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2 Joining the Reserves What is the Reserve Force? The Reserve Force is a large branch of the (CAF). It is made up of people from the community who work in the CAF part time or full time. Members of the Reserve Force are called Reservists. Most Reservists also have other jobs.

Alternatively, the consists of members that work full time. These Did you know? members are also available at a moment’s notice to respond to any natural disasters or The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) was threat to national security. previously referred to as the Canadian Forces (CF). The name was changed in 2013 to give a truer sense of the purpose of our . Who joins the Reserve Force? People join the Reserves for many different reasons. Some want adventure, a chance to serve others, a challenge, or a second income. However, something all Reservists have in common is a wish to serve their country.

A career in the Canadian Armed Forces is a call to duty. The soldiers, sailors, airmen, and airwomen who answer this call want to help others, and they are determined to defend and protect what they believe in.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 3 About this handbook Why do we have an Orientation Handbook? The Reserve Force is a large branch of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). In the Canadian Armed Forces, we say that families are the Strength Behind the Uniform. Families support Reservists during relatively small commitments like weekend training and summer courses. Families also support Reservists during events, for example, when the Reservists are sent to other parts of or the world. Finding information Families deserve respect and recognition for supporting those who defend Canada. If you are reading this handbook, you are likely the mother, father, husband, wife, child, or other family about the CAF member of a Reservist. The Canadian Armed Forces you for being the Strength Behind the Uniform. If you’re looking online, try searching for Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Reservists must train for their new responsibilities. Similarly, the families of Reservists can use this Forces as well as both acronyms (CAF and handbook to prepare for life with a Reservist. CF). Some programs and publications still use the old Canadian Forces (CF) name. One For whom is this Orientation Handbook? example is the Canadian Forces Member There are four types of Reservists: Primary Reservists, Supplementary Reservists, Canadian Assistance Program (CFMAP). Rangers, and the Organizations Administration and Training Service. This Orientation Handbook is for the families of Primary Reservists.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 4 Acronyms in this handbook Acronyms are short forms of names or phrases. For example, CAF is the acronym for Canadian Armed Forces. Acronyms are very common in the CAF, and the Reservist in your family will use them. To help you become familiar with some common acronyms, we have included them in parentheses in this handbook, like this: Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Also, a list of all the acronyms used in this handbook is provided on page 30.

List of acronyms BMQ: Basic Military Qualification CAF: Canadian Armed Forces CANEX: Canadian Forces Exchange System CF: Canadian Forces CFHS: Canadian Forces Health Services CFLC: Canadian Forces Liaison Council CFMAP: Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program CFRC: Canadian Forces Recruitment Centre CO: Commanding

A full list of acronyms used in this handbook is provided on page 30.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 5 Acknowledgments We would like to extend special thanks to the Reserve Force Family Orientation Project Advisory Committee. Each member of the committee brought subject matter expertise that, when combined, created an accurate, meaningful and relevant handbook. We could not have created this handbook without such an excellent team.

Thank you all so much. Your support for this ambitious project is something we will never forget. Major Beverly Wolf, 19 Air Reserve Flight Comox WO Lise Bourgon, Canadian Forces Recruitment Centre (CFRC) Pacific Meghan Trafananko, Mainland BC Military Family Resource Centre MWO William Oliver, 19 Air Reserve Flight Comox Joan Stone, London Military Family Resource Centre James Knox, Military Family Resource Centre Caroleann Macwhirter, Gander Military Family Resource Centre

Additional and special thanks go out to Caroleann Macwhirter of the Gander Military Family Resource Centre. We could not have achieved everything we did without your experience, passion and advocacy for families, not to mention your keen editing eye.

Allison Stockdale

Reserve Force Family Orientation Project Coordinator Mainland BC Military Family Resource Centre January 2014

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 6 Contents Joining the Reserves...... 2 What is the Reserve Force?...... 2 Who joins the Reserve Force?...... 2 About this handbook...... 3 Why do we have an Orientation Handbook?...... 3 For whom is this Orientation Handbook?...... 3 Acronyms in this handbook...... 4 Acknowledgments...... 5 1—MILITARY STRUCTURE AND TRADITIONS...... 8 The Canadian Armed Forces—, and ...... 8 Military ranks...... 9 Authority and leadership...... 9 Commanding Officer (CO)...... 10 Senior Non-Commissioned Members...... 10 Chief Clerk...... 10 Reserve Force compared with Regular Force...... 11 Class “A,” Class “B” and Class “C” Reservists...... 13 Three types of Class “A” Reservists...... 14 Reserve units...... 14 Military promotions...... 14 customs, traditions and uniforms...... 15 Attending a function at a Mess...... 15 Uniform...... 15 SECTION 2—ADJUSTING TO MILITARY LIFE...... 16 Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs)...... 16 MFRCs help families...... 16 Services...... 16 The Reservist away from home...... 17 Preparing for when your Reservist is away from home...... 17 Duties that take a Reservist away from home...... 18 Separation...... 19 Common feelings while your Reservist is away from home...... 19 Contacting a Reservist who is away from home...... 20 Reunion...... 20 Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 7 Where to find help with separation and reunion...... 21 Deployment Support Coordinators...... 21 Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR)...... 21 SECTION 3—MEDICAL, DENTAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT...... 21 Emergency help...... 21 Non-emergency help...... 22 Referrals from the Family Information Line...... 22 Be prepared: Family Care Plan (FCP) and Family Information Form...... 23 Medical and dental benefits...... 23 Keeping records up to date...... 23 Free temporary housing...... 24 Social, emotional and psychological health...... 24 Social wellness...... 24 Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP)...... 24 Operational and Trauma Stress Support Centres (OTSSC clinics)...... 25 Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinics...... 25 Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) Program...... 25 Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU)...... 26 SECTION 4—EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT...... 26 Education...... 26 Scholarships, bursaries and financial awards...... 26 Reimbursement for education expenses...... 30 Employment...... 27 Employment assistance—Military Family Resource Centres...... 27 Help with civilian employment—the Canadian Forces Liaison Council...... 27 Child care...... 27 Finances and purchases...... 28 Financial planning—Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP) Financial Services.... 28 Financial aid—Soldier On Fund...... 28 Financial aid—Military Families Fund (MFF)...... 28 Retailer discounts—Canadian Forces (CF) Appreciation Program...... 29 Military community retailer—Canadian Forces Exchange System (CANEX)...... 29 Some CAF acronyms...... 30 Index of service providers...... 31 Emergencies...... 33

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 8 SECTION 1—MILITARY STRUCTURE AND TRADITIONS The Canadian Armed Forces — Army, Navy and Air Force The , the and the , together with civilians in the Department of National Defence, make up Canada’s Defence Team. All four groups are dedicated to defending Canada, protecting Canadian interests, and contributing to international peace efforts.

The Canadian Army maintains Bounded by the , Atlantic and The Royal Canadian Air Force combat capable multi-purpose Pacific Oceans and home of the supports a wide variety of domestic land forces to meet Canada’s Great Lakes, Canada is arguably and international operations, defence objectives. Its roles include one of the foremost maritime providing support to the Navy and defending Canadian territory, nations on the planet. Army. This provides an operationally providing assistance to civil Canada’s Navy – versatile, multi- ready, multi-purpose and combat authorities in the event of natural purpose and combat-capable capable force. Its roles include disasters, emergencies or threats to – diligently protects our interests air surveillance or surveillance of security, contributing to the by safeguarding our maritime Canada’s airspace, assisting in defence of providing approaches, exercising times of disaster, contributing to the armed and unarmed assistance over our waters, protecting our collective defence of North America to the and supporting offshore natural resources and and the supporting Canadian Canadian interests abroad. contributing to global security interests abroad. The Air Force is ready to respond to conflict and www.army.forces.gc.ca www.navy.forces.gc.ca emergencies by providing air lift to equipment, troops and cargo.

www.racf-arc.forces.gc.ca Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 9 Military ranks The Canadian Armed Forces (the Forces) has a structure of military ranks (levels) and discipline. There are 19 ranks, including Commissioned Officers (also simply called Officers) and Non-Commissioned Members (NCMs). Reservists are included in the same military structure as Regular Force members.

Officers are leaders in the Forces and are responsible for the soldiers, sailors, air men and air women in their command. Officers have a university education and leadership training.

Non-Commissioned Members (NCMs) are skilled personnel who provide operational and support services in the Forces. Some NCMs are trained as operators or technicians. Others may work as administrators or in health services. Through their careers, NCMs can be promoted to junior and senior leadership positions. are any rank below Master (eg: Ordinary or Corporal), / Master Seamen are the junior leadership of the unit, while senior leadership are Sergeant and above (eg: Petty Officer First Class or Master ).

The Canadian Armed Forces uses a Chain of Command (CoC). This is a structure in which authority passes down from the top and each person in the chain reports directly to the person above. The Chain of Command is a fundamental part of the Canadian Armed Forces. It allows superior Officers to give orders and know the orders will be followed. http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/honours-history-badges-insignia/rank.page

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 10 Authority and leadership The Canadian Armed Forces is divided into units, each made up of about 15 to 1,500 members. Within each unit, some members are appointed to positions of authority and leadership. Some of the important positions to know are as follows. Commanding Officer (CO) The Commanding Officer (CO) has the greatest authority in the unit and is equivalent to a civilian The Orderly Room Chief Executive Officer. This position is always held by a Commissioned Officer. The Orderly Room (OR) is the administrative office for the Reserve unit. Senior Non-Commissioned Members The most senior member of the unit other than the Commanding Officer is a Non-Commissioned Member (NCM) who is mainly responsible for maintaining standards and discipline. The role of this NCM is similar in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, but the title varies:

Army Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Navy (Coxn) Air Force (WCWO)

Chief Clerk The Chief Clerk works in the Orderly Room (OR) as the head of administration for the unit. The civilian equivalent of a Chief Clerk would be an office manager. This position is held by a Non-Commissioned Member.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 11 Reserve Force compared with Regular Force Canadian Armed Forces members are divided into two types of positions, Regular and Reserve. Regular Force members have full-time military careers and can be relocated or deployed at any time (for example, to act as peacekeepers, to help during natural disasters such as floods, or to fight in a ).

Reservists are people who devote part of their time to military duty. They are employed to increase Did you know? the size of the Forces. In peacetime, Reservists normally put their civilian careers, schooling and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) uniforms families before their Reserve Force activities. Because Reservists are involved in both civilian are the same for the Regular Force and the life and military life, they provide a vital link between the Canadian Armed Forces and their Reserve Force. Uniforms are also the same communities. whether or not the member has an appoint- ment within a unit (for example, Chief Clerk Reservists are paid for their , but the pay scale differs from the equivalent rank in or Coxswain). the Regular Force. Unlike Regular Force members, Reservists can choose not to be relocated or deployed. The accompanying table on page 12, summarizes the main similarities and differences between Occupations in the the Regular Force and the Reserve Force. Canadian Armed Forces There are hundreds of different occupations in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). For more information about CAF jobs, go to www.forces.gc.ca and click on “Jobs.”

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 12 Regular Force Reserve Force

62,000 members 25,000 members

Members have made the military their career. Members choose to devote a part of their time to the military.

Deployment is not voluntary. Deployment is voluntary.

Full-time career. Can be full-time or part-time work. Many Reservists choose members have a career outside the military. their duties Members enroll in the Army, Navy or Air Members enroll in the Army, Navy or Air Force. Force. Reservists choose the duties they will perform. They only serve if they want to, and Consists of Officers and Non-Commissioned Consists of Officers and Non-Commissioned they cannot be compelled by law to perform Members (NCMs) of all ranks. Members (NCMs) of all ranks. any duty that they do not want to perform. Follows the Command Structure. Follows the Command Structure.

Members can leave the military after a Term Reservists have flexibility in how they commit of Service contract has been completed. their time, although they have to comply with certain terms of their employment depend- ing on their Class of Service. They have varying forms of commitment, and choose which they prefer. However, they can choose to leave the Reserve Force at any time.

If a Reservist accepts a deployment, he or she has to complete the mission.

Members will be posted and will move Members will neither be posted nor do a around during their career. Their location military move. They will remain with the Re- is based on where they are posted or de- serve unit that they joined. They can ployed to. volunteer to move to another base.

Members can be deployed on a mission Members can volunteer to go on a mission overseas. overseas.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” Note: The above table is excerpted, with slight rewording, from Canadian Forces 101 for Civilians, published by the Department of National Defence. 13 Class “A,” Class “B” and Class “C” Reservists Class “A” Reservists work part time. They may work as little as 3 hours per month or as much as 12 full days per month.

Class “A” Reservists are paid based on the number of hours they work. If they work for six hours or less in a calendar day, they are paid for half a day. If they work for more than six hours in a calendar day, they are paid for a full day.

Class “B” Reservists work full time for a set period of time. Class “B” contracts can be as short as 14 days or as long as 3 years. Some examples of Class “B” Reservists are as follows: • students who work full time during the summer months and return to being Class “A” during the school year • Reservists who take time off civilian work to attend a military training course • a Reservist working on a three-year contract as a Clerk in an Orderly Room

Class “C” Reservists are those who volunteer for a deployment (service away from home), whether domestic or international.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 14 Three types of Class “A” Reservists Meet Simon, a Class “A” Army Reservist. He is a full-time student at the University of . He works at his Reserve Force unit every Wednesday night from 7:00 p.m. to approximately 10:00 p.m. and takes weekend training approximately once per month.

If a Reservist wants Meet Roger, a Class “A” Naval Reservist. He works at his Reserve unit on the first Saturday of a promotion the month and two Tuesdays per month. He also has opportunities for weekend training. Reservists who want to be promoted to Meet Amanda, a Class “A” Air Force Reservist. She is employed in a permanent part-time junior leaders must take a course called position. She works about 3 days per week or approximately 12 days per month. Primary Leadership Qualification (PLQ). Reserve units There are over 400 Reserve units across Canada. Take a look at these maps to see where the Reserve units are located. Military promotions Promotions may be awarded to Reservists who have obtained the required qualifications, completed a specified time at their present rank (level), and performed their jobs well.

Reservists who want to become junior leaders must first take a course called Primary Leadership Qualification (PLQ). This course broadens the Reservist’s knowledge of military subjects, develops the Reservist’s skills as a leader and manager, and provides practical experience in leading and supervising.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 15

Mess customs, traditions and Attending a Mess Each Mess has its own set of rules, and it is uniforms important to know the Mess rules before you enter. Ask your Reservist. Attending a function at a Mess A Mess is an establishment where military members socialize, eat and sometimes live. A civilian can only attend a Mess if invited by a Mess member.

It’s very important for family members to know how they are expected to dress and behave before they attend any military function, but especially a function held in the Mess. Be sure to ask your Reservist about the required dress code, so that you can dress according to the tradition.

The particular Mess you will attend depends on the rank of the Reservist in your family, so check that you are going to the correct Mess. For example, there may be an Officers’ Mess, a Junior Ranks’ Mess and a Sergeants’ Mess.

Uniform High standards of dress and grooming are universally recognized as marks of a well-trained, disciplined and professional military force. The Canadian Armed Forces uniform is an outward symbol of what the Forces are and the values they represent. It is a powerful visual expression of national pride, and it is the primary means of creating a public image for the Forces. Members of the Reserve Force are only permitted to wear the uniform when they are: • on duty • travelling to or from a place of duty, or • attending a Canadian Armed Forces function or ceremony

If a Reservist wishes to dress in uniform for an event such as a wedding or funeral, he or she must make a formal request through the Chain of Command (CoC). In all other situations Reservists Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” must wear civilian clothes. 16 SECTION 2—ADJUSTING TO MILITARY LIFE Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs) MFRCs help families Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs) exist to help families meet the many challenges of Services for military having a Reserve Force or Regular Force member in the family. For example, sometimes the stresses of military life may seem overwhelming, or the Reservist in your family may be away families from home. At times like these, it’s comforting to know that your local MFRC is there to provide a Services for military families are listed at welcoming place to go for advice and help. Also, instead of worrying about you, the Reservist in www.familyforce.ca. your family knows you have help available and can concentrate on the job they were sent to do.

MFRCs are not-for-profit organizations that receive funds from the Department of National To find your local Defence. Services are provided by professional staff and volunteers. These people work with the military Chain of Command and local organizations to ensure that all families of Canadian Armed MFRC Forces members are supported. To find your local MFRC, go to www.familyforce.ca and click on the magnifying glass near the middle of the page. Services Military Family Resource Centres have a vast amount of experience developing programs and services to serve the needs of military families. No two families are the same, so programs are tailored to many different kinds of familes. This helps all families of Reserve Force or Regular Force members to be the Strength Behind the Uniform.

MFRC services for military families are listed at www.familyforce.ca. They include the following:

• workshops or courses for personal development • opportunities for families to get together and meet each other • deployment support • activities that promote personal well-being • social work or counselling services • referrals to other specialized services • on-site child care services (at some Centres)

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 17 The Reservist away from home On any given day, many members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are preparing for, engaging in or returning from their CAF duties. The uncertainty and unpredictability of these absences can have a profound impact on families. Support when Being a Canadian Armed Forces member, or the family of one, requires self-sacrifice and Reservists are away dedication. The Military Family Resource Centre understands that time away from home can be challenging for families, and works to ensure that the necessary support is in place. from home Each Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) has several types of support Preparing for when your Reservist is away from home specifically designed for families of members Having a Reservist away from home for long periods of time is not only stressful for the Reservist. who are serving away from home. Be sure to Commonly, it also causes emotional and physical stress for family members staying at home. call or visit your local MFRC if your Reserv- Also, separating families and then reuniting them can cause instability in the family. ist will be away from home. The best strategy to reduce stress is preparation. Preparation means the following: • anticipating the changes and challenges • developing strategies to cope with the changes and challenges Did you know? It is essential to consider all aspects of family life: psychological, spiritual, emotional, social and Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) training physical. is sometimes called Basic Training or Boot Camp.

Emotional cycle of Deloyment Did you know? ANTICIPATION OR ALAMAT REBOUND AFTER Reservists were deployed to help during the ONSET OF CHALLENGE CHALLENGE ENDS January 1998 ice storms in and the June 2013 flooding in and . They have served on many other

domestic operations.

REACTING REACTING LEVEL OF DISTRESS READY

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 18 Duties that take a Reservist away from home Reservists accept many responsibilities that can take them away from their homes and families for varying amounts of time. There are three main reasons why a Reservist may need Domestic and to be away from home: international • routine employment • training operations • domestic or international deployment For more information on the Canadian Armed Routine employment Forces’ domestic and international opera- Routine employment includes such activities as weekly parades, working on tions, go to www.forces.gc.ca and click on , attending a Christmas parade, speaking at a high school, going to a firing “Operations.” range, or participating in field exercises. Such activities are usually one day to one week long. Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) training Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) training is the most fundamental Canadian Armed Forces Away from home training and is taken by all Reservists. Basic Military Qualification training is the first military training Away from home doesn’t only describe for new recruits. This training prepares Reservists physically and mentally, teaches basic military members being deployed overseas. A skills, and introduces the Canadian Armed Forces code of values and ethics. BMQ training provides a foundation for developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for a wide range Reservist may be equally away from home, of military functions. with the same effects on family life, if he or she is doing any of the following: Basic Military Qualification training is typically done away from the Reservist’s home unit. It is normally between four and six weeks long, depending on which force (Army, Navy, or Air Force). • special assignments such as being a The training may be delivered as weekends for approximately four months, or as full-time training driver for a training course for four to six consecutive weeks. Following BMQ training, Canadian Armed Forces members • Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) continue training throughout their careers. training • weekend training For more information, go to forces.ca and click on • trade-specific training “Training.” • courses for promotion Training for Reserve units • domestic deployment Reserve units do collective training designed to • international deployment build cohesive teams. Collective training often includes field exercises, and it is held in a variety of training locations across Canada and the United States. Collective training may be on weekends or selected weekdays, or it may extend for weeks or months at a time. Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 19 Deployments Reservists may be deployed to domestic or international operations.

Domestic operations are operations that occur anywhere in Canada. Examples are (SAR) operations, and helping civilian authorities respond to a natural disaster or terrorist threat.

International operations can be in various locations around the world and can extend for any length of time.

Help with separation and reunion Separation You can get help dealing with the difficulties of separation and reunion. Contact your Separation is often stressful for both local Military Family Resource Centre the Reservist and the Reservist’s (MFRC) for more information. family.

Common feelings while Did you know? You can ask your local Military Family your Reservist is away from home Resource Centre (MFRC) for help sending The following are some of the experiences or feelings you may have while your Reservist is away, parcels to Canadian Armed Forces members especially if the Reservist is gone for a long time: overseas.

• increased workload • increased responsibility • worry about safety • emotional upset • guilt • anger • depression • loss of appetite • loss of sleep • disorganization • feelings of helplessness

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 20 Contacting a Reservist who is away from home It’s very common for family members to worry if their Reservist doesn’t contact them regularly. However, there is usually a simple explanation: perhaps the phone lines went down, or maybe they had to do an extra patrol.

If you have questions or just need to talk, call or visit the Deployment Support Coordinator (also known as the Family Separation and Reunion Coordinator) at your local MFRC. Reunion Just as it may have been difficult to adjust into a new routine when the Reservist member left, it may be equally difficult to adjust when they return home. The initial reunion is often easy; however, the adjustment period can be difficult in the days and weeks that follow. Family members commonly settle into new routines while their Reservist is away, and they may not want to adjust to a new routine now that the Reservist is home.

Most families find that after some time, feelings of intimacy, closeness and confidence in the relationship start to come back. As new routines are established, family members begin to feel more relaxed and family life gradually returns to normal.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 21 Where to find help with separation and reunion The Canadian Armed Forces provides many resources to help families prepare for and deal with the stresses of separation and reunion. Please contact your local MFRC for more information about Deployment Support Coordinators and the Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) program. Deployment Support Coordinators MFRC’s may have a Deployment Support Coordinator who is trained in the following areas: • understanding the difficulties of re-establishing “normal” family life • recognizing that family members may have trouble adjusting to new roles • helping Reservists and their families renegotiate relationships • discussing changes that may occur in intimate relationships Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) A Reservist’s time away from home can cause stress, no matter how long it lasts or how near or far away the Reservist is. But the absence can be easier on the family if they are properly prepared. For this reason, Military Family Resource Centres across Canada offer a program called Road 2 Mental Readiness (R2MR). This program prepares Canadian Armed Forces members and their family members for the unknown road ahead. Contact your local MFRC for information about this program.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 22 SECTION 3—MEDICAL, DENTAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT Non-emergency help If you need help, and it’s not an emergency, call the Family Information Line (FIL) any time.

You can contact the Family Information Line for any help you may need due to the unique demands of military life. When you call the FIL, you will be able to talk to friendly, experienced professional counsellors who are very familiar with Canadian Armed Forces communities and services. The assistance is confidential, personal and bilingual.

Counsellors can help your family obtain information. They can also reassure you, support you, and refer you to the various services offered to Canadian Armed Forces families.

The counsellors can also refer you to helpful local and national resources, both in the CAF and in the broader community, including your local Military Family Resource Centre.

Referrals from the Family Information Line Depending on the situation, the Family Information Line counsellor might have you speak with one of the following people.

Duty Padre The local Unit Padre on duty will help you contact your Reservist to inform them of an emergency.

The (MP) The Military Police (MP) enforce the law on military bases. They respond to emergencies, mediate conflicts, and investigate and report on incidents and criminal offences.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 23 Emergency help All numbers operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Medical emergency: 9-1-1 Local emergency response Crisis counsellor: 1-800-268-7708 Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP) Family emergency: Family Information Line (FIL)

A Family Information Line counsellor can do the following: • Help put you in touch with your Reservist so you can tell them about the emergency • Help you cope with the practical and emotional aspects of the emergency • Put you in touch with your local Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC)

Staff at your local MFRC are trained to help—for example, by providing Emergency Child Care Services (ECS) or Emergency Respite Child Care Services (ERCS). Peace of mind is only a phone call away!

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 24 Be prepared: Family Information Form (FIF)

Each MFRC has a family information form which is a confidential document filled out by the Reservist giving their permission for the MFRC to contact their family. For instance, if your Reservist goes on a deployment, the Deployment Support Coordinator will use the family information form to call the family members listed to check in, and provide helpful tips. Contact Family Care Plan your local MFRC to fill out or update this form. The Family Care Plan (FCP) is a form provided by the Orderly Room that the Reservist develops with their family. It is a plan to make sure the family has emergency contacts available to help in situations or Medical and dental benefits emergencies that could occur while the Some Reservists and their families are eligible for medical and dental benefits. That is, the Reservist is away. When developing your Canadian Armed Forces may pay for some or all medical and dental costs. The benefits vary FCP, be sure to consider all of the possible depending on whether the Reservist is Class “A,” “B” or “C”. It is extremely important for every incidents that could occur while your Reservist to find out the level of benefits available for their family and to apply for the benefits. To Reservist is away. You can also set do this, the Reservist must visit the Orderly Room. up your FCP to include all the dependents listed on your Family Information. Medical benefits are administered under the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP). Dental benefits are administered under the Reserve Dental Care Plan (RDCP). For more information about medical or dental benefits, the Reservist should visit their Orderly Did you know? Room. Your Family Care Plan (FCP) is not just for Keeping records up to date looking after dependent children. You can set It is the Reservist’s responsibility to inform their Orderly Room of any changes in the following: up your FCP to include all the dependents • marital status listed on your Family Information Form. A • class (Class “A,” “B” or “C”) • home address possible example could be elderly parents • contact information living with you. A change in any of these categories can affect the benefits available to the Reservist and their family.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 25 Free temporary housing Most bases have some form of free temporary housing for Canadian Armed Forces family members who need it. Sometimes this housing can be used by families travelling from out of town for medical appointments. To find out more, contact your local Military Family Resource Centre.

Social, emotional and psychological health Reporting injuries Whenever a Canadian Armed Forces Social wellness member is injured, they must submit an Social wellness refers to people’s ability to interact with other people in a positive way. Looking official administrative document (Form CF- after our social wellness can enhance our quality of life. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) 98). Even if your Reservist doesn’t think the recognizes that social wellness is important for healthy workplaces and for personal resiliency (the injury is important today, remember that the ability to recover from difficulties). As a result, the CAF Strengthening the Forces health promotion injury may affect him or her 30 years from program includes a social wellness component. It offers counselling in suicide prevention, anger now. management, stress management, healthy relationships, and reducing family violence. Below is more information about some of the specific programs related to social wellness. Ask about medical Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP) and dental benefits The Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP) is a voluntary and confidential It’s extremely important for every Reservist counselling service for Reservists and their families. It provides help with personal concerns that to apply for medical and dental benefits at affect personal well-being or work performance. Reservists or their family members can obtain their Orderly Room. counselling and help with crises by phone. The program also provides six to eight in-person counselling sessions at no cost.

To find out more, go to www.familyforce.ca and click on “CFMAP”. You can contact CFMAP 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, at 1-800-268-7708.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 26 Operational and Trauma Stress Support Centres (OTSSC clinics) Operational and Trauma Stress Support Centres (OTSSC clinics) are available for people who are having difficulties that result from their operational duties. The service is available for Reservists and their families. OTSSC clinics draw on many disciplines when treating people. For example, treatment may involve psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses, addictions counsellors and Health Services Chaplains. To use the services of an OTSSC clinic, you must obtain a referral from a Canadian Armed Forces medical provider.

For more information, contact the Reservist’s Orderly Room or go to: www.forces.gc.ca Click: CAF Community Click: CAF Mental Health Services

Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinics Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinics are outpatient clinics available to any Reservist who has a persistent psychological difficulty resulting from operational duties. Examples of such difficulties include anxiety, insomnia and anger. Each clinic provides assessment, treatment, prevention and support to address these and other issues that may arise from experiencing traumatic events. Treatment may include one-on-one therapy sessions, sessions and family counselling.

For more information, go to:

www.veterans.gc.ca Click: VAC Services Click: Mental Health Click “Show Table of Contents” and then “Network of OSI Clinics”

Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) Program The Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) Program is a support program for those with a persistent psychological difficulty resulting from operational duties. OSISS coordinators help Canadian Armed Forces members and affected family members get the help they need to become healthy and well again. They can provide information about resources in the Reservist’s community, and also about specially designed operational stress injury programs with and the CAF. They also organize peer support groups.

For more information, call OSISS at 1-800-883-6094 or go to www.osiss.ca. Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 27 Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU) The Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU) offers care and support to to all military members who are injured or medically released or become ill while serving. It also supports their families. The JPSU responds to requests for support and reports to the Chain of Command on issues of concern raised by ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families. For more information, contact your local MFRC or go to: www.forces.gc.ca Click: CAF Community Click: Casualty Support under Support Services Click: “Visit the contact page” for listings of local IPSCs

SECTION 4—EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Education Scholarships, bursaries and financial awards Scholarships, bursaries and financial awards are available to Reservists and their families. For more information, go to www.cfmws.com. Click on the Home page, and then click on “Support Our Troops,” click on “Programs,” and choose “Scholarships and Bursaries.” Reimbursement for education expenses The Integrated Learning Plan (ILP) is a program for Primary Reservists completing their education. Your Reservist may be able to be reimbursed for part of their educational expenses.

For more information on the amount reimbursed and whether your family qualifies, have the Reservist visit their unit’s Orderly Room.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 28 Employment Employment assistance—Military Family Resource Centres Each Military Family Resource Centre offers employment assistance such as the following: • personal development opportunities • resumé writing • names of local employment agencies

For more information, contact your local MFRC.

Help with civilian employment—the Canadian Forces Liaison Council The Canadian Forces Liaison Council (CFLC) is a non-profit organization that helps Canadian Armed Forces members with their civilian employment. The Council recognizes and supports civilian employers, administers the Reservist Assistance Program (RAP) and advocates for job protection for Reservists who temporarily leave their civilian jobs for military duty.

Child care Many Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs) across Canada have some form of child care available. Even if your local MFRC does not offer child care, they will have information about local child care and schooling.

For more information, contact your local MFRC.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 29 Finances and purchases Financial planning—Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP) Financial Services Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP) Financial Services provides financial planning, lower cost financial counselling and access to loans and grants from the Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund. Emergency child You can contact SISIP Financial Services directly at 1-800-267-6681 or at www.sisip.ca. care Financial aid—Soldier On Fund If the Reservist is unexpectedly called to The Soldier On Fund supports ill and injured military personnel and their families. It provides military duty, and your family has young financial aid to those with a permanent or chronic disability as a result of military duty so they can children needing care, contact your MFRC afford activities that will help them be active and healthy. The fund is for those who are still serving about what they may be able to offer for or who are retired. emergency child care. For more details, call the Soldier On Fund at 1-800-883-6094 or email them at [email protected].

Financial aid—Military Families Fund (MFF) The Military Families Fund (MFF) is a fund available as a last resort, when all other funds have been explored. For help from the MFF, you will need a referral either from the Military Family Resources Centre or from Joint Personnel Support Unit staff.

Contact your local MFRC for more information.

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 30 Retailer discounts—Canadian Forces (CF) Appreciation Program The Canadian Forces (CF) Appreciation Program offers a variety of discounts to military personnel and their families in recognition of their commitments. The program involves many civilian stores and services.

For more information, call 1-855-235-3099 or go to www.cfappreciation.ca. Military community retailer—Canadian Forces Exchange System (CANEX) CANEX is a retail operation made up of a number of stores and services designed specifically to meet the needs of the military community. CANEX stores are located on some, but not all, Canadian Armed Forces bases, wings and units.

To find your nearest CANEX, call 1-877-441-6161 or go to www.cfmws.com/canex/

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 31 SOME CAF ACRONYMS Following is a list of Canadian Armed Forces acronyms used in this handbook.

BMQ Basic Military Qualification CAF Canadian Armed Forces CANEX Canadian Forces Exchange System CEM Childrens Education Management CF Canadian Forces CFHS Canadian Forces Health Services CFLC Canadian Forces Liaison Council CFMAP Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program CFRC Canadian Forces Recruitment Centre CO Commanding Officer CoC Chain of Command Coxn Coxswain DND Department of National Defence ECS Emergency Child Care Services ERCS Emergency Respite Child Care Services FCP Family Care Plan FIL Family Information Line ILP Integrated Learning Plan ISN Injured Soldier Network JPSU Joint Personnel Support Unit MFF Military Families Fund MFRC Military Family Resource Centre MP Military Police NCM Non-Commissioned Member OSI Operational stress injury OSISS Operational Stress Injury Social Support OTSSC Operational and Trauma Stress Support Centre PLQ Primary Leadership Qualification PSHCP Public Service Health Care Plan R2MR Road to Mental Readiness RAP Reservist Assistance Program RDCP Reserve Dental Care Plan RSM Regimental Sergeant Major SAR Search and Rescue SISIP Service Income Security Insurance Plan Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” WCWO Wing Chief Warrant Officer 32 INDEX OF SERVICE PROVIDERS Service provider Contact Information Website

Canadian Forces Health Toll Free: 1-888-757-7427 www.forces.gc.ca Services (CFHS) Click: CAF Community Click: Health Services Canadian Forces Morale and Corporate Outreach: www.cfmws.com Welfare Services (CFMWS) 613-992-4560 Click: Support Our Troops Click: Programs (for scholarships and Scroll down to “Scholar- bursaries) ships and Bursaries”

Canadian Forces Exchange Toll Free: 1-877-441-6161 www.canex.ca System (CANEX) Click: Store Locator

Canadian Forces (CF) Appreci- Toll Free: 1-855-235-3099 www.cfappreciation.ca ation Program Email: [email protected] Canadian Forces Member As- Toll Free: 1-800-268-7708 www.forces.gc.ca sistance Program (CFMAP) Click: CAF Community Click: Member Assistance Program

Chaplain Branch Toll Free: 1-866-502-2203 www.forces.gc.ca Click: CAF Community Click: Chaplaincy

Childrens Education Administration Support: www.familyforce.ca Management (CEM) 613-995-6132 or Click: Education & Training 613-996-7475 or Click: Childrens Education 613-996-6867 Management (CEM)

Emergency Child Care Call your local MFRC www.familyforce.ca Services (ECS) Click: Children & Youth

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” Emergency Respite Child Call your local MFRC www.familyforce.ca 33 Care Services (ERCS) Click: Children & Youth

Family Information Line (FIL) Toll Free: 1-800-866-4546 www.familyforce.ca Click: Family Information Line

Joint Personnel Support Call your local IPSC- Contact can www.forces.gc.ca Unit (JPSU) also be made through the MFRC. Click: CAF Community Click: Casualty Support under Support Services Click: “Visit the contact page” for listings of local IPSCs

Military Family Resource To obtain the phone number for www.familyforce.ca Centre (MFRC) your local MFRC, call the Family Use the drop-down menu or Information Line press “click here” to locate (1-800-866-4546). your local MFRC

Operational Stress Injury Toll Free: 1-866-522-2122 www.veterens.gc.ca (OSI) Clinics Click: VAC Services Email: Click: Mental Health [email protected] Click “Show Table of Contents” and then “Network of OSI Clinics”

Operational Stress Injury Toll Free: 1-800-883-6094 www.osiss.ca Social Support (OSISS) Program

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.” 34 Emergencies All numbers operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Medical emergency 9-1-1 Local emergency response

Crisis counsellor 1-800-268-7708 Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP)

Family emergency Family Information Line (FIL)

Military families “Strength Behind the Uniform.”