Royal Canadian Navy

I joined the Navy right out of highschool. For a young man with no direction it was the best thing for me. Taught me the value of hard work, taught me the value of a dollar.

The thing is; there is no typical day at work. At any point of time, any hour, any day, you can get a phone call saying "Get to the ship" and you're off. Gone for 6 months and you have no idea where or for how long. 

I learned how to be self sufficient, responsible, and I learned that sometimes biting my tongue was the best course of action.

For the most part, "management" (Higher ranking officers and NCOs) were pretty great. But like any group of people, you can get some bad apples. I made some really great connections with some of my commanding staff and learned many great things from them.

The workplace culture is very alpha male. If you're not into that, or someone who gets triggered really easily, this isn't the place for you. However, if you're into the alpha male thing, or are able to just be like "Yeah yeah, whatever Bill. Enjoy the gym" you'll be fine.

The hardest part of the job was getting on the ship and not knowing how long I would be gone for, or when I would be able to let my wife know I was coming back.

The most enjoyable part of the job were the people. Definitely a mixed bag, but you don't lose those kinds of connections with people. It really changes your whole world.

If you apply to this, or any position in the CF, I wish you the best of luck. It's not an easy career, but it's incredibly rewarding.

- Muster by 07:50, where we are assigned our jobs for the day. We work until lunch time, and then once we're done our lunch, we carry on with our work until 4pm, where the average work day is done. 

- I learned more than I can recite in a summary. But the majority of my learning was mechanical in nature.

- Management was done by everyone, in varying degrees. The military uses a strict chain of command, and your direct supervisors give their team leaders a jobs, who in turn delegate to their team members.

- My co-workers in the RCN were the best people I've never worked with. Not only is teamwork required on a unit level, but anyone wearing a uniform can be counted on to help anyone at any time for any reason. They didn't need to know your name, but if you were struggling in any way, help was never more than a shout away. 

- The hardest part of my job in the RCN was dealing with people, their varying personalities and attitudes and beliefs.

- The most enjoyable part of my job was dealing with people, their varying personalities and attitudes and beliefs. Work is work, but working with a good team makes the day go by a lot faster.

I joined through the Regular Officer Training Program. Through this program, the Canadian Armed Forces pays for your university education with the promise of employment upon successful graduation. Since graduating and joining the forces full time, its been quite the journey filled with a lot of training based postings. The military will always ensure you are properly trained and mentored at all stages of your career. You are given a lot of responsibilities early as a junior officer and can learn how to manage individuals fairly quick if you apply yourself. 

The military is filled with benefits you can't find in the civilian world, such as: dedicated hospitals with dental and physiotherapy, federal government/military discounts, 8-4 work days, weekends off, and 5 weeks of vacation after 5 years of service (4 weeks upon joining). 

Another plus is the Forces commitment to physical fitness. Each base has a gym and most bosses will allow you time in the work day to go work out or take part in the many sporting events the military has to offer.

It was great when I didn't have children, but once I did it became difficult to enjoy my job when I missed out on a lot. you are away a lot, which was cool in the beginning. I loved the open water and life on ship, but I just didn't want to miss anything with my kids. 

I learned a lot about myself, and faced a lot of adversity. I learned a lot of valuable life lessons and made a decent career out of a high school education. 

the best part of the job was being able to do things that you wouldn't be able to do anywhere else. Where else can you pilot a warship? Or fire the 57mm on the front? Or should small arms like the C-7 rifle, MP5, Sig Sauer etc.)? Nowhere. I loved that it was more of a lifestyle then an actual job.

The hardest part was being away, which was fine, awesome even when I didn't have a wife and kids.

Training is the most important part of the job.
Applying the skills acquired on the job through maintenance and troubleshooting;
Safety is paramount in any kind of job in the Military.
Some people in management positions are creating a bad reputation. 
Your co-workers are not always helpful. Some are selfish interested only for their own promotion.
The hardest part of the job is to maintain a positive attitude while working in shifts when sailing and living in small quarters.
The most enjoyable part of the job is when you have a port visit in other countries and physical training on the job. 
Good benefits and very good medical care.

I appreciate my time in the military, however it is a highly structured environment and does not have a lot of leeway in its operations.  The military method is very defined and the intensely beaurocratic atmosphere can make progress difficult in both a personal and professional way.  The military does however take care of its members and the benefits and compensations are excellent.  The job security is also a great advantage.  Personally I am a fairly ambitious person and I found the military restrictive and difficult to achieve the goals and dreams I had from the outset of my career.

A typical day alongside is 0750 to 1545. Doing various jobs around the ship for are respected departments. A typical day at sea varies on different shift schedules, conducting sea watches.

I've learned many things during my four year with The Royal Canadian Navy. First, taking pride in serving my country. Always 
doing my job with integrity and never giving up. Secondly, I've learned a lot about responsibilities and time management. Furthermore, I've learned a lot about responsibilities and being a  role model to the junior sailors. 

The hardest part about The RCN is being away from my family. The most enjoyable part was being able to travel and to see different cultures and their navy.

Very demanding of your time.

Travel is the most enjoyable part of the job.

Hardest part of the job is time away from home.

Work place culture is very much like a family, the good and bad.

Management is uncaring and cold, though most lower ranks will watch each others backs to combat this.

A typical day alongside is just like a normal job with its tasks.
A typical day at sea demanding long hours with little to no sleep depending on watch cycle,  emergency exercises, and real world operations.

Typically working with the RCN is a wonderful career choice with endless opportunities. A regular day would consist of training for going to sea or planning and preparing briefs and prepping equipment to ensure it functioned properly while at sea. The bond between co-workers was always strong as you are constantly enduring hardships with one another. The hardest part of the job is the separation from your family. There are long hours and lots of sleepless nights at sea when working shift work, however it is the distance from home that makes the job tough.

Traveling the world is what I was after. The RCN gave me that opportunity. They transformed my into a man from an 18yr old boy. The workplace can be extremely challenging, being at sea for several months at a time. Seeing land again was the best, experiencing foreign ports with mates is without words. However, any life you once new, is gone. Expect your entire life to change....for the better. But it's not for the faintnof heart. You will be required to work, be responsible and accountable for your actions. A true test of your metal!

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