Commander's Message / November 29, 2013

I wanted to take this opportunity to offer my thoughts to those of you who are thinking about leaving the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). For all of us there will come a “ right time ” to take our release from a career, individual, and family perspective. But in many cases, you may be making this decision solely for financial reasons. I would like to bring to your attention additional considerations in order to help you make an informed decision.

“The Intangible Benefits”

First, you receive a competitive salary, continuous support to advance your career, and many other benefits and services.

As a member of the Regular Force you receive free health and dental care. In the event that you require time to recuperate from an injury, illness, or as a result of a medical procedure, your Medical Officer is able to recommend the appropriate amount of leave with pay to ensure a successful recovery. Your family additionally receives enhanced medical benefits as well as dental care through the Public Service Health Care Plan and Great West Life.

You receive a generous paid leave allocation of 20 annual leave days per year which increases to 25 days per year after five years of service. This does not include the short, statutory and special leave which easily total another 10 days. Moreover, you are sometimes given time-off for personal administration or for looking after your family.

The CAF provides an excellent pension plan that is designed to provide you with a retirement income on completion of your military career. Compare the pension you have with the CAF to private sector pension plans, or ask financial advisors for their opinions on the value of a CAF defined-benefit pension.

The CAF has education, training and professional development opportunities, such as tuition assistance, second language training and financial support for continuing education related to your job in the Forces.

Parental and maternity benefits give you the freedom to spend time at home after the birth or adoption of a child. The CAF also tops-up your Employment Insurance or Quebec Parental Insurance Plan benefits to 93 per cent of your regular salary for up to a year.

The CAF offers you and your family a wide variety of support programs and services, including:

Family support through the Military Family Resource Centers which offer a wide range of activities and services for families at very low cost such as summer camps and weekend day-care drop off

Financial planning services

Financial assistance programs

Counselling services

Group term life insurance

Comprehensive long term disability

Sports and Fitness programs including free access to facilities

Physical Fitness time is given during the work day

Quality of Life services and programs to promote Healthy Eating and Quitting Smoking, and a host of others at reduced or no cost

Local community business retail rebates than range from 10-20% and, in some cases, even more

The CAF is a very supportive and understanding employer when it comes to compassionate situations for both serious health issues and allows time to grieve when a family member passes. Not only is additional leave given, but in many cases you also provided Compassionate Travel Assistance to assist with expenses.

CAF bases are equipped with facilities for a variety of sports and activities, including intramural and local league sports. There are also libraries and community centres that host a wide variety of personal interest clubs and activities.

As well, members of the CAF and their family have 24/7 access to a unit chaplain or duty chaplain. This means that you will always have someone who is willing to listen, guide, and sometimes intercede as needed. Chaplains offer care and support to every member regardless of faith, religion, belief or even in the absence of such. While there are many ministers in the civilian world, their ability to influence employers is very minimal in contrast to a military chaplain.

You belong to an organization that has a fair and transparent way of rewarding exceptional performance and highlighting shortcomings, and wants you to be the best at your job. You cannot be dismissed without cause or laid-off because the company isn’t doing well – the CAF does not go out of business.

You belong to a group of like-minded people who look after each other through thick and thin. You have established friendships with people that you can truly count on and that will last a lifetime. You are also a part of Regimental, Corps and Branch families that are rarely duplicated in the civilian world. Moreover, you are respected by the nation you serve and occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of Canadians.

Closing Thoughts