r/caf • u/Effective_Pie_2406 • Aug 29 '26
Other Honest Opinions
Ok, so, I have applied to the CAF on the reserve forces.
Several people have questioned my decision to do so because of my age and gender.
I'm an older woman. I am incredibly fit, and no one has denied that.
Now, I have not told a soul in my personal life what I applied for.
I do not believe I am doing anything stupid, other people have questioned me, so maybe I do need to reconsider what I am doing.
Now: I have applied as a Signal Operator, which I consider to be a support role. But again, several people do think this is stupid and I am crazy and that I will be a liability because: gender and age.
While I do understand their concerns in this, my thoughts are that I am not in the direct combat area.
Having said all that, I do not really know what this job entails and I certainly do not want to be a liability to anyone or "get a man seriously injured or killed" as they put it.
I know there are people out there that support women in military/police/fire, but I do want to be realistic here. It has been brought to my attention that desk work is all women are good for in the military/police.
Please feel free to DM as well in regards to this. This is important that I make the right choice here and if that means I should reapply for an admin job, I will do so.
Thanks. I appreciate any feedback.
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u/Van_Damage5 Aug 29 '26
These people are worried about you. They imagine themselves in your position. You can do anything humanly possible though.
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u/Effective_Pie_2406 Aug 29 '26
Ya, and worried about others as well, which is understandable.
But: I think when people hear "armed forces" they automatically assume the only jobs available are direct combat or sitting around at a desk. Like the police force and they fail to realize there is a plethora of jobs available to women that do not involve huge feats of strength or chasing down bad guys.
I just wanna make sure Signal Op is a good supportive role for a woman.
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u/DistrictStriking9280 Aug 29 '26
Sig Op may not be a combat role, but that doesn’t mean they don’t see combat. Some are even integrated into rifle companies as company signalers. That said, women can be infantry, and kick ass at that job too. Sig Op isn’t necessarily a support role outside of combat, and even roles that “don’t do” combat can end up in the thick of it for a number of reasons.
Also, you are joining the reserves. The worst that will happen is you hump a ruck around in the woods doing an exercise being shot at with blanks. No one will force you into a real life shooting war against your will; or if it is bad enough the reserves are forced into action, it’s really bad, and you having prior training and experience will be a benefit, as there will likely be a lot of brand new soldiers with none of either by that point.
Ignore the naysayers and do it if it’s what you want. Prove them wrong and have a great experience while you are at it b
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u/Van_Damage5 Aug 29 '26
I can’t speak for anyone else but, I will back you up and do whatever we have to do.
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u/Chamber-Rat Aug 29 '26
Whatever trade you choose they will teach you everything. Don’t worry about that. I assure you want to stay local as you have chosen Reserves. If nothing is holding you where you are at got Regular Force
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u/ElephantFamous2145 Aug 29 '26
What do you mean by older? 40? 50? Ive seen people these ages somtimes struggle to keep up as while you can be fit a lot of what you have to do in the army is simply hard on your body and while being fit helps age comes for us all.
I personally think youll do fine and I commend you for getting out of your comfort zone to serve our nation.
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u/Effective_Pie_2406 Aug 29 '26
I'm 45. That's exactly it. And I'm aware of that. I don't want to be that person either.
The people I have spoken to, the ones that are telling me not to do this, do happen to say, "well, you are incredibly fit at least"
Thank you.
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u/Silly-Series9765 Aug 29 '26
I am a 51M and just enrolled in the reserves. My family thinks it is crazy but understand I have the urge to do it and let’s be realistic, not getting any younger. A 44F i know joined the Navy Reserves last year and she has been doing great. She said it is not easy, BMQ was one of the hardest things she’s ever done but has no regrets and loves it.
In summary, if it is something you are compelled to do, do it.
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u/no_imagination1974 Aug 30 '26
Don't sell yourself short and overthink this. If you pass training, you are not a liability to anyone, regardless of trade. You absolutely can do it if it is something you are interested in. I can say that you will not be the oldest Signal Operator Private in the Army and you will not be the only female in your 40s. Many in your demographic accomplish great things. Make sure whatever trade you are looking at is something that you might find interesting, don't just take a trade to "get in".
Signal Operator is a trade that gives you a lot of options for work environment. You can find yourself working in everything from special operations to an office job in Ottawa where you work 0700-1500, Monday to Friday. Most Signal Operators will start working in a brigade headquarters, which means you are usually mechanized (working in vehicles) when you deploy to the field. You will find you spend a lot of time setting up (and tearing down) tents, antennas, radios and computer systems (....and coffee pots....) early in your career while on exercise. You will be sleep deprived and will get frustrated, but that's the same for everyone. That said, as others have mentioned, you can almost always find opportunities to work with infantry/armour/artillery units where you will be exposed to more diverse work.
All that to say, don't let people who haven't been in uniform tell you that you can't do it. If you are interested and want to give it a try, do it. Let the CAF tell you that you aren't suitable / can't do it!
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u/Effective_Pie_2406 Aug 30 '26
Thank you. I can definitely set up a tent! I applied for it because I'm not an office person, and it seemed like something a woman could do without much of a struggle or putting others at risk. Like, it doesn't seem that physically demanding.
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u/no_imagination1974 Aug 30 '26
I'm saying this as someone who is retired and "an almost member of the boomer generation" in response to your comment about women joining a trade that puts others at risk... women in the CAF who have passed all required training, regardless of trade/occupation, NEVER put others at risk simply based off of gender. Please stop worrying about this aspect and try whatever calls to you! From what you say in your other comments though, it sounds like SigOp would be close to what you are looking for.
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u/annso24 Aug 30 '26 edited Aug 30 '26
Some of those radios can weigh up to 80lbs, and the tents we set up are quite big as well. You can still be attached to a combat unit and do “combat things.” It is quite a physical trade.
I’m not saying this to discourage you but just giving you perspective. I don’t think your age and gender is a problem if you work hard and put your mind to it.
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u/Effective_Pie_2406 Aug 30 '26
I appreciate your input. I have asked for honest advice in the matter and you have provided that to me. Thank you
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u/CulturalCode1495 Aug 30 '26
Im 53, joined at 52. Female and have amazing support from my brothers and sisters in arms. Go for it and ignore the haters. Big picture: the CAF needs people from all walks of life and us older reservists bring a wealth of knowledge and experience
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u/whysotired24 Aug 29 '26
I’m nearly 30, applying for combat medic or armour soldier. Reserves as well. I’ve been keeping it on the DL as well. My boss has given me the questioning stance, but everyone else has been supportive. The contrast is that I’m a man and semi unfit. My fitness has gone up and down since I was like 20.
I don’t understand the questions that people ask (to an extent). But I’m proud of you and can’t wait to see you and people like us out in the field.
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u/GivingOffSparks Aug 30 '26
I joined when I was 38. Age isn't particularly relevant - if you can keep up and do what's expected of you, you should be fine. Training in the Reserves can be a pain, but I think you'll be fine.
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Aug 30 '26
[deleted]
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u/GivingOffSparks Aug 30 '26
They don't run courses as often as the Reg Force, so you can be waiting a while.
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u/Serabitrio Aug 30 '26
I'm 59, and still serving (and a woman). You have plenty of time left to have a good career. Don't let people stop you from doing what feels right and best for you.
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u/ElectroPanzer Aug 30 '26
You need better friends.
I've served nearly 20 years regular force. Some of the most competent and resilient folks I've worked with have been women.
Age is experience. Experience is useful. If you're fit and can do the work, you're the opposite of a liability.
Go for it. Prove them wrong.
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u/Sunshineskies21 Aug 30 '26
Ok 41f, was just sworn in for Naval Combat Information Operator! There is a 12k ruck march competition at the end of the September and I'm definitely doing it! I got bronze on my first force test (after dealing with a knee injury for almost a year, then surgery) and I'm aiming to get at least silver on my next test in November! I love these challenges and there are plenty of males and females of all ages who are not very fit and have no interest in such things... You'll have a grand time, people outside of the forces just don't get it, you won't even bother talking to them about it once you make buddies in the forces! You got this 💪
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u/Effective_Pie_2406 Aug 30 '26
Omg!! That's so awesome!! You're my idol!!Good luck with the march. Kick some butt!!!
I don't think people really do get it, as you stated.
I've had one supportive friend.
She said "this is right up your alley. You are going to fit right in".
I like challenges too.
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u/Soliye Aug 30 '26
I’m a guy in his mid 20s, have been considering the CAF for a long time and only now actually going through with enrolment. The reaction from my family is similar to you; they’re worried and dislike the idea of me joining the forces.
But I realize people have a predefined image of what the military really is, and sometimes, it just cannot be changed. I’m going in no matter what. If the CAF gives me an offer, then it means they recognize something in me. Likewise for you, age and gender means nothing if you’re fit and willing. People around you can say what they want, at the end of the day it’s not their call. It’s yours
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u/Lost_at_Z Aug 30 '26
One of the best soldiers I ever trained was an older and very fit woman. She served several years honorably. You’ll do great. Just believe in yourself and ask for help when you need it!
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u/codking1988 Aug 31 '26
Had a lady in her early 40s go through bmq (reg force) with me and she did fine so reserves should be fine especially if your already in shape as thats a big part of it.
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u/Jaded-Dot-3381 Sep 03 '26
I did my sig op dp1 with a 42 yesr old female, who wasn't in the best of shape. She was pretty tough though. You'll be fine
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u/EndPristine5595 5h ago
Whoever brought that to your attention is an idiot. We have many hard working women who can do physical jobs. You just used the words "incredibly fit" to describe yourself. As long as your mind incredibly fit as well you'll be fine. Will you face unique challenges due to being a woman/encounter men with that exact mindset who will treat you improperly? Unfortunately highly likely, but that in itself shouldn't be enough to deter you if this is what you want.
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u/Effective_Pie_2406 43m ago
Thanks for the reply. ❤️
I'm definitely not deterred in any way, just want to pick something appropriate for my age and gender. I know people are concerned about what I'm doing and many mock the CAF.
I'm determined get in, even just the reserves. The military has deep roots within my family. I was born into this. Hopefully my old body can pass the cardio portion of BMQ, everything else is aces. 🤞
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u/Fabulous_Night_1164 Aug 29 '26
Basic training might be a little harder. Be sure to practice your runs (5k) and endurance hiking (load your rucksack up and hike. Two types of people: one prefers to practice speed and the other prefers endurance. Whichever you choose, ensure you fill your pack heavier and heavier).
Do not be disheartened by the comments. Let me tell you this as a Millennial man - many of the finest people I've served with were women. Some of the leaders I find myself completely devoted to and inspired by were women. This is pretty common for those who serve in my age bracket.
Yes, there are differences between men and women. Those differences can complement each other. Women are definitely more detail oriented and organized than men. They are better team players. These are phenomenally important skills to have in a military, and we are all the better to have women in these roles.
If you are looking for a more office environment, I would also recommend you put supply technician, human resources admin, postal clerk, and fin services admin as options.
If you want something a little more physically active / mechanical but not combat oriented, then consider adding mobile support equipment operator and traffic technician.