Dennis,
How can I be diplomatic and loyal pertaining to the MDEM program? I guess I would have to echo the points noted from my colleagues.
The LFTSP program does have some merits in development of some critical thinking and presentation techniques, skills, etc. As for the MDEM it seemed to lack a focus with a lot of "Academic Liberty" in how the staff perceive the program. I am reminded of the Bugs Bunny cartoon where bugs and Daffy are arguing, "It's duck season - no it's rabbit season." With the MDEM, the argument is between the RMC academic faculty and the LFTSP DS - "It's an academic program”, “no it's a staff program!" It tended to get quite frustrating. I also need to echo YYYY’s comments pertaining to quantity versus quality. It is not academically difficult - shear quantity is what will kill you. There were some interesting courses and yes, some good, knowledgeable instructors.
Even amongst the DS, there were inconsistencies in standards and perceptions. “Oh you are MDEM - you can do this pile of work in one night solo, even though your colleagues will be working on it in groups of two or three” (just because you are MDEM doesn't mean you can read any faster). When it came to the exercises, there was even more frustration as the presentation counted for 10-15% of your course mark, even though the DS critique focused on one's staff duties and presentation style/quality vice its actual content. That being said, whenever an academic sat in on the exercise briefings (rarely), they tended to ask valuable and pointed questions on the sciences (these were directed primarily at the MDEM's and was quite valuable in providing some insight on the quality/ thought provoking questions that could be posed during a thesis defense). The MDEM program is supposed to be undergoing its 5-year accreditation this year - so perhaps a lot of the details will be worked out.......
I will not even venture down the path of the military staff. It is my understanding that there will be a big change over next year (a really good thing). Some leadership is required to provide some direction to the programs, set priorities, set standards, and enforce compliance.
As for the family front, that adds a whole other level of complexity to the situation. XXXXXXX making the balancing of family, and school a difficult chore. I would come home with a pile of work, and my wife would be waiting - "XXXXXX - I need a break" Or she would just be content to finally have an adult conversation. There were times (Exercise week), where I would come and go – “hi I am home, I will just eat, then I have to get back for syndicate work”. It was very difficult. My wife told me afterwards that she would have rather I had been away for the week instead of coming and going. My recommendation, is to either come on IR, or if you bring your family, find a support network of other young families (i.e. those of your course mates).
If after all this, you still wish to take the MDEM, I recommend that you come in with a well-defined project with some military sponsors and an idea of who to get for an academic sponsor. within the first couple days of the course, the Chief Instructor asked the 5 MDEM to stand up and present their project proposals - we were left, going umm, err, ahhh - and then he slammed us for not being prepared. The project needs to meet several criteria
1. Military requirement (get a sponsor from DLR, DGLEPM, DRDC, etc)
2. Graduate level (what does that mean - I still don't know)
Know your specific problem space and drive the problem deep in your studies. I am sure some of the DRDC scientists could provide some advice.
I recommend that you apply for the LFTSP, and consider what you wish to achieve from the MDEM. Weigh your criteria, and make your decision. Come prepared with a well-defined project BEFORE the start of the course (it would benefit to do so , even if not going for the MDEM), and develop your social network support for your family. If you decide to pursue the MDEM, please feel free to pose any questions to me (I still have a term paper and thesis to finish myself).
Hope this helps and did not dissuade you too much.