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What to consider before join the CAF?
I've recently been interested in joining the Canadian Armed Forces. It is now something I'm highly considering after I finish my undergrad degree. However, not a lot of people followed this path and was wondering is there anything to consider being committed to this option?
#CAF #Candianarmedforces #Physiciansassistant #JULY20 #army #military
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3 answers
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Hi, Kelly,
I'm a former United States Army Officer so I can't speak to the specifics of the Canadian Armed Forces but I think I can give you some high level things to think about since the two likely share some similarities.
I think you're already off to a good start. Seeking the perspective of other people to help gain greater insight into what military life is like is important. The reality of military life is starkly different from the picture painted in the media. I'd encourage you to continue seeking out veterans' and current service members' stories and experiences to help you determine whether serving in the CAF is the right path for you.
Some other things to consider:
1) What is your motivation for joining the military? Is there a specific job or career path you have identified that you want to follow (based on your tags, potentially a physician assistant)?
2) If you have identified a specific job or specialty you want to pursue, what are the requirements for it?
3) Do you want to pursue a career as an officer or an enlisted person?
4) Do you want to complete college prior to beginning your service (note, this is likely a requirement to be an officer and probably provides big advantages for enlisted career progression)? Is serving a way you're thinking about financing your higher education?
5) Are you ready or starting to get ready for the physical requirements of serving (i.e. the CAF physical fitness standard)?
6) Have you thought about the potential for physical separation from your family and friends? Are CAF installations where you could be stationed easy to travel to/from?
7) Have you thought about the discipline required to be successful in the military? The CAF is likely more than just a career - it's effectively a way of life that is very different from how normal civilians live. Do you think you would be successful making such a big transition?
8) Similar to #7, does the prospect of a more limited social life (blocks of vacation time that you cannot choose, field training time, very structured day to day schedule, etc.) something that you would be comfortable with?
9) If called upon, would you be ready and willing to deploy to another country for training, a humanitarian relief mission, or (hopefully it never comes to this) war?
There is a lot to consider when making such a big decision but, again, your head is in the right place. Keep an open mind, do some research online, and talk to veterans and those currently serving. If you have more questions, I'm happy to help as much as I can.
I hope you found those questions useful. Good luck as you explore this path further - feel free to throw a comment on this answer if you have any follow up questions.
- Jake
I'm a former United States Army Officer so I can't speak to the specifics of the Canadian Armed Forces but I think I can give you some high level things to think about since the two likely share some similarities.
I think you're already off to a good start. Seeking the perspective of other people to help gain greater insight into what military life is like is important. The reality of military life is starkly different from the picture painted in the media. I'd encourage you to continue seeking out veterans' and current service members' stories and experiences to help you determine whether serving in the CAF is the right path for you.
Some other things to consider:
1) What is your motivation for joining the military? Is there a specific job or career path you have identified that you want to follow (based on your tags, potentially a physician assistant)?
2) If you have identified a specific job or specialty you want to pursue, what are the requirements for it?
3) Do you want to pursue a career as an officer or an enlisted person?
4) Do you want to complete college prior to beginning your service (note, this is likely a requirement to be an officer and probably provides big advantages for enlisted career progression)? Is serving a way you're thinking about financing your higher education?
5) Are you ready or starting to get ready for the physical requirements of serving (i.e. the CAF physical fitness standard)?
6) Have you thought about the potential for physical separation from your family and friends? Are CAF installations where you could be stationed easy to travel to/from?
7) Have you thought about the discipline required to be successful in the military? The CAF is likely more than just a career - it's effectively a way of life that is very different from how normal civilians live. Do you think you would be successful making such a big transition?
8) Similar to #7, does the prospect of a more limited social life (blocks of vacation time that you cannot choose, field training time, very structured day to day schedule, etc.) something that you would be comfortable with?
9) If called upon, would you be ready and willing to deploy to another country for training, a humanitarian relief mission, or (hopefully it never comes to this) war?
There is a lot to consider when making such a big decision but, again, your head is in the right place. Keep an open mind, do some research online, and talk to veterans and those currently serving. If you have more questions, I'm happy to help as much as I can.
I hope you found those questions useful. Good luck as you explore this path further - feel free to throw a comment on this answer if you have any follow up questions.
- Jake
Updated
Husseina’s Answer
I am currently an active duty military member with US Army for more than 19 years. By my experience, first talk to God through prayer for His guidance and directions for your destiny in life - most importantly, your plans to join military.
Just as Jacob mentioned earlier on his answer to you, do some online research, talk to veterans, active member and finally recruiter will definitely be of good help as well.
It is always a great privilege to serve others by sacrificing oneself regardless of our personal intention. There is an eternal great reward in it apart from the physical reward.
Wishing you all the best!
Husseina Abba
M.S.H.S International
Just as Jacob mentioned earlier on his answer to you, do some online research, talk to veterans, active member and finally recruiter will definitely be of good help as well.
It is always a great privilege to serve others by sacrificing oneself regardless of our personal intention. There is an eternal great reward in it apart from the physical reward.
Wishing you all the best!
Husseina Abba
M.S.H.S International
Updated
Mansi’s Answer
Here are the things you need to understand and consider while you prepare to meet with a recruiter:
Self-motivation.
Best Fitness.
Personal Initiative.
Plan Your Recruiter Visit.
Gather Medical Records.
Ace The ASVAB – Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.
Best Behavior.
A Higher Discipline.
Self-motivation.
Best Fitness.
Personal Initiative.
Plan Your Recruiter Visit.
Gather Medical Records.
Ace The ASVAB – Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.
Best Behavior.
A Higher Discipline.