How do I become an AME?

[QDMQDMQDM]

Any AMEs out there like to give me some advice?

I have heard that you can send off to the CAA and they will put you on a waiting list for 10 years or more if they deem you suitable. If you're not dead by then you may take the courses and become an AME. Is this so? Is it worth me bothering, given that I have quite a high level of interest in the field, although am not ex-military? Do I need to have connections to stand a chance?

Thanks,

QDM

P.S. By all means PM me if you prefer.