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titled “Putting the Brakes on Success” predicted that the current 6.3% attrition rate will
“continue falling to less than 6% by 2014/15.” 56
Confidence in the current low attrition rate and the CF’s inherent ability to retain
its best people may be premature and misplaced. While CF service presents a number of
attractive features, the fact remains that it brings its members several dynamics not found
in many civilian occupations. It often entails that its members work long hours, make
significant personal and family sacrifices and maintain a ‘service before self’ mentality
that may kill or injure them in the line of duty. CF members often have little choice in
where or how they are ordered to work, while the exigencies of military service during
operations often preclude taking leave until tasks are accomplished. The CF has a welldeveloped
Code of Service Discipline that clearly defines penalties for transgressions and
offers little flexibility for personal likes, dislikes, wants and needs. 57
CF service is a
trade-off; on one hand, CF members are well paid and well cared for, while on the other
they give up a significant element of personal choice and freedom, and are placed, in
many cases, at higher risk than civilian workers. Not all Canadians, even those currently
serving in the CF, may find this trade-off beneficial.
Canada’s economy, while healthier than several other Western countries’, remains
in a recovery period, making employment opportunities in the civilian world an uncertain
proposition. Canada’s January 2011 unemployment rate was 7.8%, a drop of 1.9% from
January 2010, indicating a small but steady recovery trend. 58
Alberta and Saskatchewan,
56 Wenek, Reg F Recruiting and Retention: Putting the Brakes on Success, 13.
57 Canada, National Defence Act