The Canadian Forces may have a few more potential recruits following a presentation at Bentley High School last Thursday.
The hour-long presentation by Sgt. Teri Matter gave high school students a chance to learn more about continuing their education and pursuing a career through the Forces.
Receiving free university tuition, books and academic equipment in addition to a salary with benefits which is offered through the regular force officer training plan is a definite plus to the Forces.
In return for free university education, graduates are required to serve between 36 and 48 months, calculated on the basis of two months’ service for each month of subsidized education.
For those who enroll in the Canadian Forces through the non-commissioned member subsidized education plan, college tuition, books and equipment are also free, but graduates will be required to serve in the military for at least 32 months upon completed the program.
Matter, who joined the Forces at the age of 24, has enjoyed a long and successful career. She now works out of the recruitment centre in Edmonton and travels to schools and post-secondary institutions to speak to students.
Prior to working out of the recruitment centre, she drove trucks and buses and other transport vehicles. During that time she has travelled, met interesting people, and continued to grow and learn in her career. She met her husband while stationed in Comox, B.C.
“I have enjoyed my own career so much,” she said. “I have met a lot of people and had a lot of fun.”
She said being a woman in the Canadian Forces has presented no problems.
“I never had an issue being a woman. The only ones with issues are those who aren’t doing their jobs, whether they be men or women.”
Matter told the Bentley students life in the Canadian Forces begins with basic training that lasts about three months.
“We love to run,” she said. “Basic training is all about being in shape. They expect you to wake up early, do lots of pushups, sit ups, pull-ups and to hike several kilometres.”
Matter explained even though basic training is physically demanding, the rewards are well worth the effort expended. She noted healthy and fit sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen are what the armed forces needs as its ranks are made up of dependable and capable people.
Once basic training has been completed, a new recruit will receive the training and education required for a specific job. Once trained, the member will be posted to one of the bases throughout Canada.
Pay in the Canadian Forces is based upon occupation and rank. All service personnel, men and women, married or single, are paid on the same scale.
Tyrell Jensen, 19, a graduate of the school stopped by the school to listen to the presentation and later chatted with Sgt. Matter.
“It was excellent information,” he said. “Very well done. I definitely plan to look into it.”
Heather Lautenbach, 17, also found the presentation interesting.
“It looks really promising. It seems like a really smart way to get an education.”
For more information about Canadian Forces check out www.forces.ca or call 1-800-856-8488.