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Padre_J_Roulston
last online: <time class="timeago" datetime="1716073063" title="May 18, 2024 22:57">May 18, 2024 22:57</time>
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So there is a chance that I might actually be able to join the military!

So with this gig as a cadet instructor they have told me that I might be able to become an officer, which is a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. We have to figure out the medical issues, which is a different topic... But the problem I'm facing is the references.

When I was younger and applied to the military they required letters of recommendation. Well now they require three references. The problem is that the references cannot be family or friends, and the person has to have had regular contact with you for the last 5 years, and be someone that can give an accurate character reference.

I literally have no one that would fit that description.

Everyone who I would use as a reference either hasn't known me for 5 years, or doesn't qualify because they are family/friend.

My life is very insular. I go to work, I go to my parent's house, and that is about it. And before I started work a year ago I went to a day program to help people out. But since starting work I've been there maybe three times and only for very brief moments.

I'm really at a loss for who to ask.

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work, years, problem, reference, references
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Roccoflip
Rockster160
last online: <time class="timeago" datetime="1716086332" title="May 19, 2024 2:38">May 19, 2024 2:38</time>
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What do you do for work now? Can a fellow coworker do it? That seems like a pretty difficult reference to find- so they probably don’t require it that strictly. I would talk to them and see what your alternatives are.

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Padre_J_Roulston
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I'm the Editor-in-Chief and part owner of a local newspaper.
Co-workers are also off the list. Supervisors are okay, but they still have had to known you for the 5 years.

I've only been at this job for a year. (almost to the day)

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Rockster160
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Yeah, that’s difficult and I’m sure it’s not uncommon. How do you interact with somebody often for 5 years without being friends or family? Doesn’t make sense. I’m sure you could speak to them and figure something out.

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Padre_J_Roulston
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I'm guessing that the average person... or at least one that is active in the community, holds a job for more than 5 years, and interacts with service groups, or goes to church, etc. That they have regular contact with people in authority, but considering how insular my life is, I don't have that. :/

I'm going to have to talk to them, but I seriously doubt that they will be more lenient because it is the Army we're talking about here :)

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Rockster160
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I feel like if you interacted with somebody once a week for 5 years- even just sitting next to them at work- I’d still consider that a “friend”.

Maybe I’m so insular I don’t even know what’s going on though. 😄

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soco
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I thought Suicide Girls only accepted those without facial hair....

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PepperJ
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idk what to tell you. It's a tough situation, and I have no advice :'( But I hope it works out....

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Am I asking a question?

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Nix
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How about your neighbours? Doctors? I always use my uncles girlfriend, theyre not married so shes not official family.

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Evansent
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sounds really complicated, Padre. Hope you manage to find some kind of solution.

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soco
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I'll recommend you Padre. Can you tell them you used to live in South Florida..?

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Padre_J_Roulston
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soco wrote:
I thought Suicide Girls only accepted those without facial hair....

😄 In Canada we can get away with it on occasion, and this happens to be one of those occasions.

Nixx wrote:
How about your neighbours? Doctors? I always use my uncles girlfriend, theyre not married so shes not official family.

We don't really talk to our neighbours. And we moved three years ago (or so...) so they wouldn't qualify because of the 5 year thing. I'm going to ask my doctor, but I don't know if they would be willing because I don't see them too often.

soco wrote:
I'll recommend you Padre. Can you tell them you used to live in South Florida..?

Thank you... But that would make it even more complicated. :) If I lived out of country at all it is harder to get a security clearance.

PepperJ wrote:
idk what to tell you. It's a tough situation, and I have no advice :'( But I hope it works out....

Evansent wrote:
sounds really complicated, Padre. Hope you manage to find some kind of solution.

Thank you. 😄

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soco
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I'd go back to them and ask how restrictive those qualifications are. Just honestly admit, you feel you are qualified for the position but have absolutely no one that meets all those rules.

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ProffVampy
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does it have to be the most recent 5 years or can it be for 5 years at any point in your life? Coudl possibly see if any old teachers/lecturers or anything would do it? and possibly any shop/business owners you know and go to regularly?

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Rockster160
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Assuming it has to be recent 5 years if it’s a character assessment.

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ProffVampy
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Rockster160 wrote:
Assuming it has to be recent 5 years if it’s a character assessment.

i assume so too but depending on your age 5years might be a really small time, or if youre me and 22 its a very long time xD

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Aria
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Years ago, I had contact with a military man who could probably have offered you a solution of some sort. Sadly though, they're no longer with us and as a general pacifist myself, I didn't get to know enough to offer my own suggestion and since his passing, I've generally tried to stay clear of most military stuff because it upsets me.

However, with that being said, I truly hope that you find a way to solve it, and if so, I hope it serves you well.

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Padre_J_Roulston
last online: <time class="timeago" datetime="1716073063" title="May 18, 2024 22:57">May 18, 2024 22:57</time>
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It does have to be the most recent years.

I had a perfect reference other than the fact that we have barely spoken in the past three years since he moved. He is a priest, and former Major in the army.

After speaking with my parents I think that I have some people who will work, though I still have to talk to the CO to know for sure.

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Evansent
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What about, Sherlock?

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Padre_J_Roulston
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Evansent wrote:
What about, Sherlock?

I thought about asking him, but I don't know if he would qualify as we have never met in person.

That and I don't know how to get in touch with him... I don't think he's made it to this site yet.

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soco
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Divorce your wife. Have her immediately split into 5 different personalities by claiming multiple personality disorder. They each write a letter.
Submit those and once you are hired, boom, remarry and enjoy the rest of your life.

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We have another hurricane coming this way.

314sftf
Nix
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soco wrote:
Divorce your wife. Have her immediately split into 5 different personalities by claiming multiple personality disorder. They each write a letter.
Submit those and once you are hired, boom, remarry and enjoy the rest of your life.

But which version would he remarry?

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soco
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He could embrace polygamy and keep all 5... LOL

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