Topic: First deployment

[jocho]

Is there someone who can tell me how long it should take after the op sonar courses before having the first deployment? After that courses are we matelot 3e classes? How long to get to matelot 1 classes from matelot 3e classes? thank you!

[N. McKay]

Is there someone who can tell me how long it should take after the op sonar courses before having the first deployment? After that courses are we matelot 3e classes? How long to get to matelot 1 classes from matelot 3e classes? thank you!

It might help those who don't speak French (and the OP)  to understand that matelot 3e classe refers to an ordinary seaman, 2e classe is an able seaman, and 1er classe is a leading seaman.

To answer your second question, you're an ordinary seaman as soon as you join.  I'll leave the other questions for someone familiar with that trade.

[Pat in Halifax]

Just copied this from another thread. I don't know how to use to function to quote another thread.

This was info I had put in another forum a while back. It applies specifically to a trade with Spec 1 (at LS level) and Spec 2 (at the PO2 level) but is a pretty good guide for timings for most Naval trades if you keep your nose clean. Contrary to what many seem to be saying here, because of attrition, timings for promotion are not too bad right now. I just started a group of Mar Eng QL6 students and most have 10-14 years in.
AB - 24 months
LS - 48 months
LS Tech - 6 years
MS - 6-8 years
PO2 - 8-10 years
PO2 Art - 10-12 years
PO1 - 13 years
CPO2 - 15 years
Bottom line, if you make CPO2 in 20 or less, you are doing quite well. Realistically, 22-25. There will always be 'stalls' in your career (coursing, MATA/PATA etc) as well.
Good Luck!

As for specifics of your trade, that would depend on how long your QL3/4 is (are) as to when you may sail on a ship for the first time and that, I do not know. Don't get too disappointed too - You may get posted to a first ship which is on a light schedule.

[trigger]

Jocho,

I read in another thread you are coming into my trade. Here is a first hand account of things which will answer your particular posted question:

From the day you are sworn in, you are a mat3(OS) until exactly 30 months from the day you begin basic training.  On that day, you will be eligible, no questions asked, to become a mat2(AB). Whether you are promoted on time remains to be seen. Your QL4 OJT package completion will have no bearing on your rank or pay. Then, you will be eligible at 48 months from that same day (basic) to be promoted to mat1(LS).  I should add, that if you are good at your job, you MAY get the opportunity to be advanced-promoted up to six months early.  Roughly about that time you will be taking your QL5A course. Upon completion of that course, you will be Specialist 1 qualified. Here is where you will also get a nice bonus ontop of the largest single increase in pay you get, your pay jump from AB to LS.

the Sonar Op trade does not qualify for spec 2 incentives in pay.

WRT deployments, perfect example.  Two years ago, two guys were completing their QL3 course and both posted to my ship.  We left on a deployment before one of them could even get to Halifax, due to him sorting out some of his personal business.  He was flown across the Atlantic to meet us at an early port visit.  He had a six month deployment under his belt before he ever experienced living in halifax/securing living accomodations/experiencing life alongside in his home port.