My experiences, in general, were very positive and this is clearly reflected in my accounts. I joined the military in August 2005 but the application process begun about a year before that, something that I will write about as well.
I'm hoping that those thinking of joining the military will find this blog useful and others will simply enjoy hearing about my adventures. I felt that transcribing my hand written notes from the boot camp days and sharing my "update" emails and photos would benefit some of you out there. To check out my profile click here.
Use the following links to read about each topic.
Reasons For Joining the Military
The Signup Process
Final Preparations, Trip and Arrival
Bootcamp - Basic Officer Training Program
Graduation - Becoming an Officer
SLT - Second Language Training
OJT - On the Job Training
PFT - Primary Flight Training in Portage la Prairie, MB
AMT - Aeromedical Training in Winnipeg, MB
BSERE - Basic Survival School, Manitoba
Sea Survival Course in Comox, BC
BFT - Basic Flight Training in Moose Jaw, SK
Helicopters and your Future
Multi-engine and your Future
Jets and your Future
Navigator Career
Conclusion
Apr 2011 Update: I have created another blog called Beyond Wings which is a continuation of stories that relate to some Canadian military pilots who graduated around year 2008-2009. Click on the link below to check it out.
Beyond Wings
19 comments:
Very helpful site. It really makes decision making a tad bit easier :-) Thanks! Ania M.
Well done, man. Probably a good thing you left out some of the details from Miami... not to mention Champs ;)
Hope all is well,
T-Jards
Thanks for the info. I'm actually in the beginning steps of the process, trying to become a Pilot. You've cleared up a few things, but I still have some questions if you'd be willing to answer them for me. Please get back to me if you're willing.
Gotta really stress how helpful this was, thanks so much for writing it. When I enlist I think I'm going to follow your example and keep everything written down. :) Thanks again! :D
Thanks for all the info it was one of the most usable resource in my quest for informations about a pilot carrer in the CF.
I'm currently waiting for the 1st of april to enlist myself has a pilot.
I had some question about your personnal life (my girlfrined is a bit worry about the effect of the training on our relationship and it would be good to have some input on that also).
If you can write back to me that would be really kind.
Thanks again !
Martin
cam_flight@hotmail.com
hey nice blogs man u are thebest for sharing this. helps me on this huge decision. im also checking ur new blog
this blog was very helpful, my husband is going on Aug 27. I am little concerned because I read that you only get about $1000.00/month while in boot camp I know you were single so will that be the same for someone married?
Hi Donna63, please keep in mind this was in 2005 and the rules might have changed (and so might have the amounts). While in boot camp we were all on regular salary providing we passed. This means the difference was paid once we graduated. Most of us didn't know this until we signed up though. So at least now you can go in and ask the recruiter this specific question. Also, I believe those with families got more money too.
Here is an interesting article from Macleans, an analysis of recent aircraft incidents, related to pilot error.
http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/08/24/cockpit-crisis
Hey Martin excellent job on the blog man I’m forever grateful! I just got the call last week offering me a DEO pilot position and there sending me to basic on August 18th then it hit me, I had really had no idea what I was getting myself into, but then I found your blog and now I can’t wait to go. I do have a question for you. You mentioned in one of your comments that there really good with moving your family with you and I can’t seem to get a straight answer from any recruiter. My question is through what portions of the training (SLT, Basic flight, Primary flight, Adv flight training) could I get away with live with my wife either on or off base?
Thanks!
Hi Dan. You're right. Not on all phases will they move your family. Forget it during basic. This period is short and some ppl don't make it (or quit) so it wouldn't make sense for them to get your family involved. Plus, you live on the base and can't even leave the first few weekends. So there would be no point. After that they will definitely put you guys together and you will have priority in getting PMQs (because you're not single).
Later on it differs. You basically belong to a base at any given time. So lets say you're on OJT in St-Hubert but going to your Phase I in Manitoba. They won't move the family either. So you're looking at 3 months of so in separation. If I remember correctly there was one flight home paid by them during this time. Same goes for short trips like sea survival (BC, one week) or high altitude training (Winterpeg, one week). Phase II is different. You're actually posted there since it's a long course. Everyone and everything gets moved.
Good luck! I'm excited for you.
Hey Martin how about SLT? I don't know a word of French so more than likely I will end up being there for the full 8 months or whatever it is. During these 8 months of SLT can you live off base or in PMQs living with your wife, or is it mandatory to live in separation?
Thanks again!!
It's never mandatory to live in separation, only during basic. During SLT you can live off base no problem. Not sure if there are PMQ there. I think you'd have to move your family at your own cost.
Most of us stayed in the shacks during this time, even those with families. I think financially it made more sense.
Hi ,i wanna say thanks alot for this blog , this is by far one of the best i had the chance to read , im currently enlisting in a new program for the CF wich basically makes me do the University at the same time as my flight training , it's with Seneca College ( toronto ) and im learning the civilian side of things as well as the military side of it. And its a nice way to do it for people who only have High School Diploma. I was wondering if by any chances i could email you about information regarding the selection over in trenton , or the Basic Officer Qualification , im trying to get as much stuff as i can so i wont be "scared" or out of place once i get there , i do realise i wont be able to fully prepare since it's totaly something new , but if we could speak about it , trying to figure as far a physical and everything , and as far as the planes in itself ... since i would rather fly Heli then Planes how does that work ?? i know the military decide depending on what they need at the moment , but is it harder to become a certain aircraft pilot over the other one. Wich one is the hardest to get into.
i already speak french and english fluently so i doubt i'll need a language class ... as far as that goes , how much french do they really use once your really learning towards becoming a pilot??
thanks alot !!
you can email me back at : krimy@hotmail.com
thanks !
nice post. I am a pilot training student and i am very happy to see this type of blogs. Thanks.
I am thinking of applying to become a pilot. I was wondering what kind of parachuting course is involved in the pilot training?
(e.g. how many times do you jump out of a plane? is the landing techniques just on the ground training? is there actually a need to learn parachuting or does the ejection seats take care of that?)
Hi Dragonman101, unfortunately (or maybe fortunately for some) there is no real sky diving training. Only ground training. I talked to one student that experienced ejection and he didn't even remember how he did it. The seats are very safe and are designed to work even when the airplane is on the ground. So the training they give for proper landing is adequate.
I think people in the Airforce get carried away with Americanism... "boot camp" Why not use the Canadian word "Basic Training" Years ago 50+, my brother in law joined the RCAF, and did 6 to 8 weeks "boot camp" in St. Jean's QC .... I was in the army, where I did 2 years basic training...boot camp ???
Hi Martin,
Your blog is awesome and really helpful. Im not in too dissimilar situation to you. Closing in on 30 and Ive been working computers but being a pilot is what I want.
Couple questions quick (if you know) - Whats the required time a pilot has to serve after training for Direct Entry. I know for Continuing Education its 7 years Im just not sure if its the same for DEO.
2nd Question - How far into training can you request a voluntary release? I ask this in case I decide the Military isnt for me or my stomach cant handle being taken on loops or something.
If email's easier you can contact me at Spectre.mwiv@gmail.com
Thanks!
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