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Service Options

Service Options

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Introduction

 
When you join the Canadian Forces (CF), you will have to decide between teaming up with the Regular Force or the Reserve Force. Regular Force members have a full-time career, while Reservists most often choose to work part-time.
 
Next, you have the option of joining up as an Officer or as a Non-Commissioned Member (NCM). Officers are formal leaders and are trained to be responsible for groups of people. They oversee the sailors, soldiers or air personnel in the conduct of their activities. To become an Officer, you will need a university education and leadership training.
 
The Non-Commissioned Member (NCM) is the backbone of the military. NCMs start out as recruits and are then trained to do specific occupations in the CF, usually within groups or teams. Some NCMs are trained as technicians to keep the equipment repaired; and others are operators that use specific and complicated mechanical and electrical equipment to complete their daily tasks.
 
The next step is to choose a job that gives you the career options you want. To see the range of careers for each service option, visit Browse Jobs.

Full Time

 
Role
 
The Regular Force is the part of the Canadian Forces that serves full-time to protect Canada, to defend North America in co-operation with the U.S. and to contribute to international peace and security. It is ready at any time to respond to a crisis or threat at home and abroad.
 
Length of Service
 
Depending on the occupation that you choose, length of service in the Regular Force can range anywhere from three to nine years, not including subsidized training or education.
 
Service Locations & Deployment
 
The Canadian Forces offers you outstanding education and training opportunities throughout your career.
 
Basic training takes place in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec. After basic training, you will continue on to one of the many Canadian Forces establishments across Canada, where you will receive training specific to your career option.
 
You will then be posted to a military base. Although your preferences will be taken into consideration, the Canadian Forces' needs will determine where you are located, and you can expect to move to a different base every few years.
 
You can also expect to be deployed overseas; such missions can last a few days or weeks when responding to a disaster such as the earthquake in Haiti, or up to six months as part of a long-term commitment such as the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.
 
Education and Training
 
Your required education level depends on the occupation that you choose. If you have at least a grade 10 education and pass the written aptitude assessment for one of the available jobs, you may prefer to either join the Canadian Forces directly rather than take advantage of our Paid Education opportunities.
 
If you choose to join the CF directly, we will provide you with all the necessary training to become a technician, an operator, or a member of a support trade. If you are already a skilled worker with a trade qualification or advanced education, or are a university graduate, you are one step ahead in your new career; you will undergo military training and possibly some additional training in your field. Throughout your career, you will be given ample opportunity for advanced education and training.
 
If your dream job requires a technical diploma or university degree but you are concerned about costs, there are opportunities where the Canadian Forces will pay your tuition and books and provide you with a salary and benefits while you study. You will have a guaranteed job upon graduation and, in return, you must serve a number of years based on the length of subsidized education or training. Find out more about Paid Education opportunities.
 
Pay and Benefits
 
As a member of the Regular Force, you will enjoy competitive wages and benefits as well as opportunities for advancement. Your pay is based on your occupation and rank. Find out more about Pay & Benefits.
 
Entry Plans
 
There are two types of entry plans into the Regular Force: (1) Direct Entry plans for unskilled candidates who have at least a grade 10 education and for technical college or university graduates. (2) Subsidized Education plans for candidates who wish for the Canadian Forces to fund their technical college or university studies, including at the prestigious Royal Military College of Canada. 

Part Time

 
Role
 
The primary role of the Reserve Force is to augment, sustain, and support the Regular Force at home and abroad.
 
Length of Service
 
Service in the Reserve Force is voluntary and is for an undefined period. Most Reservists are enrolled to serve on a part-time basis and have full-time careers outside the Canadian Forces or are full-time students, but some volunteer for full time employment in the military. This employment is normally under a specified contract period of 3 years or less.
 
Service Locations & Deployment
 
Reservists train and work close to home. Reserve Force units are located in hundreds of communities across Canada. They are not obliged to serve overseas, but many choose to do so. Currently, over 400 reserve personnel are serving on peacekeeping and humanitarian missions around the world. In the past, up to 40 per cent of all peacekeepers have been reservists.
 
Deployments can last a few days or weeks when responding to a disaster such as the earthquake in Haiti, or up to six months as part of a long-term commitment such as the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.
 
Education and Training


Reservists train with their home unit to meet the required professional standards of the job. From time to time, they also need to attend courses to progress in rank, or to prepare for missions, which are arranged by the home unit.

It is possible to set up an “Individual Learning Plan” for courses leading to a university degree, college diploma or other professional certification related to a job in the Reserve Force. If approved, successful Reservists are reimbursed for up to 50% of tuition and other educational expenses to a maximum of $2,000 per year, for up to 4 years, as long as they are in the Reserve Force for the entire course.

Officer level positions in the Reserve Force are also available through the Reserve Entry Training Plan. Through this program, Reservists attend the Royal Military College and are reimbursed up to $2000 per year for tuition. They are paid as a part-time officer cadet for any additional military training. For more information, click on PAID EDUCATION.

 
Pay and Benefits
 
Your pay as a Reservist is based on your occupation and rank and on the number of hours you work. You will enjoy many benefits such as accommodations and meals, vacations, a retirement gratuity, personnel support, medical and dental care, etc. Find out more about Reserve Force Pay & Benefits.
 
Entry Plans
 
The most common way to join the Reserve Force is through a Direct Entry plan. This plan is for unskilled candidates who have at least a grade 10 education, and for college and university graduates.
 
Under the Reserve Entry Training Plan (RETP), a few places are set aside at the prestigious Royal Military College of Canada. Students are required to pay part of the costs of the academic year, but may be eligible to apply for scholarships, bursaries and reimbursements.
 
Several Aboriginal Entry Plans offer candidates interested in military careers the opportunity to learn more about military life before they decide whether or not to join.

Officers

 
Role
 
As an Officer in the Canadian Forces you will hold a position of authority, and with authority comes responsibility. You will lead by example and be held to a high standard of ethics and professionalism. You will be responsible for the safety, well-being and morale of a group of sailors, soldiers or air personnel; you will supervise them in the conduct of their activities and ensure that the systems and equipment they use are properly maintained. Analyzing, planning, making decisions and providing advice are a few aspects of your role as an officer.   
 
Education and Training
 
To become an Officer, you must have a university degree that relates to your chosen occupation. The Canadian Forces can subsidize your education if you are attending or planning to attend a degree program at a recognized Canadian university, including the Royal Military College of Canada. If you already hold a degree from a recognized university, you will enter the Canadian Forces under the Direct Entry Program.
 
You will have to take the Basic Officer Training Course, which lasts 15 weeks and is conducted at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.

The first part of your course lasts 9 weeks and verifies that you have the leadership potential, motivation and ability to continue with leadership training. You will be evaluated on your potential to be an effective military leader. You will also be taught basic military knowledge and skills common to all members of the CF and take part in a rigorous program of sports and fitness training. During the next 6 week block of Basic Officer Training, you will be provided with the leadership knowledge and skills required to perform as a junior officer. You may be required to attend a second language training course lasting from two to seven months, depending on your second language proficiency.

Following basic training, you will receive a fully paid education at the prestigious Royal Military College or a civilian university, depending on the occupation you have chosen, all the while receiving an officer cadet's salary. If you are already a university graduate, you will receive an immediate promotion and may have to take some additional training in your field. As you progress in your career and gain experience, you will have ample opportunities to receive advanced education and training.

 
Officer Jobs
 
Officer jobs require a high level of expertise in a specific field in addition to the responsibilities and tasks that come with a leadership position.

Non-Commissioned Members

 

Role
 
The Non-Commissioned Member (NCM) is the backbone of the military. As an NCM, you will start out as a recruit and you will then be trained to perform tasks for a specific occupation. As a technician or a technologist, you will supervise and direct the repair and maintenance of all types of systems, equipment or weapons. You may also perform technical inspections and tests, control inventories or maintain records. As an operator, you may operate different military vehicles, or use electrical, electronic or mechanical equipment. In a support role, you may perform administrative or health service tasks.
 
Education and Training
The required education level depends on the occupation that you choose. If you have at least a grade 10 education and pass the written aptitude assessment for one of the available jobs, we will provide you with all the necessary training to become a technician, operator, or to fulfill a support role. If you are already a skilled worker with a trade qualification or advanced education, you are one step ahead in your new career; you will undergo military training and possibly some additional training in your field. You may also be eligible to take advantage of our Paid Education opportunities and attend a civilian technical college,
 
You will have to take the Basic Military Qualification Course, which is generally conducted at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, and its detachment in Borden, Ontario. During 14 weeks, you will learn basic military skills and knowledge, and take part in a rigorous program of sports and fitness training.
 
Following basic training, you will attend training specific to your occupation at one or more of the many Canadian Forces schools across Canada. To keep up with new technologies and progress in your career, you will be provided with advanced occupational training opportunities through formal courses or on-the-job training.
 
NCM Jobs
 
NCM occupations require a high level of expertise. Some technicians, operators and support staff work in teams while others must be able to work independently. Supervisors establish their work priorities and closely monitor their safety and morale. 
 
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