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Elle+3
Guest
I am a 34 year old single mother of 3.
I have recently been called to take the Oath on October 5th, for Avionics Tech.
I have given up work, and college, in pursuit of a military career. I am aware that after Basic Training, I will be training in Kingston and Borden for an excess of a year combined. It has been a great fear of mine, and has almost been confirmed through word of mouth, that I may be expected to do all of my trades training, without my children, who currently reside with me in Nova Scotia.
Does anyone have a good idea if a transfer in my case is probable, or if they will indeed force me to train away from my family for such a long time. Avionics was my 3rd trade choice, and I would also be very willing to change trades out of desperation to keep my family together...IE RMS clerk (my first choice) or supply tech, which are both shorter training periods. Are they likely to allow me to change trades during Basic Training, and who can I call and ask about family arrangements without being looked down on for not making the Canadian Forces number 1 over my children.
Wanting to make a difference for myself, my children and my country, without putting my children aside for up to 2 years and possibly losing custody,
Elle+3
I have recently been called to take the Oath on October 5th, for Avionics Tech.
I have given up work, and college, in pursuit of a military career. I am aware that after Basic Training, I will be training in Kingston and Borden for an excess of a year combined. It has been a great fear of mine, and has almost been confirmed through word of mouth, that I may be expected to do all of my trades training, without my children, who currently reside with me in Nova Scotia.
Does anyone have a good idea if a transfer in my case is probable, or if they will indeed force me to train away from my family for such a long time. Avionics was my 3rd trade choice, and I would also be very willing to change trades out of desperation to keep my family together...IE RMS clerk (my first choice) or supply tech, which are both shorter training periods. Are they likely to allow me to change trades during Basic Training, and who can I call and ask about family arrangements without being looked down on for not making the Canadian Forces number 1 over my children.
Wanting to make a difference for myself, my children and my country, without putting my children aside for up to 2 years and possibly losing custody,
Elle+3
I am a 37 yo female in the process of joining the military as well. I have 2 boys age 11 and 15 and I live in Edmonton too. I can understand your worry as I have thought many of the same things as you; however, I felt my kids were finally at an age where I could do something for myself and in the end benefit the whole family. They know I will be gone to basic training (I don't have dates yet as I am awaiting my final offer.) I applyed for RMS clerk, and only RMS clerk, as it is the only trade that really excites me and I can see myself happy in for a long time!! So my boys know I will be gone, my husband will also be gone (going on tour in Afghanistan). This year will be hard, but we are lucky to have a good family support and my in-laws will be coming down to "raise" my kids while the parents are away!! It can be hard to cope with military life without a good support system in place for the inevitable times that you will end up on duty... be it on training, in the field, or perhaps on tour in another country. I know the military family resource center is a good resource for families and they are there to help you in any way they can. The military expects members to have a reliable plan in place for children and family obligations, because as we all know, training stops for no one. I am pretty sure that at Basic trg. you'll be so busy and Confined to barracks for the first while, that there will most likely be no time for visiting anyone , except perhaps, our kit LOL. 
After a certain number of weeks, I believe you earn some weekend time off, and perhaps a short visit could be arranged then. As for trades training, I thought it was conducted much the same way as basic trg.... In a common blg. where you stay with your course mates and go through training day to day on a typical military schedule that is taken up with studying, inspections, and controled timings, etc.... I think it is after trades training and when you get your first posting where life begins to settle into a more typical work-day routine.... and your life begins to become somewhat your own again!! It can be hard, but look at the big picture of all the opportunity your family will have once you have completed your training! You will have job security, financial security and a happiness that you followed your heart and accomplished your goals. I wish you all the best as you begin your journey.... You will be so proud when it is all said and done!!
