how to join the Canadian Air Force

[Greengrass]

My son has just been told that the RAF are not recruiting for pilots or offering sponsorship through university for at least the next 4-5 years. He is devastated as all he has ever wanted to do is fly fast jets.He has just finished his first year at sixth form college . He is studying for an International Baccalaureate.He has suggested that he would like to join the Canadian AirForce . Does anyone know how he could go about this ?It would appear to be a better option. He is also considering going to Uni in Canada. Can anyone help?

[eng007]

Greengrass, I am afraid that you have to be a Canadian Citizen to join the Canadian Military (my daughter tried). My daughter is currently at University in Canada. There are many to choose from and it depends on what area of study is required. Two of the better ones are Mount Allison University and Acadia University - both in Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia respectively). Fees for an International Student (inclduing accommodation/food etc) are aproximately C$22,000 per year. Tuition fees are C$14000. The Universities are smaller than UK ones (about 20 students per class) and contact time with professors is much higher. My daughter visited in the Summer after doing her AS levels and was offered a confirmed place in Mt Allison and Acadia based on her AS results. She really likes it and has no wish to go back to the UK. PM me is you want to talk specifics.
regards
Colin

[muppetofthenorth]

His info is wrong.

Pilot recruitment has been frozen until (financial year ending in) 2013, but bursaries and sponsorships still exist, though some might not be worth as much. Given that he has at least one more year at secondary school then 3-4 years of university and a potential gap year then by the time all of that's done recruitment will definitely be open again. Sure, the numbers will be small, but the numbers were always small compared to the amount who applied. The upper age limit for pilot recruitment is now 25 yrs and 364 days [on start of training], so to cast it all aside because at 17 it looks a bit iffy for a year or two is dodgy at best.

As for the RCAF, he'd have to be a Canadian citizen.

[saudipc-9]

All the requirements for joining the Canadian Forces can be found here

Canadian Forces Recruiting - Recrutement Forces canadiennes

Anything specific send me a PM.

Cheers

[Greengrass]

Dear Muppett heard it from the WC at OASC Cranwell,Definitely no sponsorship through uni for 4-5yrs.

[Greengrass]

Thanks Saudipc any ideas how he can become a Canadian citizen? Would 3 years in Uni over there count?

[eng007]

Greengrass, you have to have lived in Canada for 3 years out of 4 as a permanent residence to get citizenship. University time as an International Student does not count. I help people move to NB (free advice). PM me if you want info.
Colin

[saudipc-9]

No problems. Truth is I don't know much about the immigration issues but here is another website for you to have a look at.

Welcome to Citizenship and Immigration Canada

We are looking for pilots here but the competition is tough. If your son can speak frog then that would be a bonus.

[Greengrass]

Thanks for this. Once we have worked out what the scholarship/fee situation will be for studying in Canada we will make further enquiries.Lets face it you do fly some fine aeroplanes

[High_Expect]

That is true.... The Hawk rocks!

[chopabeefer]

The RCAF will only entertain a Brit if he/she is a fully qualified and experienced military pilot who will require absolutely minimal training. By all means get your son to apply, but their Gov't rule is that if the Canadian Forces are going to spend money to train someone, it MUST be on a Canadian. Sensible really. Sorry - this is not supposition or 'what I heard'. I know about this.

[sycamore]

G-gss, if you think a little further,if your son goes to Canada,becomes `Canadian` if he can ,and then does not get selected for the CAF (NOT RCAF),what does he do then,as the same requirements will exist here..ie no acceptance, as there are probably loadsa Brits who wannabe pilots..

[P6 Driver]

Could it be that there are other countries he could change his nationality to in order to join their armed forces?

[Airduster1]

HERE is an idea, your son lives in another country, how about he takes the spots at THAT air force. The RCAF is harder and harder to get into every year because of people like your son. And I can tell he doesn't have an understanding of the air force if all he wants to do is 'fly fast jets' since he isn't originally from Canada if he DID make it in he would most likely spend his life in the air tower control center, fueling planes or helping prep jets. He would honestly have better luck in his own turf.

[dash2]

AirDuster1

I believe that you're wrong in that if you can get Canadian citizenship then there would appear to be no barrier from joining the RCAF with an aspiration to become an F18 pilot. There are current F18 pilots in Canada who were born in Europe, went to Uni in Canada, and are now flying on frontline sqns. They were not qualified pilots and had not served in another country's military before joining up.

The RCAF being harder and harder to get into is a positive thing for the force but I agree must be pretty galling for the wannabes.

Regards,

Dash 2

[Fox3WheresMyBanana]

I currently lecture in Engineering and Physics at an Atlantic Canadian University. Please ask your son to PM me if you think I can help.

Be aware that it can take 18 months for the Citizenship process to be completed once you are eligible, so your son is looking at 4 1/2 years total.

[Beermonkey]

This Airduster1 chap must surely be flash-baiting, non?! Otherwise how would you explain such an utterly crass and ill-informed rant?

Greengrass,
Best of luck to your Son. The RAF has got itself into a terrible mess with pilot training so I'm not sure your boy should expend any energy pursuing it further.

The RCAF are a fine bunch, albeit much more PC than someone from the UK would be used to. You should bear in mind though that their FJ bases are somewhat remote so it really is a lifestyle choice as well as a career choice.

Best of luck!

[Samuel]

G-gss, if you think a little further,if your son goes to Canada,becomes `Canadian` if he can ,and then does not get selected for the CAF (NOT RCAF),

The Air Command reverted to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2011!

[BEagle]

If your son can speak frog then that would be a bonus.

There's no dooot abooot that, eh?

RCAF - Royal Canadian Air Force. Original and best title.
CAF - Commemorative Air Force. Used to be Confederate Air Force before the days of political correct stupidity.
CF - Canadian Forces. Old title to appease Les Quebeçois:

Other 'benefits' of being Canadian:

"Canadian beer sucks!"
"Canadians are always dreaming up a lotta ways to ruin our lives. The metric system, for the love of God! Celsius! Neil Young!"
"When have you ever heard anyone say, "Honey, lets stay in and order Canadian food"?"
"Think of your children pledging allegiance to the maple leaf"
"Mayonnaise on everything."
"Winter 11 months of the year."

(All quotes from that brilliant movie Canadian Bacon)

But seriously though, all the QSPs I've known who've been to Canada thoroughly enjoyed the place. Some subsequently joined the RCAF and say that it is a much more agreeable organisation these days than the RAF is.

[Canadian WokkaDoctor]

Code:

 
Some subsequently joined the RCAF and say that it is a much more agreeable organisation these days than the RAF is.

Being one of the few that have experience of both the RAF and now the RCAF, I can confirm that the RCAF, and indeed Canada, is far more agreeable than the RAF and the UK were in 2009 when I left.

CWD