Regular Force Family Life etc...

[DoubleU]

Im currently in the Army Reserve and upon finishing my University Degree I plan to transfer to the Regular Force and pursue a career in the military. I will be going the Officer route with the degree and just have some questions for fellow soldiers currently in this situation.

Officer or not I believe the responses should be similar. Do you guys enjoy your career in the military? Do you find it affects your home life in a negative way? Do you find yourself moving often or when your with a unit are you able to become comfortable living where you do.

Im just curious as to what life is like in the Regular Force. I understand relocation is a common aspect as a member of the forces but im curious has to how often it is required. I just want to see at what price the regular force takes on home life. Are you able to purchase a home in the area where your unit is located or do many just live in PMQ's.

Thanks

 

[Edward Campbell]

You're probably soon going to be admonished (in lively technicolour) for not using the search function, and there are, indeed, several threads dealing with this question, I think.

I have known many military families that remained strong and happy through some pretty tough times - regular postings, regular overseas tours, periodic long courses, isolated tours, etc. Strong people always manage to tough it out.

I have also known - have, indeed, experienced - the stresses and strains that a military career can impose on a family. Absences and danger are obvious issues, but so are competing career demands and issues surrounding (geographic) stability for the sake of children.

Other members in others fields, like law enforcement, may tell us that there are many career choices that put strain on families.

Marriages and families require work. Most of the really good soldiers (and sailors and air force folks, too) I met over 35+ years of service had a good work ethic and managed to keep their families together. Those of us who were less successful may want to look inwards for clues about why we had family problems (and, maybe, why we never made flag/general rank, either  :'( ).

Lost of frank, honest talk, hard work and shared ambitions are, in my opinion good tools to use to balance the demands of a career as an officer and a happy marriage.

 

[George Wallace]

Well, I can say that there are many people here who will be able to tell you stories that will cover both ends of the spectrum.  Many of those stories have been posted already to similar questions.  So without any further adieu:






Welcome to Army.ca. Here are some reading references that are core to how Army.ca operates. I strongly recommend you take a moment to read through these to give you a better sense for the environment here. It will help you avoid the common pitfalls which can result in miscommunication and confusion. For those that choose not to read, their actions often lead to warnings being issued or even permanent bans.

Army.ca Conduct Guidelines: MUST READ - http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/24937.0.html

MSN and ICQ "short hand" -  http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/33247.0.html

Regarding the use of "MSN speak" versus the employment of prose which is correct in grammar, spelling and punctuation, please see: http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/34015/post-260446.html#msg260446

Tone and Content on Army.ca: http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/51970.0.html

FRIENDLY ADVICE TO NEW MEMBERS - http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/24937/post-259412.html#msg259412

Frequently Asked Questions - http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/41136.0.html

• Recruiting FAQ - http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/21101.0.html
• Army.ca Wiki Recruiting FAQ - http://army.ca/wiki/index.php/Frequently_Asked_Questions
  • Canadian Forces Aptitude Test - http://army.ca/forums/threads/21101/post-103977.html#msg103977
  • Fitness requirements at enrolment, see page 12 of this brochure: http://64.254.158.112/pdf/physical_fitness_en.pdf

• Infantry Specific FAQ - http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/21131.0.html

CFAT practice test - http://64.254.158.112/pdf/preparing_for_aptitude_test_en.pdf

Search page - http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?action=search;advanced

Google search of Army.ca - http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=+site%3Aarmy.ca+%22search+term%22&btnG=Search&meta= (follow the link then replace "search term" with what you are looking for)

Army.ca wiki pages - http://army.ca/wiki/index.php/Main_Page


To summarize. Welcome to Army.ca, enjoy your reading.

 

[DoubleU]

Thanks E.R. Campbell, I am about to turn down an opportunity with the RCMP simply because I havent been exactly pleased with how their behavior has been presented in the last few months as well as their postings. I think that as a member of the forces you have at least a say in where you want to go whereas RCMP you really dont. My girlfriend and I have had a long distance relationship for almost 4 years so I know that a few months here or there wouldnt be a problem.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

Although I've never been RCMP, I have a few friends that are and I am suggesting that posting preferences in the Mounties and CF are treated similarly;  you can ask, but you will not necessarily get what you want. 

Posting preferences in the CF are exactly that...preferences.  The needs of the CF will trump (in most cases) your wants, if there is a conflict...

 

[Edward Campbell]

Every person is different and, therefore, every couple will have a complex relationship.

In my experience it wasn't separation that caused problems for most people it was, for many, many officers, the requirement to invest oneself in the "job." Despite all the moaning and groaning - and officers do just as much or more than the men and women in the ranks - most officers like love their work. The best officers don't have a job or a career, they have a vocation - with all the quasi-religious commitment that implies. That can make accommodation of e.g. one's spouse's career aspirations difficult.

Being consumed by the 'job' means that one often puts work ahead of family - people are at their desks in some HQs while they, and spouse, would rather be at daughter's rugby game or son's piano recital because the 'troops' in action or sailors at sea, far, far away, need to be supported. It's tough on the family.