Education

Canadian Forces members do not serve only as soldiers, sailors and aviators. They can practise a whole range of occupations and professions, including doctors, nurses, lawyers, scientists, communications specialists, engineers, accountants, teachers, chaplains, environmentalists, computer specialists and technicians of all kinds.

Consequently, the Canadian Forces pay special attention to the education and training available to commissioned and non-commissioned members in both the Regular Force and the Reserves.

The Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), the university of the Canadian Forces, gives officer cadets the education and training they need to become commissioned officers in the Canadian Forces. RMC cadets are encouraged to excel in their studies, develop their leadership abilities, achieve a high level of physical fitness, and learn English or French as a second language. RMC's recently updated curriculum now includes a course in national security.

In April 2002, Defence created the Canadian Defence Academy to forge partnerships with centres of learning in Canada and around the world. Each year, nearly 600 CF members receive degrees and diplomas from more than 40 colleges and universities, including RMC.