My dilemma! To wait, or not to wait?

[NBDunc]

Mkimmy, I am also going to advise you to wait out and see if you get accepted to the trade. I recently did this (beginning of this fiscal year) and am in the middle of my QL3 course in Winnipeg.

Is it worth the wait? Absolutely. The people are great, the learning environment is top notch. I turned down a position as AC Op as well. I'm glad I pushed for AES Op. Hang in there.

[SteveK]

Hey NB...can you give us any tidbits of info on how the course is going? The goods the bads....maybe some help on what to prepare for for us hopefuls?

[Scott]

Started off my military career in the Infantry Reserves. Lots of fun, great people, saw Norway, Croatia. Transferred to Reg Force Navy; NCI-OP, again great people saw more of the world. Of course Navy still has that "old" sailor attitude. It was that was when I was an OS, So i treat you that way! Rather have you sit on ur butt then send ya home early! Transferred to Aes op and again people were superb. Right off the bat one is treated well, they know how to look after their people. Life on Crew is great,it is easy to see why many prefer crew life over office life.

As I have told others, I went from a fox hole(infantry) to Bunks (navy) to a hotel room (Air Force) I'll take a bed any day over a fox hole and a bunk. Off course a beer machine in the Mess for .75 was nice! So go Sea kings!! lol

[SteveK]

Originally Posted by Scott

Life on Crew is great,it is easy to see why many prefer crew life over office life.

That's one of the things that interests me so much about Aesop. In my trade, once you hit Mcpl, you're stuck at a desk doing mundane daily things such as ordering rental vehicles for customers etc. I want to be a Mcpl or Sgt and FLY!!!

[Kevin Pascal]

I agree that waiting for AES Op is a great decision.

I was a supply tech for about 14 years when I finally decided to OT to AES Op. I knew, through research and discussion with others, that AES Op was _the_ trade for me. The PSO suggested I add other trades to my OT application but I refused. Due to a host of reasons (including a 2 years closure of the school) I joined the AES Op trade about 3 years later in 2003.

I admit that, at times, the wait was frustrating but knowing that AES Op was the only trade that I wanted to join made it bearable. From day one I was made to feel welcome in the trade and have never regretted my OT for even a moment. The people are awesome, the work is awesome and yes, sleeping in hotels beats mod tents any day of the week.

With new sensors and platforms on the horizon it's an excellent time to join the trade! I wish I had done it back in 1990!

[Mkimmay]

Wow! Thank you everyone for your replies! I think I'm gonna hold out for this trade

My normal medical and interview is next wednesday! I'm so excited

question, do i have to take the air navigator test?

[Mkimmay]

also, any tips for the interview? I have a few answers lined up for questions such as, "Why do you want to join the forces", and "What are your strengths and weaknesses" (A weakness being that I'm a huge worry wart). I'm planning on being well dressed for it, and I did some research of this trade. Any other tidbits of advice?

[NikN]

You might find this link helpful for the interview:

http://www.armee.forces.gc.ca/34cbg_hq/entrevueen.pdf

[Stan M]

Originally Posted by Mkimmay

Wow! Thank you everyone for your replies! I think I'm gonna hold out for this trade

My normal medical and interview is next wednesday! I'm so excited

question, do i have to take the air navigator test?

No you don't take the same test that air nav's (now called ACSOs, Air Combat Systems Officers) take. You do the CFAT and the medical is rather involved as you know now.

I am a remuster from a previous trade type, I fought and waited for 17 months total for my remuster to AES Op. Once I got it, I waited 9 months for my BAQC course and like NBDunc, I am on the 3s course (BAQC) in Winnipeg currently. All that effort and waiting paid off and all that effort and waiting was worth it. If people are fighting that hard to get into the trade from another one in the CF, there MUST be a reason, right?

Good luck on your tests!!!

Stan

[SteveK]

Hey Stan....how is course going so far? Fast and furious? Are you roomed with a new Private? Any details to share with us hopefuls? It must feel strange, after all your years of service, to be back into a QL3. Even only a small amount of time in the military I don't look forward to being a QL3 again!
Of course for the chance to be an AESOP I would be a ql3 for years if thats what I have to do.