I'm with NSE FP right now.
The supposition that NSE FP gets lots of contact is blatantly false. The guys we just replaced had hardly any at all. We've yet to have any, no warning shots fired, nothing. (And I have no problem with that.)
Currently NSE FP is a two platoon organization that switches off between gate and convoys out to the FOBs. Do not assume it will work the same way in subsequent rotos.
What I can tell you is that all you're doing by putting your name down is exactly that- putting your name down. Don't assume your CFTPO position will bear any relation to your ultimate task. the only thing that seemed to make a difference for us was which stream you applied for- but a couple jokers still showed up on the last (six month) stream and landed in the battlegroup.
Any and all job specific courses that are needed - RG-31 driver, remote weapon system, TLAV driver, heavy machinegun, etc etc will be run during workup. In our case the platoon was entirely infantry, so a bunch of the guys got a driver wheeled on LUVWs to make sure we had enough guys who could then do airbrakes and RG. They're used to reservists showing up with little in the way of qualifications.
Everything I've said is subject to change on little or no notice. Things are changing right now, and how it ultimately shakes out is yet to be seen. I would like to give you more detail, but I'm not sure what of it is still considered OPSEC. I would suggest, though, getting your name in ASAP if you want a roto, and take whatever job you get.
If you do get Force Protection, it's a pretty good go.
Regards,
Brihard