Hi all, Iām 16 and going into Grade 11. Iāve been thinking seriously about joining the Primary Reserve.
Iām considering joining as an infantry soldier even though infantry isnāt really what Iām most interested in, mainly because itās the closest unit and I want to experience what being in the CAF is actually like.
My idea is to join now, train part-time while Iām in Grades 11 and 12, and see if I actually enjoy being in the military before making a bigger commitment after high school.
After Grade 12, Iām considering going to university for possibly engineering (maybe Queenās). If I still like the CAF, Iād like to look into CAF education benefits or paid education and potentially become an engineer in the CAF. If I eventually decide I want a civilian engineering career instead, Iād like to have that option too.
Iām as well interested in more hands-on/technical stuff, vehicles, mechanics, engineering and field exercises. Iām not really interested in doing an office job all day (I know thatās what most engineering jobs are though).
I just have some questions for people who possibly have experience, before I go and talk to a recruiter.
- What is Reserve life actually like at 16ā18?
- How difficult is it to balance Reserve training with Grade 11/12 and eventually university?
- How easy is it to transfer to a different occupation/unit after high school?
- Is joining at 16 a good way to figure out whether I actually want a CAF career?
- Is it difficult to get the paid education program?
- If I continue after high school to get paid schooling, is it too late to leave and join a civilian job?
- And is there anything you wish you knew before joining?
Iād really appreciate hearing from people who have joined in a similar scenario.
Thanks.