opérateur

fusilier marin

technicien aéronautique

signaller

technicien construction navale

Forces Armée Canadienne

Have been in the Army reserves for almost four years now, and overall, it has been a fantastic job experience:

Pros:
- Very flexible and accommodating, especially for students (With the unit and trade I work in, I can usually pick up a few extra 'Class A' work days at my unit when I am available. Probably one of the only government employers I know that allows you to decide whether or not you want to come into work (as long as you do not miss more than 5 consecutive training days in a row)

- From a student perspective, you are offered full-time summer employment which helps you earn quite a bit of money to pay for tuition

- Fair opportunities to obtaining qualifications and furthering ones skills (first aid courses; driver courses; leadership courses; etc) A lot of these courses can be taken during the weekend or in the summer

- Training is good, and you will  meet a lot of interesting people. For the most part, I have met more positive than negative / bad people

- Pay is fair, especially after the recent pay raise. Work hours vary depending on whether you are working garrison (3-8 hours a day average) or in the field (14-18 hours a day average)

- camaraderie and sense of belonging; as well, have made many friends

- you learn your limits, your strengths, your weaknesses, and what to improve on

- opportunities for deployment and other professional development for those who are dedicated and committed 

Cons:

- Communication can be poor and sometimes, training, courses, or scheduled events will either be cancelled last minute, or in some cases, a last minute event will arise, providing little time for one to change their work or school schedule

- Like any government agency, is not exempt from bureaucracy and politics from senior management 

- Can be hard work at times and you are paid a daily wage (not by the hour, which means no OT)

- equipment and gear is severely outdated and obsolete in some cases; lots of equipment shortages as well

- Difficult to become fully competent or an 'expert' in your field as you typically work one night a week, one weekend a month, and even when you show up to work or train, you may not necessarily do what your trade or skill set is, when compared to the regular force

Overall, as a student, I would say this is a great job and opportunity for students or recent graduates who are looking for work experience, extra cash, and professional development. As an introvert, I would say my last 3.5 years in the Army reserves has definitely boosted my confidence and interpersonal skills when communicating and interacting with other people. If you are young (like myself), I would definitely suggest joining right out of high school or during university as it is a lot easier to complete courses and taskings compared to those who already have full-time careers and a family. Basic training can be done part-time; however, your trades course will be anywhere from 3 weeks up to 3 months (depending on trade) and may require back-to-back training and additional summer months to complete. (you are usually expected or to become fully trained within 3-4 years of joining, however, are encouraged to get all your courses done ASAP)

The Army is a great place to work if you need direction, lack advanced education or are looking for a challenge.  It is not like the movies or video games which depict constant combat and violence.  It is a sub culture which is a mirror image of society which makes it less of an employer and more of a lifestyle.  You must remember that it is a volunteer organisation that expects a commitment.  Once you have signed up you cannot leave until stipulated in your contract.  It has a separate justice system, which is open and fair but does have nuances meant to maintain discipline.  The army rewards loyalty and commitment, you will progress and be given more opportunities if you are willing to commit.  A lot of skills you will learn are not transferable.  there is not a huge demand for some of the hard combat skills, but the Army does teach leadership.  The pay is average, you are expected to belong to professional organisations and groups which have fees attached.  You will also be expected to move if you want to progress.  You may not like where you are going to and may not have a huge choice, often you are given two locations and must pick one.  You will spend a lot of time away from home (200/365 on average) and key family events are not the army's problem (I missed my wife's birthday and each valentines day for twenty years).  You will always be feed, and often fed well, but do not expect five star hotels.  You will spend time living in very austere environments and often in dangerous situations.  Remember that soldiering is a dangerous profession.  Lastly, the Army isn't fair, you are one of sixty thousand and as such it will set policy for the greater good.  Sometimes this can adversely effect your personal situation.  If you can understand these facts going in, you will be on a great path for a rewarding career with the opportunity to be a part of unimaginable events.

A typical day while on course starts with a five mile run at 0530 hrs followed by an inspection at 0800 hrs. After completing the run standing orders are that all candidates will eat breakfast, shower, and prepare quarters for inspection (usually white glove). Needless to say being organized and developing outstanding teamwork are neccessary. Following inspection, and corrective actions (I will leave this to the readers imagination), classroom instruction takes the rest of the day until 1700 hrs. The rest of the evening you prepare coursework, most do additional runs of ten miles, and spit shine boots, and shine brass. This will take you to lights out at 2300 hrs. Tomorrow we do it again.

Course work involves such topics as military code of justice, The Queens Regulations and Orders, as well as drill and deportment, Physical Education (on top of the running) and leadership roles and conduct reviews. For three one week periods we are away from the classroom to practice leadership skills on exercise in the field where if you can get 1 to 3 hours of sleep a day consider yourself lucky. When you think you have made it through there is a two day escape and evasion exercise where you are dropped off in the middle of nowhere and have to traverse some 30 to 50 kms while being hunted by military and civilian authorities. You enter the exercise wearing coveralls and boots, it's December you will be cold and there is no sleep. If captured you will spend the duration of the exercise in a POW camp where you will be questioned and probed for weakness.

This is a typical day for an officer candidate in the Canadian Forces during my tour. Any breach of integrity, honesty (even a little white lie), or fidelity will earn you a ticket home and put a sudden and dramatic end to your military career.

It is a very rewarding career. I regret not getting in out of high school. You'll learn a lot and meet a lot of great and bad people. You'll learn how to deal with stressful situations and be given impossible timings that they know you will fail to make you fail. But failure only leads to success. Get in when you are young. Before you have a family of your own and a spouse. You will be  away for a long time multiple times. And you will have no control of your personal life.  The first several years can fly by so fast and you can get promoted with hard work and being switched on. Showing initiative. You'll work 24/7 for the first bit of your career for very little pay. Again thats why you want to do it when you're young and single. Trying to pay bills, home insurance, car insurance, rent or mortgage can be almost impossible if you have a spouse or kids that depend on your income as well. It's possible to not get paid for several weeks or months even if there are issues with finance. You will have to pay for room and board. That would include your housing and meals.  I believe I was paying about a third of my cheque to that alone. And when you only make $1800/ month, it gets really tough, but its worth it after you get trained.  You wont be able to get a second job even on base unless you are fully qualified in your trade, and it has to get approved by your CoC, that can decline all other work if they feel its necessary. I really hope if you are young and are considering a career in the CAF, you absolutely take advantage of it while you are young.  If you are still unsure, join the Reserves. I also had a incredible time with them and it allows you to maintain a family life and a well paying career.  Not to mention you can be up for promotions sooner than in Reg force.  It will be hard work, a lot of stress and yelling, feeling like your doing everything wrong, impossible timings, early mornings, late nights, no sleep. but you'll have lots of food and water while training. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
The CAF has always "punched above its weight" in terms of capabilities, training, an comraderie. Even in the Primary Reserve, you will be treated like an adult, given opportunities to do amazing things, go all over Canada and OUTCAN, and have some of the best training in any armed force in the world. What you put in, in terms of effort, you get back in reward.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
You can end up in a dead end trade or unit with poor supervision and management, like any large organization, where you don't feel your efforts are recognized. But more often, it is lack of funding, lack of staffing for courses, lack of up to date equipment holding you back from being able to maximize your career. Waiting to get enrolled and waiting for component transfers are two serious stress points.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
This is highly dependent on your unit, but my experience at an infantry reserve unit in a large urban centre has been nothing but excellent. The people are great, the leadership has been committed to your growth and giving you opportunities commensurate with your drive and effort. Easily one of the best work cultures I've experienced.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day in a reserve unit is attending for a training night, being paraded before the leadership and inspected for dress and deportment, given a series of training lectures or practical exercises, or participating in unit morale building activities, then parading again at the end of the night to hear the units plans and goals for the training year. Often you are dismissed to the mess for socializing and team building. The job is intensive, physically demanding, and prepares you well for defending Canada.

A typical day at my work consists of overseeing the implementation of a number of recommendations made by the SSAV Report (2017) as it pertains to the selection, training, and employment of the training wing personnel charged with overseeing the development of the Officer Cadets attending the Royal Military College Kingston. In addition, I am also overseeing the review and implementation of new rules, regulations, and procedures affecting the day to day life of the Officer Cadets as well as their Professional Development. I meet regularly with Senior Leadership of the College but am afforded the latitude to manage my work day/week on my own. As the implementation of the 59+ recommendations requires a lot of coordination, I routinely meet with College personnel of all ranks, military as well as civilian academics (including the Commandant and the Principal) to confirm direction, seek input, and ensure a smooth transition. . 
Over 35 years of service, I have learned that I will get out of my work as much as I put into it - RMC is no different. My experience with management is that the vast majority of military leaders and senior public servants are highly dedicated and focused people. I have learned to adapt to my superiors' style as well as the conditions (security, safety, resource constraints, etc). The Canadian Armed Forces are a great place to work. It is a culture of learning where one can reach his or her full potential. The hardest part of the job (military career) is the impact the frequent moves and separations have on the family.  However, the lifestyle also presents tremendous opportunities and unique experiences which the whole family can benefit from.The most enjoyable part of being in the military is the camaraderie and team work.

PROS:
1. Benefits: Especially the Education and Training Benefit (ETB) after retirement. Military training does bridge nicely into any industry, and the educational benefit ensures you're not in debt after university/college.

2. Travel: You get to sail around the world (if you join the Navy) and visit some pretty cool countries that you might not have otherwise considered travelling to.

3. Comraderie: I still keep in touch with some of the guys and gals I used to deploy with.

4. Good for people who don't know what to do with their lives: If your options are limited and you're unsure about your professional path, then enlistment is a viable option.

CONS:
1. Not a viable long-term career (for most people): Especially if you have a spouse and/or children. Prepare to deploy often and on call/short notice. So, have a solid plan when you release from the Canadian Forces. It is fun when you're in your 20s, though!

2. Unpredictable work-life balance: It's honestly not as bad compared to some other industries; however, be prepared to deploy often if you join the Navy. This can be difficult for families, and I've seen it be difficult for those I sailed with who have a wife and kid(s) and had to leave them for half the year. There's a reason why a lot of servicepeople with 20 to 25-year careers end up divorced (some more than once).

3. Aging Equipment: During my ten years of service in the military, the equipment was substandard... I saw minimal improvement with the issued equipment, if any.

MANAGEMENT ADVICE:

It's hard to say, since it's inherently a hierarchical system. All I can give is encouragement to the Sr. Cpl's/S1's & MS and above: Encourage your Troops as best you can... and try not to be overly jaded. Be the leader you wish you had when you were a Junior. Maybe then the retention rate will improve.

My day at work depended on which position I was filling.

As an administrator, I was in charge of the files of 120 cadets. This included keeping track of their attendance, making sure that they were up to date with their expenses and handling the writing of memo's and alerts which required a specific format

As a supply officer, I was in charge of fitting ordering and distributing uniforms as well as being in charge of all supplies outside of uniforms.

As a divisional officer, I was in charge of leading and teaching my cadets about naval tradition past and current as well as maintaining their well-being and handling any issues they bring up in and outside the unit.

I've learned a large amount of administrative skills, how to communicate and deal with youth; in summary, both qualitative and quantitative skills.

I was expected to take on management duties in regards to the youth that were in my division. This meant assigning them work, following up and doing performance reviews.

I worked very well with my co-workers and have learnt as a result of the military setting, how to work in a cooperative environment to a high level.

The hardest part of the job was making sure that everyone under me was receiving a good experience; this meant devoting a large amount of my time outside of work to the maintenance and well-being of my subordinates.

Seeing the results of my work through my cadets was the best part of work, knowing that they are thriving and are happy makes me happy.

As a reservist, work-life balance is pretty exceptional as the typical work schedule is one evening a week and one weekend per month. Attendance expectations are very flexible and accommodating as attendance is not mandatory nor expected for every event. Opportunities for career advancement have improved significantly over the years as there are more qualification and leadership courses available and opportunities to gain experience to further your skills. With regard to pay, since it is salary based, it can be good or bad depending what you are doing. Work culture is fairly relaxed and laid back compared to other units in the Lower Mainland but nonetheless still has the military culture and hierarchy. Overall, being in the Army reserves is great, especially if you are a student looking to kickstart your career and gain experience or make extra pocket money and make lifelong friends and experiences. Even for non-students and adults, it is a great change in dynamics if you want something different from your regular 9-5 job. All-in-all, the army has it's times, both good and bad but the good times definitely make up for the bad times. From joining at the age of 18, being in the reserves has helped me gain skills and experiences to further my civilian and military career. 

A typical day at the unit will always vary; sometimes you may be cleaning the drill hall or performing a weapons inspection for the recruits or you might be in the field shouting orders and digging trenches under simulated fire.

I have learned many things from my military experience so far, namely the importance of punctuality and teamwork (two huge factors in deciding the fate of a firefight in warfare). I have learned patience and virtue to all aspects of military culture and the hardships of being a leader and having ten lives in your hands.

When it comes to management at a unit or on a deployment, it varies largely. When it comes to new recruits, you need to be more patient and considerate. It takes initiative to be leader and lots of "thinking on the spot". When it comes to qualified privates or newer corporals they tend to look up to you and take initiative of their own.

The hardest part of this job would most likely be the long days without sleep and constant physical labor when you are in the field. Sometimes you may go three sleepless days of hard work and grueling workouts or rucksack marches only to sleep four hours then another two sleepless days.

The most enjoyable part of the job would most likely be the closeness with your comrades and how everyone is family in the CAF. Every hardship is experienced by all who follow you whether it be simulated combat or a nine month combat deployment; everyone experiences similar things which reinforces the bonds between soldiers.

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