Reserves

[justin.c]

I apologize if this question has been asked before, but I'm new to the forum thing, and didn't find any answers to my question.
If anyone can provide answers, or a useful link to where I can find them, it would be greatly appreciated.

I just finished highschool, and plan to attend the University of Western in september for their aviation program which is sponsored by the Air Force.
It has always been my desire to be a pilot but those damn genetics got in the way. I inherited a pair of crappy eyes from my parents which means I was unable to apply for ROTP as a pilot at Western. When age allows, I plan on getting surgery to hopefully correct this problem and apply as a pilot under DEO. In the meantime I was interested in joining the reserves while I'm at university and I'm wondering:

1) Is it possible to attend full-time university and be part of the reserves?

2) If yes, when would I be able to participate with the reserves? On weekends?

3) How does training differ from the reg force?

4) If I applied now would it be possible to start training before I leave in september?

Again, sorry if this has been asked before and I'd be thankful to anyone who could point me in the right direction if it has

 

[muskrat89]

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[WannaBeFlyer]

If I applied now would it be possible to start training before I leave in september?

Unless you applied for ROTP and have all of the paperwork already completed; no. Even then, they may have filled all of their BMQ spots.

You might want to get the ball rolling with the Recruiting Centre though and take care of the CFAT, medical, and interview. Security clearances can take a while to process depending on your situation so it would be nice to have that out of the way. If you have a trade and Unit in mind, I would suggest that you visit them on a parade night before they stand down for the summer which is usuall at the end of May. At that point, you may not be able to reach the Unit Recruiter until the fall. They may be able to give you the letter that is required by the recruiting centre to begin the application process. That way, when fall comes around, you will be ready to be sworn in.

As for the other questions, the bulk of most Reserve units are students. You have one parade night a week and 1-2 weekends (or more) per month. It's up to you to balance it all. 

Good luck!

 

[Jack Nastyface]

I apologize if this question has been asked before, but I'm new to the forum thing, and didn't find any answers to my question.
If anyone can provide answers, or a useful link to where I can find them, it would be greatly appreciated.

I just finished highschool, and plan to attend the University of Western in september for their aviation program which is sponsored by the Air Force.
It has always been my desire to be a pilot but those damn genetics got in the way. I inherited a pair of crappy eyes from my parents which means I was unable to apply for ROTP as a pilot at Western. When age allows, I plan on getting surgery to hopefully correct this problem and apply as a pilot under DEO. In the meantime I was interested in joining the reserves while I'm at university and I'm wondering:

1) Is it possible to attend full-time university and be part of the reserves?

2) If yes, when would I be able to participate with the reserves? On weekends?

3) How does training differ from the reg force?

4) If I applied now would it be possible to start training before I leave in september?

Again, sorry if this has been asked before and I'd be thankful to anyone who could point me in the right direction if it has

In answer to your questions:

1. Yes.

2. The reserves are geared to students and people with civilian careers. Depending on the unit and  whether you are an NCM or a RESO, you will parade 1 or 2 evenings a week and usually a training Saturday or full weekend each month. Summer phase training is highly likely and it sure as hell beats flipping burgers for minimum wage.

3. In theory, the training does not differ from RegF standards. In fact, there is a BOTC underway in Esquimalt now with PRes and RegF officer candidates.

4. No. PRes summer billets were filled up long ago.

You are in luck as laser eye surgery has recently been permitted for Pilot applicants. You can also have a V2 vision category and wear glasses. If you are planning on applying for DEO Pilot, I urge you to try and get some stick time. This will be a big help for you during the both the interview and aircrew selection process. Hope that this helps.