The benefits of joining the military
By Justin Crouch
The nature of an occupation in the military may seem intimidating at first, but the military can provide many benefits for its members.
Catherine Wollocombe is a veteran advocate with 35 years of experience in the military and said there are many advantages to a career in the services.
“Health benefits are comparable to that of business today,” said Wollocombe.
“Dental is provided up to 90 per cent, public health insurance program provides for benefits on the health spectrum, maternity and paternity leaves are available for full time personnel and long term disability insurance is available through a premium payment.”
John Celestino is a retired colonel from the Windsor Regiment of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps who is well versed with the roles and benefits of military service.
“A soldier learns life skills that will serve him the rest of his life,” said Celestino.
“He learns how to live, train and fight as a member of a team … above all, soldiers learn to be leaders at all levels.”
Celestino has seen lifelong relationships grow between recruits.
“Recruits are deliberately subjected to grueling training … it cements the surviving recruits in a bond of friendship and camaraderie that surpasses normal acquaintances and lasts a lifetime,” said Celestino.
Wollocombe agreed this unique bond is quickly established as personnel go through training.
Above all, Celestino believes some of the most important lessons in the military are leadership, discipline and “the ability to put the mission and the team ahead of your own personal needs … service before self.”
Greg Childs is a regimental major who understands the value of education and training among recruits.
“Once completed, the soldier is trained on his ‘soldier qualification’ which gives him or her knowledge of the Canadian military. The next step is a leadership course. Successfully passing this course will result in a rank promotion and generous pay increases,” said Childs.
“The pay starts at approximately minimum wage and goes up dramatically with each course completed and promotion achieved,” said Childs.
Childs admits that while the Canadian Armed Forces is not for everyone, because the work can be dangerous. it is extremely rewarding. He said the wage structure is also comparable with other jobs.
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