My dilemma! To wait, or not to wait?

[Mkimmay]

Thanks Stan and NikN!!

Oh dear, I hope I don't have to wait 17 months to get in!!!

[Stan M]

Originally Posted by 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.

The course is going well so far. It starts up at a nice pace and picks up speed each week it seems. We are just starting Week 6 and have had 6 exams so far. Our *heaviest* stubject to date is Met. LOTS of stuff to study on that one. We haven't gotten into the RADAR, EW, etc yet. Expecting some brain-pain in the next few weeks.

Yes, the OTs are paired up with Pte's in the rooms. However, the rooms have cable TV, CSN lines(telephones), coffee makers, a full bathroom (with cleaning service Mon-Fri) and mini-fridges. Compared to my Accomodations on any other course, this is top of the line here. Everyone has high speed internet access as well (not provided but the costs are split so its minimal). We are on the same floor with the IAQC folks and a few BTLs waiting for their BAQC. Its about a 100m walk to the Mess and, oh, 200m or so to our classroom.

I don't know if anyone in their right mind could honestly complain about the setup here.

I wouldn't say it feels weird to be on a QL3. I would call the learning environment relaxed yet professional. Of course, like any training environment, there are things like inspections and marching to/from the classroom, but that is what I would call normal, and expected, on *any* QL3 course.

As for the course, be prepared to have lots of info thrown at you, absorb it, maintain flexibility and be prepared to spend what is normally your off-duty time studying, working with the course in group study sessions, and be ready for a 0600-1700ish duty day on top of the time you spend during evenings and weekends studying.

As an example, this past weekend I spent a few hours Friday night working on some Met (meterology) homework, same thing Saturday morning, studied Basic Electricity Sat afternoon, relaxed last night (watching Harry Potter on TV...Basic cable has its choice limits!!) and I am spending most of today on Basic Electricity in preparation for our exam early next week.

Going into week 6 now, I will say that you are busy enough that time flies, as we are nearing the halfway point of our course already.

I don't want to spill too much more of the beans, but I will say that, aside from being away from my wife, I have absolutely nothing bad to say.

Wait. Thats not true. Its damn cold here sometimes!

[Stan M]

Originally Posted by Mkimmay

Thanks Stan and NikN!!

Oh dear, I hope I don't have to wait 17 months to get in!!!

My situation was unique and the *exception* as opposed to the *rule* lets say.

[Ben]

Its coming up on a year for me. Next month will be one year since I dropped off the application!

I've been Merit listed since August.

So, It's a slow process, but, from the people I've met that are *IN* the trade, one thats worth it!

[TomG]

Course sounds challenging, would love to be there.

Interview was successful and my medical was approved back in November.
It appears I am now in no mans land playing the waiting game.
Working on my PLQ mods in the meantime.

Good luck to the rest of those waiting. This process definitely requires patience.

TG

[SteveK]

Stan..thanks alot for your detailed response!! I hope to be there one day myself. Unfortunately I was seriously injured at work 4 or 5 days before my aircrew medical
Anyhow now I have to wait to heal before I can start again
Cheers,
Steve

[Mkimmay]

Tom G, are you trying to transfer from a different trade?

Does anyone know if they prefer those who are transferring over the ones trying to get straight into AES ops?

[SteveK]

I wonder the same thing Mkimmay. I would think that occupational transfers, or people CTing from the reserves would be more of a " safe bet". One thing that struck me about direct entries is the VR factor.

You look at any new basic training recruit class.............there is going to be a certain percentage that quits....whether its 1,2,3 or however many weeks into it. They decide the military is too hard and Voluntary release. For a red trade like AESOP, I would have thought it's a bit of a risk....compared to a seasoned corporal who knows for sure the military is the career for them.

?? What do you guys think?

[Mkimmay]

Off topic question... While browsing through the gallery, I noticed a few pictures with "Sere training" under it. Is that the same thing as S.E.R.E: Survive, Evade, Resist, and Escape? My ex is in training to be a green beret (He's American) and told me about S.E.R.E. training... I'm hoping it's not the same thing LOL!

[NBDunc]

Steve,

Sorry for the late responce but I don't spend a lot of my weekends online. I would agree with everything that Stan mentioned in his post. I' not a fan of the cold here but after comparing notes to friends of mine in the Canadian Military (some for years others on my basic platoon) and other friends in other military's across the world I have no complaints about the setup here whatsoever.

In regards to your questions over VOT/CT's compared to DE's (Direct Entries)... in some regards I can see where you are coming from and it is potentially a problem that the first few QL5 privates will have... mainly in working out where we fit within things since seeing a Pte in the AES Op seat will be a big shift in views for some. However, with the training I am sure we will overcome that quickly.

I'm unsure as to what information I can pass on (maybe Stan will be able to clarify more) but once the reason for DE's being added to the trade has been explained you will see that it makes sense and is a positive step forward for the trade.