a life choice and if its what you want go for it... Don't let people choose your life for you or you will regret every decision you ever make. On the aspect of having nothing out of it...Allot of employers from my own research respect the occupation and the discipline gained. No reference is better then an army reference, as well as educational aspects what I am looking into as well.

A.Khan · « **Reply #66 on:** September 23, 2009, 21:48:51 »

Hi everyone! I am 14 and I've come to the point where I want to know what I should do for the rest of my life, and I'm thinking army. I've always had an interest in the army so if I did join it would be like a dream come true

, But I was thinking if you guys could provide me with some info that'd be great. I've been doing some research and I've found Combat Engineer, Medical Tech, and Weapons Tech the most appealing. I'd like to know the ups and downs of military life and the benefits and stuff, just general background knowledge and experience. 1 more thing I have a lazy left eye how will this affect me if I do join. THANKS IN ADVANCE (Sry for long message

)

GAP · « **Reply #67 on:** September 23, 2009, 22:08:02 »

At 14, you might want to take a serious look at Cadets.....great exposure, good team building and give a good sense of the kind of attitude it takes to succeed in the CF.

I have three sons in the CF and they all attended cadets for varying lengths of time. They all found it worked for them.

faivious · « **Reply #68 on:** September 23, 2009, 22:09:02 »

Nothing much to tell you, but here's some starter tips that can get you prepared for a Military Career.

Army Cadets
Canadian Force Reserves [16 Years +]

Loachman · « **Reply #69 on:** September 23, 2009, 22:12:38 »

There is a very good Search Function here. It has not been functioning for several days, and I do not know if the problem has been sorted or not yet. Normally you could find the answers to almost any question by using that. In the meantime, keep reading through other threads.

SET · « **Reply #70 on:** September 25, 2009, 21:23:29 »

I would agree with army cadets. Also, give it your all in highschool. Great grades and army cadets will put you in a really good place. So when your 18 and graduated, if your still focused to join the military, you will have a great head start.

Don't be like me and drop out in grade 11, float from job to job, go to trades school for 2 years... THEN decide you want to pursue that dream of serving in the Military.

Make a plan, and stick to that plan. Don't get caught up in the guns and glory stuff. Focus on your education and join the army cadets.

Thats just my

good luck young fellar!!

Neolithium · « **Reply #71 on:** September 25, 2009, 21:26:35 »

Quote from: SET on September 25, 2009, 21:23:29

Don't be like me and drop out in grade 11, float from job to job, go to trades school for 2 years... THEN decide you want to pursue that dream of serving in the Military.

I thought I was the only one who did that.

silentspanky · « **Reply #72 on:** September 28, 2009, 10:59:25 »

Last I heard earliest recruitment is at age 16? You need parental consent to do so? If you need true questions go onto forces.ca you can call nearest recruiter OR e-mail them. Either case I would suggest talking to a recruiter.

Teflon · « **Reply #73 on:** September 28, 2009, 11:03:04 »

Quote from: silentspanky on September 28, 2009, 10:59:25

Last I heard earliest recruitment is at age 16? You need parental consent to do so? If you need true questions go onto forces.ca you can call nearest recruiter OR e-mail them. Either case I would suggest talking to a recruiter.

DON'T QUIT HIGH SCHOOL!!!!

Roy Harding · « **Reply #74 on:** September 28, 2009, 11:08:43 »

Quote from: Teflon on September 28, 2009, 11:03:04

DON'T QUIT HIGH SCHOOL!!!!

What he said - you'll regret it later (I'm sure you're tired of hearing this - so I won't expand on it).

However - while you are still IN High School, you can look at the Reserves (once you're 16). Can anybody on here outline the co-op programme? Is it still running? What does it entail? It sounds like it may be tailor made for this fella' (once he turns 16). Unfortunately - I've only heard about it, so I don't know details.

For the original poster - best of luck to you, no matter what you decide to do. Remember that knowledge is power - and right now, the path to knowledge is only open to you if you complete your basic schooling.

Roy

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Author Topic: Guys, I really need some advice about joining. Badly. (Read 53961 times)