The Army in Canada: How to join the Canadian Armed Forces

Photo: Canadian Armed Forces | Facebook

Unlike post-Soviet countries, Canada does not have compulsory military service. Military duty (conscription) was temporarily introduced in Canada in World War I and World War II to deal with the huge labour shortage. In both cases, however, the measures were limited, specific and short-lived, and ended immediately after the labour crisis ended.

In this article, let's look at the topics:

• the structure of Canada's military forces;
• positions available to immigrants;
• wages;
• benefits for military personnel;
• eligibility requirements;
• sending a resume;
• paid training for beginners.

Military obligation became a very contentious issue during both World War I and World War II. This was particularly evident in the province of Quebec, as the federal government created a sharp division between English-speaking Canadians, who tended to support military duty, and French-speaking Canadians, who did not.

The Canadian Armed Forces currently has about 68,000 members of the regular armed forces and 27,000 members of the military reserves. There is a bit of controversy that Canada could use more regular armed forces and reservists. Canada currently has one of the smallest reserve armed forces in the world, and the country's territory is too vast to adequately defend its interests. The primary purpose of the military is to defend Canada and its interests abroad. However, a larger and more powerful military force could serve other purposes.

Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are responsible for defending Canada's national interests.

The Canadian Armed Forces consist of the Army, the Air Force (RCAF) and the Navy (RCN). Service members belong to either the Regular Armed Forces or the Reserve Armed Forces, which in turn consist of four units: the main reserve, the supplementary reserve, cadet organizations and the Canadian Rangers.

The Canadian armed forces are governed by the Armed Forces Council, which is headed by the Chief of Defence Staff. The commander-in-chief is the reigning Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who is represented by the Governor General of Canada.

Service in the Canadian army

Photo: LS Erica Seymour, 4 Wing Imaging | Canadian Armed Forces | Facebook

If you want to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, you have several options: serving in the Regular or Reserve Armed Forces, working as an officer or as a non-officer in the military.

Regular armed forces

Members of the Regular Force serve on a full-time basis to protect Canada and defend the country's sovereignty. They also contribute to international order and security and work with the U.S. to protect North America. Members of the Regular Force are prepared to respond to threats, natural disasters or humanitarian crises in Canada and around the world.

Most regular force employees work normal eight-hour days, with evenings, Saturdays and Sundays off. However, there are exceptions where work periods will exceed eight hours.

In addition, all members of the regular forces must be prepared for deployment. This depends on a number of factors, including the type of mission, your profession, the unit in which you serve, and the need for your skills on the ground. Certain specialists are more likely to be selected for deployment than others.

Terms of contracts in the regular Canadian Armed Forces start at three years, but can be longer depending on the type and amount of training you need for your service.

Reserve armed forces

Members of the Reserve Force serve in the Canadian Armed Forces on a part-time basis. Their primary role is to support regular forces at home and abroad. Reservists usually serve one or more evenings a week and/or weekends at locations close to their home. Some reservists may volunteer for operations if positions are available.

Both regular and reserve servicemembers are not required to live on a military base. Most service members prefer to rent or buy their own housing in the city where their duty station is located.

Officers

Officers in the Canadian Armed Forces hold leadership positions. They are responsible for the safety, welfare and morale of a group of soldiers, sailors and airmen. Their job involves analysis, planning, decision-making and providing guidance.

Unauthorized employees

Non-Commissioned Officers are qualified personnel who do not hold military ranks and perform operational and support functions with the Canadian Armed Forces. Non-Commissioned Officers begin their careers as recruits and are trained for specific jobs.

Salaries and benefits

Photo: Canadian Armed Forces | Facebook

Wages

The Canadian Armed Forces offer a competitive salary. Your skills, knowledge, experience and training affect your starting salary. An entry-level member of the armed forces can earn $35,820 to $62,424 CAD per year while completing basic training.

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