Yeah, it is a bit strange that there is a big quest on for junior officers. I actually was going back as an NCM, which I was before, but I was recommended to pursue the officer path, as my degree qualifies me. Some of our 2lt‘s are moving around aswell. I think they may be filling in shortfalls in the administrative process. I am not sure on this, but entry officers are paid less than Mcpl clerks, for example, so there could be a bit of this going on.
It takes a while for people to become an NCO, and with the attrition rate in the reserves, the minimum 3 years of dedicated courses and training to become a Mcpl is a stretch for some people. Add to this a limited number of spaces on courses due to cutbacks, time gets stretched to 4-5 years (as reserve courses are running in the summer).
I agree that we need more NCO‘s, but also think the OCT‘s and 2Lt‘s are increasing to fill in gaps the military is not able to replace with NCO‘s. Perhaps this is the thinking, anyway. CFRC did tell me they are on a push for more officers.....
:mg: