free stuff

[enderr]

Okay, I'm sure most of you know about the 90% [roughly] reimbursement for dental. And there is all this hoopla, about the military paying for some post secondary education. But I've heard through the grapevine that it's possible to get reimbursed for martial arts[at least partially]. Has anyone read a CANFORGEN on this or, if there's a clerk out there could you confirm this. I mean it makes total sense, because unarmed combat is a relevant skill to the infantry.
Also does anyone know about anymore deals available. Aside from meal claims. I'm not stingy it's just that I'ld rather spend my hard earned money on pints of guinness, and whores[heheheh].
On a totally different tangent. BHD was definitely one of the coolest movies i've ever seen, hmm I'll wonder if Canada will ever get a modern movie made about it's armed forces? [not counting peacekeeper]

[Reverend B]

As for free stuff, ask your unit if they have a list of military friendly buisnesses. You would be surprised how many buisnesses that there are which are owned / ran by ex military people, that will give you good deals. If they don't have a list, sit down with some of the boys and a couple of cases of beer, and spend a weekend contacting buisnesses to find out. Sober ground work also does a good job. Usually buisnesses want to see a card of some sort, so get someone in the mess to get some cards made.
Some small buisnesses just need the buisness itself, and if you can get the lads to frequent an establishment to purchase their goods, usually, they'll cut you a deal.
On the booze side, if the boys frequent a pub, let yourselves be known to the owner. Especially if you drink like a fish. Saves for more Guiness.
Tred this one lighlty: rental vehicles and hotels often give discounts to DND employees. I don't know the full rules on that one though.
Hope some of this helps you.

[UberCree]

If you do a ROTO you are entitled to an education reimbursement for one year after. I believe it covers 60% of course fees to a total amount of around $4,000, but I could be wrong on specifics. What this means is that once you get back you have a year to take courses at Gunsite, Mid-South (whatever) etc. and get reimbursed.

[Marauder]

OK, can anyone confrim/deny a rumour I have heard? I have heard different ppl say that CF members can hop a Herc cargo flight that's staying within Canada for free ie from Trenton to Wainwright. I heard that you have to wait around for an open flight and get bumped by senior ranks at the drop of a hat, but that you can supposedly hitch for free.

Any truth at all to this? I may be visiting a buddy out in Calgary/Edmonton this spring, and I'm always a fan of free crap.

[TonyM]

Re: Hopping on flights.

Two years ago I had a team for the Swiss Raid Commando. I looked into the military flight thing. According to flight ops in Trenton (2 Air Movement) if I got a letter from my unit showing me on any kind of status (class A min) you can go standby. You can't fly mil as a civie, you gotta be on some kind of duty. Also worked for the US. We had a flight arranged from McCord to Germany, but the unit wouldn't go for us doing anything with the Swiss.
A safe bet is that now things are quite different. But the people at 2 AM Sqn were freindly and helpful, just call them up. They sent me all kinds of schedules and stuff. At that time they had an Airbus going over to Europe once a week we could of gotten on the same way.

[FNG]

Marauder: Yes, there are plenty of service flights going all around. You can catch rides across Canada, or overseas to England (Brize Norton), Germany (Don't remember the name, it's near Cologne), and Tel Aviv. Flights leave twice a month, takes about three days to get to England, Germany, and finally to Tel Aviv.

You need to have documents proving that you are on leave (CF-100), you must have your ID card, and you must also have sufficient money to buy yourself a return ticket in case something happens and they can't fly you back. If you are going to a country that requires a VISA or other travel documents, you must also get them yourself at your own expense. You must submit a request form to NDHQ (some 4 letter department starting with M - forgot what it was) 2 months prior to your departure date. Once it is approved, they will notify you 2 days before departure whether you are on the flight or not.

You can start looking for info by referencing CFAO 20-20 - Service Airlift: Personnel

Look under Non-Duty travel.

[enderr]

cool, thanks for the help....

[Royal Highland Fusilier]

Does this only work for Regs?

[FNG]

No, it works for reservists as well.

[Marauder]

Thanks for the 411 FNG. I went down to the armouries this afternoon and a LOGgie SGT in the BOR hooked me up with some info and a POC number. He said he heard that the vacation travel was cut because aircraft are so scarce now-days, but I'm gonna call the POC number and see if I can scam a flight. :)

[Royal Highland Fusilier]

Thanks for the infor, FNG

Now I shall plot my vacation... ;)

[FNG]

No problem. That's what I'm here for.