syb said:
alright, here we go,
is there a lot of delays in the formations, or is the formation unlike the recrutment process is pretty much straightfoward?
how are the job opportunities if I decide to leave the army after my 9 years contract?
if for some reason, after one year of training I realize flying isnt for me, is there a way to leave the military w/out problem?
and finally, something I always wondered, why is there such a pilot shortage in the forces?
Bograt did pretty good answering your questions, so I'll just add a bit.
Bog, formation is training, you're right, lost in translation, but now you know. Trust me, you'll meet your fair share of Francos and be told to do quite a few things that you have no idea what they are, but keep a good sense of humour about it, it makes for some of the best memories.
syb, there will be delays, it's hard to tell where you'll encounter them since it's not a continuous flow, there's peaks and valleys to the system. I waited almost 2 years to start training in Moose Jaw, now I hear the wait is for Primary flight training (PFT) in Portage, then it's about 6 months waiting for Moose Jaw. While you're waiting, I'd suggest you make the most of your time, get some courses done so you don't have to do them later. You'll find out what I'm talking about, you won't be too bored, trust me.
Job opportunities are good afterwards, there's lots of pilot jobs out there and the military gives some very good training. Once you get your wings however, you're on restricted release for 7 years. Meaning pretty much that you're not leaving until those 7 years are complete. Up until you get your wings, you're pretty much free to go. Your release could be completed in 6 months. If you fail pilot training, you'll be offered another trade in the military, or you can release. If you leave prior to getting your wings, don't expect them to do you any favours. It's a real strain on the system for people to be costing the military $4500 per hour of flying only to find out that you don't like it. You'll know by the time you finish PFT whether or not you like flying.
I'll leave the pilot shortage since I like Bograt's explanation. The CF is hurting everywhere, good economies do that to the military.
As for whether or not you should accept the offer, well, there's more than a few people that would trade you for the opportunity to be a pilot. I say go for it, I love every day that I go to work. Good luck.
Cheers