ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE

I did over 30 years in the RCAF and overall I loved it. I had lots of opportunities to advance in rank and in my trade as a pilot. I started as a 18 years old kid and you want to start young, preferably single. At first, you’ll always be gone from home and your loved ones. And when I say at first, I mean at least 3 years. During your actual training, very quickly you will notice that some of your friends will be gone or eliminated fairly quickly. That said, if you are motivated, you work hard and you have the right attitude, you’ll be successful. As you go up in ranks, your level of responsibilities will rapidly increase as well. For some this is very motivating and for others it can quickly become overwhelming. The RCAF was the most amazing flying I have done and I have an incredible social network of friends now throughout the aviation industry, all ex-military. If you are ready to make sacrifices you’ll love it. If not, it is not for you, you’ll struggle every day.

Throughout my service with the Royal Canadian Air Force I found that over the years with the assistance of the very professional senior staff, that I improved myself as a dedicated worker to the best of my ability. The management and also fellow co-workers made this position an enjoyable one with fair treatment, out of work activities, functions, etc. 

I will admit that in certain bases and units across Canada that the management and other fellow troops need improvement on a large scale but for the most part I was very impressed. The best benefit of being apart of this organization is the fact that everyone works so close together and we all take care of one another and it makes everyone feel like you're a part of a large family. I would highly recommend this career path to anyone who is interested.

Working here is pretty good. The upper management leaves you alone for most part. (Provided you are a person who is proactive about getting your daily tasks carried out and just get things done without being told.) Most times there aren't major issues, but when there is work to be done just do what you need to do and the supervisors will love you. Most supervisors will go to bat for you and help you get things done, but if you have a tendency to slack...then you'd have to jump hoops.

As the years progress and you started with your first job and expected it to last a lifetime...well that's not the way it works...new jobs means more learning and with learning brings knowledge...and with knowledge and leadership brings you rewards....

I have been retired at the age of 60....have knowingly taken part time jobs to keep me occupied and mind aware but alas with children growing up and my home occupation of being a dutiful husband and friend I realize even at the age of 71 I still have the right attitude to offer to prospective employer my knowledge, leadership and skill which only could be assumed by their place of business.  

Boredom is not in my vocabulary and therefore you can realize that I have more to offer at my age that many half my years cannot or will not attain.

A typical day starts by the senior technician reading through the hand over book from the night shift to see what work there is to be finished. If there is no extensive damage to be fixed the senior technician will distribute the lesser priority jobs to the other technicians.Every day is different. One day I could be preparing aircraft parts and panels for paint; the next I could be fabricating brackets. During my experience with the Canadian Forces I've learned how to work as a team member or leader to accomplish a common goal, how to work under stress and restrained time, the importance of punctuality, and to pay attention to small details.

What is the best part of working at the company?
It was a dynamic and exciting career that took me around the world! It was awesome.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Learning the unique culture and professional language.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
That depends on what you’re doing. It will be fun, guaranteed.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Wake up early, put on the uniform and go to work. Just like any other job unless you volunteer for a deployment! That’s when things get exciting.

Shop supervisor in charge of training and qualifying personnel in the maintenance, care and inspection of all aviation life support equipment. 
Other shop duties include briefing all new members to the shop.
Maintenance and storage of spare parts, ordering and receiving spare parts.Inspecting new parts and gear received.
Providing annual personal evaluation reports for all members who work in the shop.
Communicating with superiors in chain of command as well as out side civilian agencies and other RCAF squadrons.

The job was okay overall. The military is not run well and it is not funded very well; however, as a government employee, you get paid decently and are given decent benefits. You actually have to work in the military (unlike useless bureaucrats), so depending on what you enjoy, you can find enjoyable work. You have almost guaranteed job security, and if you put in the time, you will always get career advancement. 

The Guys on Crew are good, shift work is Great,  However manning is an issue causing increased stress on the crew.  The amount of workload is High again adding yet more stress, With the constant deployments and training courses away from home, home life can suffer. The adage that your a soldier first is constantly true.

Lots of travel, action, time flies by..... The initial training at "boot camp" is for some, quite an eye opener. I myself rather enjoyed it, and felt quite comfortable. Once that segment is completed you are then sent to a home base somewhere in Canada according to the element you serve in - ex: Air Force, Army, Navy.

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