Hello,
I'm 14 years old. I'm from Spain. Since I was a child, my mother and I have talked a lot about Canada and loved it, we've travelled there for 6 months... A while ago, I found that what I really wanted to do when I grow up is to become a SpecOps soldier. What I want to say is that I feel like if Canada was also my country (or my country), and so I want to serve there, in SpecOps.

But I don't know if I can join JTF2\FOI2, because I wasn't born there. Can you tell me, please? We're planning to move to Canada next year, get my Canadian citizenship, join the army, train harder and with pride, say that I'm a Canadian SpecOps.

I'm sorry for the long intro, but wanted to show that I'm not a GameBoy guy, that I'll do it with my heart, because of my beliefs and no fear of death

How do you know you don't have a fear of death?

I mean that I wouldn't mind to die for defending Canada

Originally Posted by FutureSOF

I mean that I wouldn't mind to die for defending Canada

You should mind dying all the time. It keeps you honest and alive. Trust me, when the enemy is trying to kill you, you very much mind. Be careful what you wish for kid, you just might get it.

You are still a young person and probably don´t think much about life and death.

Death is a fact of life when deployed in a combat zone. If you are not afraid of death you will do stupid things that will get OTHERS killed. You want to listen to and respond to these fears. In cases like these, fear is valuable because it motivates you to act. It can keep you alive and safe.

The best soldiers function with clear heads and follow their training despite their fear. This takes a lot of training and rehearsal and it takes complete dedication to the mission at hand. It also takes the support of your buddies. So you should be afraid my friend, this is how you survive. Listen and learn from those who have been there, then you will achieve your goal someday.

Thanks for the replies. What I wanted to say is that I'm not going to kamikaze or commit suicide, hahaha, no. The thing is, I can imagine that a soldier being surrounded and being shot, is scared. I am not a no-brain person who just do it without thinking. I think, re-think and then act, for all scenarios of my life. I've seen some videos about Spanish soldiers in Afghanistan saying 'Oh, I didn't kill anybody' or 'today was boring, couldn't shoot'. Those are irresponsible people. What I think (my belief) is that being a soldier is not kill for kill, it's giving a person protection and alive'. Everywhere I go, they get me as responsible, honest and disciplined. Don't get me wrong please.

And yes, I know that fears wakes you up. Obviously, no-one wants to get shot. But I mean, that it would be a honour and pride to protect Canada.

BTW, can I join or not?

I believe that it is a requirement that you are a Canadian Citizen.

While waiting to be old enough to join, use your time studying. Stay in school and get some good grades. It will absolutely be beneficial to you the day you apply.

Just like Kesse81 says. Do what you have to do now to be successful in school and get your citizenship lined up...otherwise this conversation will be pointless. Also, you're 14 and it is good you're thinking about your future. Soon enough that future will be here and you'll look back and wonder what happened with all that time you think you have. Don't be in too much of a hurry to grow up. Remember to be a kid once in a while because military or not, once you're an adult, you'll be playing by big boy rules which are far less forgiving.

Keep your sense of purpose, but try not to take yourself too seriously. There's plenty of time to grow up and play soldier...your time as a kid and teen is quite limited, cherish it.

Ok, I'll do what you say. Thanks

100 percent agree with the replies here. Enjoy your youth, study hard and make the most out of your time and education.

If and when you gain your citizenship and join the Canadian Forces, don't go in thinking "JTF or nothing". JTF2 Selection is extremely challenging and no matter how prepared you think you are, your body and mind will be pushed to the limit. If you're selected, you'll find that Selection was just the tip of the iceberg and the only easy day was yesterday.

However, if you do fail selection, it's not the end of the world. There are still many other opportunities to work within Canadian SOF. For example, if you put forth a solid effort during JTF2 Selection but aren't chosen, there's a possibility that CSOR will give you a shot. Even if that doesn't happen, you'll still be able to take pride in being a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.