I would definitely agree with point #1 above.
If you have the "military personality" and you like that culture, then definitely try for the Air Force. But you may get stuck on helicopters.
As for the "consummate professional" stuff... again, go watch Season 1 and 2 of the "Ice Pilots".
Can you see yourself jelling with these kinds of people? Can you handle someone like Buffalo Joe? How's your stomach for abuse?
Aviation in Canada can be pretty gruff and redneck. Is that your crowd?