Being a member of the Canadian Forces means dedication and perserverance. See the steps as you shape yourself into a Canadian Armed Forces Member.
There are certain requirements you must meet in order to join the Canadian Armed Forces. In some cases, you may still be able to join even if you do not meet the basic requirements.
are skilled personnel who provide operational and support services in the CAF. Non-Commissioned Members start out as recruits and are trained to do specific jobs.
in the CAF hold positions of authority and respect. They are responsible for the safety, well-being and morale of a group of soldiers, sailors, air men or air women. Analyzing, planning, making decisions and providing advice are a few aspects of an Officer’s role.
The maximum age is based on the age of 60 less the minimum years of service required for the career chosen. Ask a recruiter for the minimum number of years.
The consent of a custodial parent or legal guardian is required for the enrolment of an applicant who is under the age of 18 on the day of enrolment.
*For complete information read the full Qualifications for Enrolment.
The maximum age is based on the age of 60 less the minimum years of service required for the career chosen. Ask a recruiter for the minimum number of years.
The consent of a custodial parent or legal guardian is required for the enrolment of an applicant who is under the age of 18 on the day of enrolment.
*For complete information read the full Qualifications for Enrolment.
If you have completed your education outside Canada, you must have your Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) completed for your high school and highest level of education prior to submitting your application.
If you do not meet this requirement, you may be eligible for one of our Paid Education programs.
If you have completed your education outside Canada, you must have your Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) completed for your high school and highest level of education prior to submitting your application.
are skilled personnel who provide operational and support services in the CAF. Non-Commissioned Members start out as recruits and are trained to do specific jobs.
The maximum age is based on the age of 60 less the minimum years of service required for the career chosen. Ask a recruiter for the minimum number of years.
in the CAF hold positions of authority and respect. They are responsible for the safety, well-being and morale of a group of soldiers, sailors, air men or air women. Analyzing, planning, making decisions and providing advice are a few aspects of an Officer’s role.
The maximum age is based on the age of 60 less the minimum years of service required for the career chosen. Ask a recruiter for the minimum number of years.
If you have completed your education outside Canada, you must have your Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) completed for your high school and highest level of education prior to submitting your application.
If you do not meet this requirement, you may be eligible for one of our Paid Education programs.
If you have completed your education outside Canada, you must have your Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) completed for your high school and highest level of education prior to submitting your application.
There are several ways to join the Canadian Armed Forces. Your skills, qualification, background, and ambition will influence your way of entry. Get in touch with a recruiter by visiting our Help Centre to find out which entry option is best for you.
Members of the Regular Force serve full time protecting Canada and defending our sovereignty. They contribute to international peace and security, and work with the United States to defend North America. They are ready to respond at a moment’s notice to threats, natural disasters or humanitarian crises at home and around the world.
Members of the Reserve Force serve part time in the CAF. Their main role is to support the Regular Force at home and abroad. Reservists typically serve one or more evenings a week and/or during weekends at locations close to home. Some Reservists may volunteer to be deployed on operations, if there are positions available.
The Naval Experience Program will provide you with enough exposure to life in the Royal Canadian Navy to decide if it is right for you.
Following an accelerated enrollment, eight week basic military training and four week naval training, you will join the Navy fleet on either the East or West coast. Over the course of several months, you will learn the ropes of being a sailor by shadowing a variety of jobs and gaining exposure to a number of skills. The program culminates with going to sea portion, so you can get a sense of the adventure found in a naval career.
The CAF will help you to unlock your potential by providing a variety of opportunities for training to gain leadership skills, resourcefulness, and marketable and transferable skills. The Reserve Force also offers many summer job and co-op opportunities, especially for students. For the first four years of your career, you are guaranteed full-time summer employment (FTSE) with the Reserves. Deployments are not mandatory, but there are opportunities if you are interested. There is also the possibility of working full time.
A one-year educational program offered to Indigenous peoples through the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC)
Summer training programsSummer Indigenous programs provide an opportunity to discover Military culture and training.
Canadian Armed Forces Indigenous Entry ProgramA special three-week program for Indigenous peoples who are considering a career in the CAF.
There are 5 primary steps in the application process. Each step requires your input and dedication. Make sure you are prepared and provide all required documents in a timely manner. Get in touch with a recruiter by visiting our Help Centre if you need help during the process.
You will need to provide original copies of your birth certificate, government issued photo ID, transcripts from your highest level of education completed, proof of trade qualifications and professional licenses, and any additional forms required for the trade or job you selected. All overseas education must be presented with a Canadian equivalency from Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada
You will fill out reliability screening forms. This background check will ensure that you are trustworthy with sensitive information. The Canadian Armed Forces will verify all the forms you submit so be completely honest when filling out the required forms.
A trial is being conducted where some Regular Force applicants to certain occupations will not be required to write the Canadian Forces Aptitude Test (CFAT) and Trait Self Descriptor - Personality Inventory (TSD-PI) before enrolment. To be eligible for the Expedited Application Trial, applicants to qualifying occupations must meet one of the following criteria:
The occupations included in this trial are based on internal requirements, as well as the complexity of the occupation or if higher education is required. Since this is a trial, highly complex occupations or those occupations requiring higher CFAT scores were not included.
To determine the effectiveness of this trial and future success of occupation training, applicants who qualify for this trial will still write the CFAT and TSD-PI during the start of Basic Military Qualification /Basic Military Officer Qualification. However, the results of the CFAT and TSD-PI will have no bearing on the future career progression of the applicant in their chosen occupation.
For those occupations that do not qualify for this trial, or for those who wish to write the CFAT:
You will complete an aptitude test to assist in determining which military occupations you may be best suited for. The 60 minute aptitude test will evaluate your verbal skills, spatial ability, and problem solving. Writing exams can be stressful for some people, you are strongly encouraged to complete the official Practice Canadian Forces Aptitude Test prior to the testing session at a Recruiting Centre near you. For more detailed information, visit the “How do I prepare for the CFAT?” article in the Forces.ca Help Centre.
During the same testing session visit, you will also complete a 30 minute personality inventory, which provides information on your personal characteristics and qualities. To learn more about your personality and how it may influence military occupation choices, check out this personality assessment.
You will then take a two-part medical exam: First there is a medical history questionnaire including specific information on your medication. Then the medical staff will conduct a physical exam to measure your height, weight, evaluate your vision, colour perception and hearing. The second step is a medical file review to determine any limitations that will affect your training and career.
The next step is an interview with a military career counsellor; it is your official job interview and a very important step. The application process is very competitive and you will be asked questions about your work history, knowledge of the Canadian Armed Forces, and understanding of the job you selected.
Basic training, also known as Basic Military Qualification (BMQ), will teach you the core skills and knowledge to succeed in a military environment. Throughout this course, you will be mentored by leaders who have diverse experiences and background. The four pillars of BMQ training are: professional conduct, resiliency, physical fitness, and military skills. By building inclusive teams and working together to overcome obstacles; you will build resilience and be provided every opportunity to learn the skills necessary to be successful as you transition from a civilian to a military team member. As you progress through basic training, you will learn how to conduct drill, properly handle a weapon, and apply first aid. You will also get to spend time in outside environments, where you will be given the opportunity to practice fieldcraft and apply everything you have learned in a classroom environment. Most importantly, you will live and work with other candidates of your platoon for nine weeks, working collaboratively towards the goal of being a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Class Time Field Time Physical TrainingFor the majority of full-time regular force candidates, the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) training takes place at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, approximately 20 minutes outside of Montréal.
All part-time candidates joining their local Primary Reserve unit will undergo similar BMQ training objectives. Reserve units will conduct their basic training either at the local reserve unit location or at a Canadian Armed Forces training centre. Locations vary depending on units. Talk to a Primary Reserve unit recruiter for more information on their basic training program.
Transcript(VO) You’ve likely seen and heard a lot of different things about Basic Training. The instructors are not here to break you. Their goal is to build you up, mentor you, help you find your inner strength, and teach you to succeed in both the military and everyday life.
Basic Military Qualification, or BMQ, is a nine-week demanding journey designed for you to achieve more than you thought possible. It will transition you from civilian to a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Everyone who joins the Canadian Armed Forces must complete BMQ at the leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.
During the first week of your training, you’ll be outfitted with all your military kit. Uniform, boots, helmet, gloves, rucksack, and you’ll settle into your quarters. You’ll join other recruits in a self-contained mega complex, complete with dormitory, gym, cafeteria, and school facility. Here, you’ll experience the CAF’s four training pillars: professional conduct and culture, resilience, physical fitness, and military skills.
It isn’t until week 6 that you’ll do your mandatory physical test. You’ll have lots of opportunities to build up capacity to meet the objectives of the test. Recruits must be successful to continue their BMQ. So, it’s a good idea to start training now before you arrive. In addition, visitations are not permitted during the initial four weeks of BMQ training.
You’ll be assigned to a section and during week two you’ll learn military dress, drill, and the words of military instruction. Initially, your training will begin unarmed.
BMQ isn’t easy, but your instructors will inspire you with mentorship and coaching.
Daily inspection of your kit aims to contribute to operational efficiency, to promote discipline, pride and above all it constitutes the basis of teamwork.
Ensuring you stay fit, agile, and ready to serve, marches and physical training are a fundamental part of your day.
You’ll be living, learning, and eating with your fellow recruits. In the classroom you’ll learn everything about survival skills. Recruits are equipped with essential skills in Basic Military First Aid, as well as lifesaving CPR techniques.
Your daily routine starts at 5a.m. and is filled with active days and late nights. Military skills and drills, classroom time, physical training, and personal inspections contribute to the core of your BMQ experience. This routine develops mental resilience, determination, teamwork, and physical strength.
Knowing how to strip, clean and assemble the C7A2 service weapon, is a fundamental skill you’ll develop.
Over several weeks you’ll be put through your paces on the shooting simulator and at the range. You’ll learn to work effectively in situations where you must use weapons, relocate quickly, or conduct an operation in a conflict situation in challenging weather and conditions.
After significant preparation, you’ll be subjected to the reality of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear theatre operations. These learned skills are tested in a safe and controlled environment. It’s a challenging experience where overcoming anxiety and fear is key.
Graduation day is a heartfelt day. You earned it. Each challenge you overcame on your journey during BMQ has equipped you with the skills, resilience, and confidence you’ll need as you venture into your military career with excitement and honour, ready to serve your country.
(KHAN) It was fun and hard at the same time. We reach new limits.
(RUSSELO) Like, when something is hard, you really gotta push through, work together.
(PINSONNEAULT) I make so much friends.
(THURSTON-WYLIE) Staff is all supportive, and everything like that. They are making sure that you succeed. That really helps out a lot.
(KHAN) So, it was really fun. It was challenging and I'd do it all over again.
