Topic: NCM to ROTP

[Phosphoric]

Hello,

I've been in CF for almost 2 years now. I joined as a reg. force NCM in the Weapons Tech (L). I'm currently on my QL3 course and I am doing good so far. However, I am not enjoying it as much as I had originally hoped. The idea of swapping parts the rest of my career (which a few senior members have the trade have told me is all I would be doing), does not appeal me. Overall though, I love the military and I can't imagine going back to the civvy world. I have been toying with the idea of becoming an officer in the combat arms, which was something I thought would interest me when I was applying, but thought it better to see if I even like the military life before going that route. What I am interested in knowing is, what is the process and how difficult would it be to move from NCM to the ROTP at this point, and, would it be better for me to finish my course and then bring this up the chain of command during my QL4's. On one hand my peers say that I'm so close I might as well finish. On the other, someone requesting a change of trade after just being trained might not be viewed as kindly as someone requesting before training is completed.

[ModlrMike]

I thin the answer's going to be "you can't get there from here." IIRC, the three commissioning plans for Reg NCMs are: UTPNCM, SRCP, and CFR. I don't think ROTP is available to serving NCMs. Some else will point you at the reference, I'm sure. In any event, you still wouldn't qualify until you had career status: 3 years served and at least QL4, maybe QL5. SRCP requires you already have a degree, and CFR requires that you have significant experience.

[Wookilar]

Mike is absolutley correct.

ROTP is an entry plan. You are already in.
If you want to gain your Queen's Commission, you have to wait till minimum QL5 trade qualification and then look at the UTPNCM program. CFR is a longer route (potentially) while for SCP you need to be working on your degree part time for a number of years till complete. There is also the CEOTP program, which is similar to the UT.

You could always get out and reapply for ROTP in however many months it is now, but I would really do not think that is a good idea.

That all being said, don't let the bitter school staff disillusion you too much. Life in 2nd line units (Svc Bn) may be largley parts changing, but life in 1st line units is a different kettle of fish. As a gun plumber you will be diagnosing faults a lot more than you think. Don't let CFSEME and Borden get you down. Life gets better.

Wook