Hi y'all.
As far as the ubiquitous Reserve Pathfinder is concerned you guys finally got the facts 'almost' right. Sorry, I was away for a bit and didn't get a chance to twist the belt in the feedway of the inevitable 'runaway gun' speculation.
He's a friend of mine - if anyone wants autographs I can hook you up - and he completed the course over two tries in between his phases of Officer trng. God bless'im for hanging in there and proving the previously unthinkable, to some unbelievable, and yet others unnecessary.
WRT the latter I can tell you in no uncertain terms that my door wasn't beaten of the hinges with people lining up to get beasted for 3 months in the off chance that they may be one of between 1 and 10 lucky or good enough to hoist the torch. Sad really. There are, of course, a myriad of reasons not to do it. Not the least of which, for my boys anyway, are family obligations and the recent return from A'stan. So.............when the reg Bdes don't fill the measly 10 or so spots per area that they are allotted......what harm is there in the non-para or reserves stepping up to the plate and taking their best shot at the title? Successfull or not, I guarantee you they will definitely be an asset to their unit (or more) when all is said and done. Not only will they hone existing skills and learn new ones, they will learn a whole lot about themselves.
Anyway, before I start ranting I'll leave you with this thought. DON'T FEAR FAILURE!!! I've seen many a capable man stand down in the face of adversity in the off chance that he should lose face. REMEMBER 'THE MAN IN THE ARENA' QUOTE!!!!
I fought long and hard to get on the course. I finally did it to prove to my troops (and myself) that it could be done.
I'm employed in the role, I'm teaching on the course this year......................
...........and I look forward to seeing ANYONE who is willing and lucky enough to give it a shot.
The biggest hurdle is the pre-reqs. Work towards meeting them, and with any luck at that time the situation will be the same (or dare I say better?) and you too may get a shot regardless of your employment.
Imagine....... one of the hardest courses in the CF......we can only run it once a year (MAYBE)...........and lately we have a hard time filling thirty or so spots out of the entire CF
It's fuckin' scandalous.