Rankin Inlet (Oct 08/03) - Cadet Warrant Officer Aaron Autut of Rankin Inlet isn't planning on giving up his military colours anytime soon.

Cadet Warrant Officer Aaron Autut of Rankin Inlet plans to make the Canadian Armed Forces his career choice. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Autut, who was promoted to warrant officer from sergeant this past week, attended a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) pre-recruitment training course at CFB St. Jean, Quebec, this past summer.

The Aboriginal Entry Program gives young adults who are planning a career in the Armed Forces a taste of what to expect.

Autut said he has been a cadet for about four years.

He said he viewed the pre-recruitment course as an exciting new challenge and a great opportunity to make new friends from across the country.

"You do a lot of different things during the three-week program," said Autut.

"A lot of people there did great. They blended into the Armed Forces environment easily and really got along well with other people there.

Impressed with leadership skills

"I was really impressed with their leadership skills."

Autut said he also felt comfortable within the military environment, except for, maybe, the sleeping hours.

He found lights out at 11 p.m. and feet on the floor at 5:30 a.m. to be a little too early on both ends.

"I found the lectures on maps and compasses (topography) very informative and interesting.

"I really enjoyed the night we spent out in the bush using what we had learned to navigate from Point A to Point B."

Autut also had the opportunity to experience the adrenaline rush that comes with repelling down a 10-metre-high tower during the course.

And, while he enjoyed the physical aspects of the training, he also learned a lot from the many different lectures he attended.

"There was a lecture on harassment that taught you what harassment actually is, and some of the ways people above you can abuse their power by harassing you.

"There were also lectures on AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, so we received a lot of information on different topics."

Autut said while he has made up his mind that the CAF is the right career choice for him, he is having a bit of a problem deciding what trade he wants to take.

"I've got it narrowed down to three I'm interested in -- the infantry, naval communications or driving a tank.

"They're all pretty exciting to think about."