Long/ A few questions about a CT and a new recruit

[JaG]

Okay, long time reader, first time poster but I already know that this is the best place for legit answers. Also, if this is the wrong thread I apologize.

Okay, I am a Pvt in the Camerons Highlanders of Ottawa (Inf) who has his BMQ and is waiting for the summer for his SQ and BIQ. My common-law wife is in her third year of a Bachelor Degree of Business/Commerce at Ottawa U. We are both planning on going reg force next year after she graduates (summer 06) and have pretty much planned out what we wish to do, but I still have a few questions. I would like to transfer in and be an FCS Tech and she would like to go DEO as either an MP or Logistics.

Firstly, I know that both processes take a while but I know that the dreaded component transfer can take a LONG time. Since I will be changing trades should I look into starting now? I mean my unit might not appreciate hearing me ask to transfer before I even complete my training. I mean, I want me SQ but I understand that they would hold off on BIQ and keep me in PAT. That I can deal with. Should I stay within the unit?

Secondly, when my common-law-wife and I were in the recruiting center the other day we were told that the army is VERY accomodating to couples, which I know has both its truths and its fallbacks. We were specifically told that since she was going DEO she could possibly even request a posting early in her training, and there would be a good possibility that we would get our first posting together, my question regarding that is Is that really accurate, and since I would be an NCM and I would possibly complete my training first, how would I go about that.

Lastly, how should we go about getting out postings together since we are just common-law for now (were only 20). Does the military recognize common-law relationships? Should we get engaged etc? I know I'll have more questions, and any help would be appreciated! Thanks kindly

Cheers

Gauthier

 

[JaG]

Does anybody have any insight? Even a link to another thread aside from the component transfer one, yes, I read that one.

 

[Bob the builder]

Firstly, I know that both processes take a while but I know that the dreaded component transfer can take a LONG time. Since I will be changing trades should I look into starting now? I mean my unit might not appreciate hearing me ask to transfer before I even complete my training. I mean, I want me SQ but I understand that they would hold off on BIQ and keep me in PAT. That I can deal with. Should I stay within the unit?

I put my component transfer in back in september, and its now march, and the papers havent even left the unit yet.  So be prepared for a long very stressful wait. hopefully they will have a better line of communication with you then they had with me.  Told we back in January that they were sending off my papers the next week.. 2 months later, and weekly questions from me about my papers, and still no answer.
(The memo took 2 months untill they talked to me, one week for papers to get filled out, 3 months untill they brought me aside and looked through my papers, and now 2 months and waiting for papers to be signed off by CO.)

 Im also have only completed BMQ, but my unit told me to sign up for SQ/BIQ because I wasnt going anyplace , anytime soon.  So just talk to your NCOs, and they will probally tell you the same thing, to sign up for courses.  

 

[JaG]

Thanks for the insight, I expect a long time but I already know some of the nco's in my unit and to help out I knew the CO before I joined.

 

[tree hugger]

As soon as your unit knows that you are going to transfer, that is you start with the paper work, they will not put you on anymore courses.  My last summer in the reserves before going reg, I actually had to get work as a janitor (too late to apply for any degree related jobs) instead of going on MARS III (I wasn't even accepted for reg force ROTP yet).

You can't blame them though, why should they spend money out of their reserve budget on someone who'll be leaving the unit.

 

[JaG]

I dont mean to bump but nobody can provide me with any answers regarding my wife then?

 

[kincanucks]

I dont mean to bump but nobody can provide me with any answers regarding my wife then?

Unless you coming across as skilled you can't request anything.  The CF does try to accommodate service couples but remember the CF comes first and if the CF wanted you to have a spouse they will issue you one.  The CF does recognize common-in-law relationships and if and when you meet the requirements you can have it officially recognize through your unit or the recruiting centre when you transfer.  Trade choice for both of you is very important because there has to be a position at the location for both of you or you are going to be separated or one of you is going to be a civilian again.  There a lot of differences between being an officer and being a NCM so be careful or you won't have to worry about being posted together.  Being a service couple in the CF is tough enough without the added  differences between officer and NCMs.

 

[meni0n]

Hmm... When I put in my transfer my unit still sent me on my QL3s even though my first choice was not the trade I was in. Although I changed my mind and kept my trade they did send me on course fully knowing I was CTing. I guess it depends on your unit.

 

[Cloud Cover]

The CF only recognizes legal common law relationships. This excludes same sex relationships for the purposes of common law status, and the requisite temporal limitations apply. Relationships deemed to exist for convenience will not do. There are estate difficulties with asking people in common law relationships to serve when both partners are in the CF.

   

 

[JaG]

Thanks for all the advice fellas, so how do I show them that we ARE common law legitimately, not for convenience. Its because were only 20, we plan on getting married just not yet.

 

[kincanucks]

Thanks for all the advice fellas, so how do I show them that we ARE common law legitimately, not for convenience. Its because were only 20, we plan on getting married just not yet.

You must provide proof that you have been living together for at least one year as if you were man and wife. Lease agreement with both your names and driver's licenses with the same address.

 

[015161]

Thanks for all the advice fellas, so how do I show them that we ARE common law legitimately, not for convenience. Its because were only 20, we plan on getting married just not yet.

Hi
As the post before me states you have to prove your relationship by having the same residence for at least 12 months - to avoid further questions if you file a join income tax return, this will finalize it in the governments eyes - as in 2005 return.
My husband and I were (both out now) in different elements - not recommended if you want both a career with the military and family life.
The best I can recommend is your wife (common-law or vowed, really it comes down to the same - how are you claiming taxes) goes into a support trade, which seems to be what she is thinking anyway (logistics)
As for the NCM and Officer relationship, it is becoming more and more common - though complicated if you can be in her chain of command - something else I well recommend, is that you start studying your etiquette and manners for her mess functions. Don't stress it - but don't hide it either, that will  get you in some serious trouble and her too.
I hope this helps if not I will try and answer more specific questions you have.
Take care and good luck