New to DND!

[FozzyBear1980]

Hi everyone,

This is my very first post, so I apologize in advance if this is the incorrect forum.

I am currently a public servant with the Government of Canada.  Shortly, I will be leaving my current department, and become a civ. employee at DND at a regional HQ.  I'll be working in the Public Affairs division.  Admittedly, I'm extremely nervous about this transition.  There is a huge learning curve for civ. employees on how to address those in the CF, and just basically adjusting to life on a CF base.  I would appreciate any advice you might have in your dealings with civ. employees, and sharing any details you think might make this transition easier.  I'm really excited to become a part of DND.  I've always been a huge supporter of our military, and aside from joining the forces directly, this is the next best thing.

Thanks in advance,
A new civ. employee.

 

[Transporter]

A little light reading for you... http://www.familyforce.ca/sites/London/EN/Documents/CF-101%20for%20Civilians%20EN.pdf

Welcome to the team.

 

[FozzyBear1980]

LOL - thank you for that.  I've read it - many times!!

 

[Transporter]

LOL - thank you for that.  I've read it - many times!!

That would be "thank you for that, sir"... just kidding 

Nothing will help you fit in faster or endear you more to your co-workers (civ and mil alike) than being good at your job, being willing to learn and being willing to help others. I wouldn't sweat the rest of it... there is no secret code.

 

[RADOPSIGOPACCISOP]

Big thing is, and this applies equally to military and DND civilians, is to remember that you serve the goals of the CF, not yourself. We should all be a team focused on supporting CF missions, not focusing on personal gain or promotion.

Second, is to not let anyone make you think you're not as valuable to that team as any CF member. No matter if you are Public Affairs, IT, Administration or whatever, you are not there to be subserviant to the CF members you work with, you are there to support the CF goals and missions along side the CF people you work with.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Start here http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/honours-history-badges-insignia/rank.pageand learn the ranks of the different elements and who you may be speaking to. For Army or RCN everyone, typically, above MWO (or equivalent ) is Sir\ Ma'am. Everyone else goes by their rank until you determine where you fit in the pecking order.

If you're dealing with anyone from the RCAF it's first name basis

 

[FozzyBear1980]

Thank you very much for the information.  I do realize that what I will be doing is in support of the CF, and to be honest, I'm very privileged to have that opportunity.  I've worked in many federal departments in the past, but I think this one will actually have some impact, and I'm very much looking forward to the challenge.

The question I have now - and this is directed to all those in the CF, what exactly are your expectations from those that are civilians?

It's going to be a very unique reporting structure where my direct boss will be CF.  I'm not sure how well they are informed in regards to how the public service operates, but I hope it's an opportunity for us both to learn about each other's roles.

Thanks again, (sirs)... I appreciate the feedback! 

 

[Fishbone Jones]

First and foremost, when I had to work with civilians, I expected them to be team players and bring their A game.

If they can do that, everything else is minor and will fall into place by itself.

 

[Edward Campbell]

Thank you very much for the information.  I do realize that what I will be doing is in support of the CF, and to be honest, I'm very privileged to have that opportunity.  I've worked in many federal departments in the past, but I think this one will actually have some impact, and I'm very much looking forward to the challenge.

The question I have now - and this is directed to all those in the CF, what exactly are your expectations from those that are civilians?

It's going to be a very unique reporting structure where my direct boss will be CF.  I'm not sure how well they are informed in regards to how the public service operates, but I hope it's an opportunity for us both to learn about each other's roles.

Thanks again, (sirs)... I appreciate the feedback! 

Over many, many years, especially in NDHQ, I supervised civilians and I reported, directly, to civilians: my (civilian) boss expected me to know my business, to be a good director - supervising a mix of civilians and military people - and to make sure that we got our job done ... right, the first time, and on time.  My people, the ones I supervised, military and civilian alike, expected me to be firm, fair and effective. I got to know them all: capabilities and limitations; strengths and weaknesses; needs and offers (what they brought to the organization). I tried to give them tasks that stretched them, professionally, but not beyond the breaking point. I offered and expected loyalty, in both directions, up, all the way to the Governor General, and down, especially to our junior support staff.

Do you job as well as you can ... no one can ask or expect more.

 

[OldSolduer]

Welcome to the team Fozzy.......

Love your appearances on the Muppets......

 

[Shamrock]

Welcome to the team Fozzy.......

Love your appearances on the Muppets......