Second Generation RCAF Reservist Successfully Balances Two Careers

News Article / January 28, 2020

“I was a military brat that didn’t have to move,” explained newly promoted Second Lieutenant (2Lt) Randy Bilodeau, Logistics Officer at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay. This is the place his mother, a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Reserve, has called home, and where he too has planted roots with his own young family.

2Lt Bilodeau decided to seek out his life-long dream of joining the CAF and became a “Class A” (i.e. part-time) Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Reservist in December 2018. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Nipissing University (Ontario) and the experience of managing a finance company 40 hours a week, “Being a Logistics Officer is seamless for me due to my background,” he said.

But how does he balance working full-time in his civilian career with working at 22 Wing up to 12 days a month as a Logistics Officer, which includes additional career courses, and still have time for home life? 2Lt Bilodeau says he feels lucky to have a civilian career that allows for a flexible work schedule. He manages his time by finding a schedule that works, staying on top of his performance in his civilian job, while living in the moment at home and leaving work at work. He works approximately one day a week as an RCAF Reservist and banks all of his vacation days to complete military training. “The faster I can complete the Human Resource courses, the faster I am promoted and can start the work of a Log O, fully integrated into the RCAF.”

To achieve health and wellness, 2Lt Bilodeau admits that Sunday is his day of rest when he enjoys Flag Football, softball and time with his family.

2Lt Bilodeau demonstrates that civilians looking to serve part-time in the RCAF Reserve can successfully balance a civilian career, military career and home life.