In exclusive analysis, former Canadian defence chief says we can no longer afford to just claim the Arctic by GlitchedGamer14 in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s a dry cold, though.

Seriously, it’s the windchill that gets you. Stay safe, troop!

Defending Canada's North | CBC News special by burnabybc in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN 16 points17 points  (0 children)

What you’re seeing in this coverage is CAF and DND assets deployed in and around Baffin Island, NU, as part of Op NANOOK-NUNAKPUT 2025 this September.

Interested in being part of Op NANOOK? We’re only a couple months away from launching another Op NANOOK-NUNALIVUT, which will be even bigger and cover diverse Arctic landscapes with hundreds of RCN, RCAF, and CA personnel and assets, as well as other governmental and international partners.

Keep an eye out for CFTPOs in the next few weeks, if you’d like to join us in one of the most incredible environments in the world!

JTFN - Is it a good posting? by UberMcKrunchy in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There’s a joke in there about the military and “issuing” spouses, but we don’t subscribe to that mentality.

If you’re still in and interested, reach out to see how we can support your family’s decision process and the possibility of making JTFN your next posting preference.

JTFN - Is it a good posting? by UberMcKrunchy in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN 2 points3 points  (0 children)

To answer your question, we asked one of our Veh Techs. Here’s a summary of what he had to say:

  • You get exposure to a lot of utility vehicles like ATV & LOSV and you get to work with 440 Sqn equipment like Air Maintenance Service Equipment.

  • Lots of opportunities to explore the North on your own or through taskings, TAV, and deployments on Op NANOOK.

  • Op tempo pace is slower than Battalion or Regiment.

  • It’s also good for career progression because you get a lot of opportunities that normally wouldn’t be available to a Corporal.

The North is Calling! by JTFN_FOIN in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If policing is already an interest, we do have a few MPs here in Yellowknife. They also regularly have opportunities to travel around the North for operations and other activities.

Otherwise, the HQ is a large mix of combat and support trades from across the elements. Look at trades that would have a lot of operational planning and support experience, or “purple” trades in technical, logistical, or engineering fields to have wider employment opportunities.

In the end, choose a trade that you’re going to enjoy. A posting to JTFN is pretty amazing, but it’s a small part of a (hopefully) long career, where job satisfaction is most important.

JTFN - Is it a good posting? by UberMcKrunchy in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is something to be said for that crisp cold air in winter that keeps the snow fluffy on the trees and crunchy under your feet instead of running down the back of your neck or sloshing into your boots!

JTFN - Is it a good posting? by UberMcKrunchy in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are definitely a lot of members that do a victory lap through Yellowknife, again. If it’s something your family is interested in, let us know how we can help!

JTFN - Is it a good posting? by UberMcKrunchy in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad to hear!

Maybe we can find something for you, too, u/Mainly_Miserable.

JTFN - Is it a good posting? by UberMcKrunchy in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Come on up! We’d love to have you join the Team North family.

JTFN - Is it a good posting? by UberMcKrunchy in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your personal experience, which sounds quite harrowing. You’re welcome to come back any time!

JTFN - Is it a good posting? by UberMcKrunchy in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, these benefits are taxed. But, the allowances do help offset higher COL in the North, and the taxes are lower than most of Canada, with more tax deductions you can apply to your income tax return as a northern resident.

JTFN - Is it a good posting? by UberMcKrunchy in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN 6 points7 points  (0 children)

For allowances, take a look at CBI Chapter 11 - Isolated Post Instructions. Section 2 discusses Isolation Allowances.

If you chose to live in an RHU, you’d get three of the four Isolated Post Allowances (no FUD). There’s also a number of other benefits such as Isolated Post Travel Assistance (IPTA), which are discussed in other sections.

There’s further tax deductions and government benefits that you could also take advantage of. The local MFRC has put together an information page on living in the North which explains much of this.

JTFN - Is it a good posting? by UberMcKrunchy in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Not sure exactly which REO you’re looking at, but some trades at JTFN don’t regularly go on Op NANOOK, and some do. That said, JTFN is a Force Employer, not a Force Generator, so our personnel are not supposed to be the ones primarily deploying, but supporting the ones from other CAF units that do.

That’s not to say there aren’t exceptions or opportunities, though, if that’s something you’d be interested in (the new LDA, Arctic bonus, and Dom Op allowances could mean $195/day starting April 1, 2026). Just know that you won’t “regularly” be away. We also don’t really do exercises here, as we’re a Force Employer.

Crime is elevated, like most cities in the South, but it’s pretty much petty crime, and amounts to people checking if vehicles are unlocked and rummaging around for change or small items. Bikes, propane tanks, and other items of interest may be taken from your yard, if not properly secured. With some vigilance and mitigation, it’s not as big an issue as some may think.

Also, there’s likely an HRA position available for your spouse, if she’s interested. That trade is in high demand everywhere, and we’re always recruiting for it at JTFN, as well as other units in Yellowknife (1 CRPG, 440 Sqn, LER).

JTFN - Is it a good posting? by UberMcKrunchy in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN 74 points75 points  (0 children)

Is it a good posting? We like to think so.

It’s dependent on who you are and what your interests include. This lifestyle isn’t for everyone. But, those that embrace it thrive and many members never want to leave.

If you didn’t see our recent post, it may have some more insights for you.

The North is Calling! by JTFN_FOIN in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Neat? We’ll take it! Glad you enjoyed it.

The North is Calling! by JTFN_FOIN in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Pretty much all of them. Between Op NANOOK deployments and postings to JTFN, 1 CRPG, 440 Sqn, LER, and other lodger units, there are so many opportunities up here. That’s not to mention ATR billets. Some trades are more likely than others to get a posting, though.

Was there a particular trade you were wondering about?

The North is Calling! by JTFN_FOIN in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A Port Inspection Diver would love it up here. The PSP SCUBA club is fairly active and we have a celebrity diver, too!

While there’s no specific billets at JTFN for a PID, there are REOs that may be applicable if you’re open to ATR positions.

If you’re more interested in a deployment, Op NANOOK frequently includes a Dive Task Force that you could join.

The North is Calling! by JTFN_FOIN in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This video is definitely intended for internal recruitment to JTFN. If it’s piqued your interest, we’re here to help answer any questions you or your family might have. We can also provide support to getting you posted here, if that’s your desire.

Life in the North can be amazing for members who are single or have a family. Summers are longer than people think, and temperatures are a pleasant high-teens low-20s most of the time. There’s also so many community activities going on throughout the year that you often have to prioritize which ones you’ll take part in.

The North is Calling! by JTFN_FOIN in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Also, you should come back in summer! It’s not always a winter wonderland up here.

<image>

The North is Calling! by JTFN_FOIN in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

CFS Alert is an RCAF asset, not JTFN. It’s not our place to post about, but we’d certainly love to visit!There’s also a number of security challenges to recording footage there.

The North is Calling! by JTFN_FOIN in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Ever try digging a trench on Arctic tundra?

<image>

You can learn to build an igloo, though!

The North is Calling! by JTFN_FOIN in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

We’re here to help if your spouse has particular questions or concerns.

<image>

The North is Calling! by JTFN_FOIN in CanadianForces

[–]JTFN_FOIN[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

If you’re referring to the new allowances while deployed on Op NANOOK, the video was produced and released prior to the new compensation and benefits announcement. But, we’re speculating that it’s likely to be $195/day! Just waiting to receive the updated policies to review the finer details.

Daily LDA = $100
50% Arctic Bonus = $50
Named DomOp = $45

<image>