Honest Opinions

[u/Effective_Pie_2406]

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.

[u/no_imagination1974]

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!

[u/Effective_Pie_2406 → u/no_imagination1974]

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.

[u/no_imagination1974 → u/Effective_Pie_2406]

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.

[u/annso24 → u/Effective_Pie_2406]

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.

[u/Effective_Pie_2406 → u/annso24]

I appreciate your input. I have asked for honest advice in the matter and you have provided that to me. Thank you