Author Topic: Canadian mustachians - Any of you in the military?  (Read 3443 times)

max9505672

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Canadian mustachians - Any of you in the military?
« on: August 01, 2017, 11:19:09 PM »
Hi!

I am looking for fellow Canadians who work in the military to discuss many related subject such as salaries, pensions, social advantages, etc.

I won't ask any specific questions yet since I am not sure if I will find someone to discuss with, but if I do, I will gladly update this thread so others can benefit from it.

Thanks!

***For specific questions, see post #3***
« Last Edit: August 03, 2017, 05:08:15 PM by max9505672 »

max9505672

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Re: Canadian mustachians - Any of you in the military?
« Reply #1 on: August 03, 2017, 05:07:43 PM »
Hi Max,

I just got out after 18 years and am happy to discuss anything you'd like. Had it not been for a medical release (not bitter, sh*t just happens), I would have stayed longer.
Hi Sun Hat,

Thanks for your answer! If it's not too indiscreet, what was your position in the military?

For my part, I completed a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering one year ago and have been working in an office since then. I am considering the military because I'd like a more physical and action driven job which is pretty rare in my field. In fact, I am considering the military to become a pilot (not a jet pilot, I know that's very very hard), but I would also consider other options too.

I know the salaries are public and can be found online, but I have a few questions related to the general military life and social advantages. Being pretty frugal, I won't hide my desire to make the most of the benefits and I'd still plan to retire early (around 10 years).

1. I know everybody has to go through the basic officer training for 15 weeks + a professional specific training for your job. Are those trainings paid?

2. Once your training is completed, I think you get to go work on a base somewhere in Canada depending on your job. I'd like to know what a typical day looks like? (Do you eat, sleep on the base? Do you find a home near the base? Does the military pays some kind of per diem for working far away from your home?)

3. I know there's a pension plan in the military, though I don't know the exact details. I would assume that wyou would need to work for X number of years in the military in order to be eligible and I would also assume that the pension has an impact on the salaries (lower salaries while working but pension after retirement). Do you have the option of waiving the pension and getting more salary/contribution? What about the people leaving before getting the pension, do they get some kind of compensation?

4. Any other retirement contribution: RRSP match in DPSP for example?

5. General social advantages (insurances, dentist, access to doctor/psychologists, vacations, etc.)?

Thanks for your help!

joonifloofeefloo

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Re: Canadian mustachians - Any of you in the military?
« Reply #2 on: August 03, 2017, 07:36:49 PM »
[Following, in case my kid goes this route. That post was amazing, Sun Hat!]

Lews Therin

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Re: Canadian mustachians - Any of you in the military?
« Reply #3 on: August 03, 2017, 08:00:49 PM »
Sun hat hit most of the points.
Things to add: when leaving before full pension, if you have enough time in, you get a "transfer value". Example, 5 years rmc which is university as a military member, 5 years officer, his transfer value was 150k. Sea/air and land pay are no longer exactly the same, as units that "often" deploy/fly/go out to sea, get it at all timea, regardless of where they are

For air force/pilot specific info, if you want to hit me with a pm, i can give you the info by phone, since its situational. Depending on what you want, there are many different paths. I'm also posting this so I can answer questions if there are some, since i'm still currently in the military, and have been for ten years.
« Last Edit: August 03, 2017, 08:09:16 PM by Canadian Ben »

max9505672

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Re: Canadian mustachians - Any of you in the military?
« Reply #4 on: August 04, 2017, 11:05:11 AM »
Wow lots of great information, thanks Sun Hat! I will definitely go meet a military representative as a next step!

Sun hat hit most of the points.
Things to add: when leaving before full pension, if you have enough time in, you get a "transfer value". Example, 5 years rmc which is university as a military member, 5 years officer, his transfer value was 150k. Sea/air and land pay are no longer exactly the same, as units that "often" deploy/fly/go out to sea, get it at all timea, regardless of where they are

So instead of getting any kind of pension contribution, you would get that transfer value but how is it paid to you?

Lews Therin

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Re: Canadian mustachians - Any of you in the military?
« Reply #5 on: August 04, 2017, 02:05:50 PM »
Either cash (taxed as income) or some lira and some rrsp. Or a mix of those.

TrMama

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Re: Canadian mustachians - Any of you in the military?
« Reply #6 on: August 04, 2017, 02:30:09 PM »
I'm not a CF member, but my DH is. We've been married for about a dozen years so I have *some* experience with it on the family side. A few more random points to keep in mind:

Definitely talk to a recruiter. After you've narrowed down your choice of trades, get in touch with several people actually in those trades so you can get the real scoop. I know of lots of people whose recruiter gave them inaccurate info.

Almost no one goes the full 20 (or 25) years so it's good you're not planning on that. Many are medically released, many burn out, many families/spouses can't take the separation, etc.

Extended health benefits for families are fantastic. Dependents and spouses get The Public Service Health Care Plan (you can Google it). I combine that with the benefits package from my own employer to create a gold plated plan for the kids and I.

As long as you don't make any egregious screw ups, it's really hard to be fired. This gives you excellent income stability. Conversely, if you get fed up, you can't quit easily. Frequent moves can be really hard on your spouse's career.

You will be drug tested. You cannot use pot, even when it becomes fully legal. Should be obvious but this has tripped up some of TrPapa's new recruits lately.

Lews Therin

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Re: Canadian mustachians - Any of you in the military?
« Reply #7 on: August 24, 2017, 10:00:03 AM »
Did you get all your answers OP?

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!