Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about joining the Army Team? Select a topic below to learn more about the Army experience, or call Canadian Forces Recruiting at 1-800-856-8488.

What does the Army do? Where can I get information about joining the Canadian Forces? What are the basic joining requirements? I’m not a Canadian citizen; can I still join the Army? How do I get a post-secondary education subsidized by the Canadian Forces? What is the Army Reserve? As an Army Reservist, how long do I have to stay in? How often do I have to work? If I meet the basic entry requirements, what do I do next? How can I write to Canadian Forces members serving overseas? Where can I get support the troops merchandise? How can I offer support to Canadian soldiers? How can I find more information about a veteran, such as a family member? What is Basic Up? I'm interested in seeing the Basic Up series. Where can I see them? When are they available? How can I find information about new technologies used in the Canadian military? What happens after Basic Training (Regular Force)? How fit should I be? Can I participate in competitive sports while in the Army? Can you change trades once you are enrolled in the Army? Can I wear jewelry? How long can I stay in the Army (Regular Force)? How strict is the discipline? What are the opportunities to travel? What are the pay and benefits to joining the Army Reserve? What are the basic requirement for joining the Army Reserve? How can I contact a soldier deployed overseas? How can I find information about a person who used to be in the Army? Where can I find more information about support for military families? What access do recruits have to families? How can I contact a Padré? How can I donate to a Military Family Resource Centre? I have a product that I think might interest DND. Whom should I contact? How short will my hair have to be? Q: What does the Army do? A: The combat-capable, multipurpose Land Forces are designed for the following duties: · defending Canadian territory and helping to maintain Canada’s sovereignty by providing land surveillance and combat-ready forces · contributing to the collective defence of North America · providing armed and unarmed assistance to civil authorities when needed to maintain public order and security or to assist in emergency relief · supporting Canadian interests abroad, a task that may include providing forces for UN, NATO, and other multilateral contingency operations, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance For more information visit: http://www.armee.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/1_6_3.asp or the Army Life section http://www.armee.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/1_0.asp    Q: Where can I get information about joining the Canadian Forces? A: Visit the Canadian Forces recruiting website: www.recruiting.forces.ca, email a recruiter at jobs@recruiting.forces.gc.ca or call the recruiting hotline 1-800-856-8488.    Q: What are the basic joining requirements? A: You must: · be a Canadian citizen. · have a good record of conduct and no outstanding legal obligations. · meet the medical enrolment standard. · be at least 17 years of age (16 for the Reserves and Military College) with parental/guardian consent for minors. · have successfully completed Grade 10 (Sec III in Quebec); some entry programs have additional academic prerequisites. · be able to hold a security clearance.    Q: I’m not a Canadian citizen; can I still join the Army? A: To join the Army you must be a Canadian citizen. If you have a permanent resident status, you may still be considered eligible for employment (Landed Immigrants may apply to the Reserves) under certain conditions. http://www.recruiting.forces.gc.ca/v3/engraph/resources/noncanadians_en.aspx For more information visit the Canadian Forces recruiting website: www.recruiting.forces.ca, email a recruiter at jobs@recruiting.forces.gc.ca or call the recruiting hotline 1-800-856-8488.    Q: How do I get a post-secondary education subsidized by the Canadian Forces? A: If you want the Canadian Forces to put you through school, you must be qualified and prepared to serve in the Canadian Forces both while you study and after graduation. The Canadian Forces has a variety of education programs for officers and non-commissioned members. In some, officer candidates and serving officers attend the Royal Military College of Canada (www.rmc.ca) or a civilian university to earn a degree; in others, non-commissioned members in highly specialized technical occupations complete college diploma courses. For more information, contact the Canadian Forces recruiting site, Visit the Canadian Forces recruiting website: www.recruiting.forces.ca, email a recruiter at jobs@recruiting.forces.gc.ca or call the recruiting hotline 1-800-856-8488.    Q: What is the Army Reserve? A: The Army Reserve is the part-time component of the Canadian Army. Most Army reservists work part time in the Army and full time in their civilian jobs or they are students. For more information, visit www.armee.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/11_3_1.asp.    Q: As an Army Reservist, how long do I have to stay in? How often do I have to work? A: There is no minimum time commitment as a Reservist; you can choose to leave at any time. Typically you would work one weekday evening for three hours and one weekend a month. Once trained, you will have opportunities to work full time in the summer. Other employment opportunities, domestically and overseas, also become available as you advance with experience and rank. For more information, visit www.armee.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/11_3_1.asp.    Q: If I meet the basic entry requirements, what do I do next? A: Your next steps are to: · locate the Reserve unit closest to you; · find out if they are accepting new recruits; and · attend the unit’s information session to find out more detailed information. Your new unit will put you in touch with the nearest recruiting centre for enrolment. Find the unit nearest to you at www.armee.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/7_1.asp    Q: How can I write to Canadian Forces members serving overseas? A: Open messages to Canadian Forces members serving overseas can be posted electronically on the Canadian Forces Message Board, www.forces.gc.ca/site/community/messageboard/index_e.asp Letters, parcels or postcards can be sent by mail to "Any Soldier", "Any Sailor" or "Any Air Force Member." For more information, visit the Canadian Forces Message Board, www.forces.gc.ca/site/community/messageboard/index_e.asp To send personal mail to a specific Canadian Forces member, follow the instructions in the Sending Mail section of the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency site, www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/MIL/sending_e.asp    Q: Where can I get support the troops merchandise? A: · The only official “Support Our Troops” merchandise sanctioned by the Canadian Forces include: ball caps; t-shirts; car and fridge magnets; cling vinyl window decals; bracelets; and lapel pins. Order these and other items online at: www.cfpsa.com/canex. Buying these officially sanctioned CFPSA “Support Our Troops” items assures you that proceeds go directly into morale and welfare programs for the CF community.    Q: How can I offer support to Canadian soldiers? A: The Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) is mandated to develop and deliver morale and welfare programs and services to members of the Canadian Forces (CF) and their families. These programs and services aim at enhancing the quality of life of the military community, thus, contributing to the operational readiness and effectiveness of the CF. Part of the mandate includes responsibility for donations to deployed personnel. One overall program for donations has been set up: OPERATION Santa Claus. In order to avoid disappointment, and to ensure that our logistics system is not overburdened, individuals wanting to conduct donation campaigns should be discouraged from doing so and be directed to one of the programs listed below · Donate to Operation Santa Claus: Christmas gift packages filled with items donated by Canadian corporations are sent to every overseas CF member stationed throughout the world. Should a company or corporation contact you and wish to donate items, they should be referred to Shirley Penny, the CFPSA Amenities Coordinator at 613-995-8779 or Penny.SM@forces.gc.ca. Donating organizations must meet specific criteria (including a requirement for a quantity of 3,500 of a single item). For more information or to make a donation, visit www.cfpsa.com (click “Operation Santa Claus” in left column). · Become an employee of the staff of Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces – “Serving Those Who Serve”: · Deployed operations: CFPSA deployed operations employ civilian personnel on six-month rotations to deliver morale and welfare programs for deployed CF members; from barbers to food and retail cashiers (including Tim Hortons), to fitness, recreation, and travel coordinators. Those interested in living the adventure in Afghanistan can apply online at: www.cfpsa.com/en/deployed. · Domestically: Approximately 5,600 employees, serving the men and women of the CF and their families, throughout Canada and Europe including support for deployed operations. For all positions, visit www.cfpsa.com/en/services/hr/index.asp. · Offer military leave to your employees or students: Members of Canada’s Reserve Force are needed to serve on CF operations both at home and overseas. With the support of their employers or educators, these reservists can serve Canada without having to lose their permanent civilian jobs or having to face academic penalties. To find out how your organization can implement a military leave policy, contact the Canadian Forces Liaison Council at 1-800-567-9908, or at www.cflc.forces.gc.ca. · Become a corporate sponsor or donor for specific morale and welfare activities: The CFPSA teams up with Canada’s corporate community to ensure the availability of high-calibre programs and services. For further information on corporate sponsorship, visit http://www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/sp. For more information, visit: www.cfpsa.com    Q: How can I find more information about a veteran, such as a family member? A: There are several resources where you can find information about veterans, depending on what sort of information you need and in what era the person served. Canadian Post War Military & Dependant Graves Web Site http://admieapp.forces.gc.ca/pwg-tag/index.asp?lang=e The Royal Canadian Legion site http://www.legion.ca/ The Veterans Affairs Canada site http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/ The Directorate of History and Heritage http://www.forces.gc.ca/hr/dhh/engraph/home_e.asp The National Archives of Canada http://www.collectionscanada.ca/ First World War personnel records: http://www.genealogy.gc.ca/10/100906_e.html Personnel records after 1918: http://www.genealogy.gc.ca/10/100907_e.html Visit the Canadian Virtual War Memorial (http://www.virtualmemorial.gc.ca/This site contains a registry of information about the graves and memorials of more than 116,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders who served valiantly and gave their lives for their country. Included on this site are the memorials of more than 100 soldiers who died in service to Canada since the Korean War, including peacekeeping and other operations. More than 100,000 Canadians who died in the First World War and Second World War are buried overseas in Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries. Useful information might be found in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Web site at http://www.cwgc.org/ The Lost Trails section 'helps to locate veterans, military personnel, RCMP and their families'. The address is Legion Magazine, 407 359 Kent St., Ottawa, ON K2P 0R6; fax (613) 233 7159; email magazine@legion.ca, Web site www.legionmagazine.com/.    Q: What is Basic Up? A: Basic Up is a reality series that follows four young people from the recruiting office through the rigours of basic training and beyond. For the very first time, viewers can share the experiences, the goals and aspirations, the triumphs and defeats! You can see more of Basic Up here: www.armee.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/1_10.asp    Q: I'm interested in seeing the Basic Up series. Where can I see them? When are they available? A: The Basic Up reality series will be broadcasted on the Army News multicast network at Army bases across the country as of mid-September 2006. Full-length episodes are currently not available for downloading on our website. However, video clips from each episode will be posted for viewing to the Basic Up page (http://www.armee.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/1_10.asp). This page will keep you updated with more information about the series.    Q: How can I find information about new technologies used in the Canadian military? A: Defence R&D; Canada (DRDC) is an agency of the Canadian Department of National Defence responding to the scientific and technological needs of the Canadian Forces. Its mission is to ensure that the CF remains scientifically and operationally relevant. The agency is made up of six research centres across Canada. Visit www.drdc-rddc.gc.ca/about/us_e.asp or contact info@drdc-rddc.gc.ca.    Q: What happens after Basic Training (Regular Force)? A: Normally you proceed directly to your next phase of training, which is specific to the Army occupation you have selected. For example, if you enrolled as a Weapons Technician, you would begin learning this trade shortly after basic training. Once your occupational training is complete (length varies depending on your occupation), you will then start serving with your first Army unit.    Q: How fit should I be? A: It is essential that you are reasonably fit and free of serious injuries and medical problems. Prior to joining, concentrate on cardiovascular work such as running and circuit training. Check out the Fitness Guide found in the Physical Fitness section of this site.    Q: Can I participate in competitive sports while in the Army? A: The Army values physical fitness and encourages participation in competitive sports. Many opportunities are available to compete in local, national and even international military sports competitions. The Army will try to accommodate the training schedules of elite athletes serving in the military. Such arrangements are made on a case-by-case basis after an individual has completed basic and occupational training.    Q: Can you change trades once you are enrolled in the Army? A: It is possible to change trades once enrolled in the Army, but such moves are dependant on the needs of the Canadian Forces. For example, if you are serving in a trade that has an abundance of people, and wish to move to a trade that has personnel shortfalls - making a move may be quite simple. However, if the trade you are in is short of people, changing trades may not be authorized. Some trades, such as the Intelligence Officer and Intelligence Operator classifications, can only be entered by changing trades after several years in the military - you cannot enroll directly into these trades. Programs also exist for Non-Commissioned Members to transfer to the Officer Corps. Candidates must apply and be found suitable for such training programs.    Q: Can I wear jewelry? A: You can wear a plain signet, engagement and / or wedding ring. Women may wear one pair of plain stud earrings, if desired. Other forms of visible body piercing are not permitted to be worn while in uniform.    Q: How long can I stay in the Army (Regular Force)? A: Your duration of service will depend on the type of contract you sign, and your suitability for military service. Normally your first contract will be for a reasonably short duration, such as three years. Once this first period of service elapses, you can normally elect to sign on for a longer period of service, or take your release from the forces. If your performance during a period of service is sub-standard, you may not be offered a subsequent contract. Many people enjoy twenty and even thirty-year-long careers in the Army. For information on pensions, check out the Regular Force Pay and Benefits page or the Reserve Force Pay and Benefits page found in the What to Expect section of this site.    Q: How strict is the discipline? A: We live by the words "One Army, One Team" - and a team is only as good as the discipline of its members. We are good team because we insist that every member lives up to a high standard of personal conduct.    Q: What are the opportunities to travel? A: Once you have completed your initial training courses, you could find yourself deployed overseas on an exercise or as part of an operational mission. Travel is an exciting part of the job and you will most likely get the chance to meet soldiers from other armies and travel to unique international destinations.    Q: What are the pay and benefits to joining the Army Reserve? A: You will receive: · Competitive salaries calculated on a daily rate, based on rank, occupation and experience · Medical and dental coverage and access to a dental plan for you and your dependants after six months of service · Uniforms and equipment · A variety of job opportunities · Recognition for you civilian job skills · Opportunities for advancement · Allowances for special hazardous duties. Examples include field allowances and travel allowances if you are deployed overseas. · Accommodations and meals are provided free of charge when on training or missions. For more information, visit www.armee.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/11_3_1.asp.    Q: What are the basic requirement for joining the Army Reserve? A: You must: · be a Canadian citizen. · have a good record of conduct and no outstanding legal obligations · meet the medical enrolment standard · be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental/guardian consent) · have successfully completed Grade 10 (Sec III in Quebec); some entry programs have additional academic prerequisites · be able to hold a security clearance.    Q: How can I contact a soldier deployed overseas? A: Whether you want to reach a specific person or have a message for any soldier currently deployed, you can find more information here: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/community/messageboard/addresses_e.asp    Q: How can I find information about a person who used to be in the Army? A: See the Info about Veterans section of these FAQ’s    Q: Where can I find more information about support for military families? A: You can contact the Mission Information Line: 1-800-866-4546, duty Chaplains and the MFRC's, CFPSA and Army websites, the Member Assistance Program, etc.    Q: What access do recruits have to families? A: While you undergo your recruit course, time is allocated to ensure you are able to remain in contact with family and friends.    Q: How can I contact a Padré? A: While our chaplains are frequently away from their offices, all chaplain voice mail messages contain the number for contacting the emergency chaplain, available 24/7 via pager/cell phone. All families should be assured that if something does happen to their loved one, they will be contacted by Military Authorities.    Q: How can I donate to a Military Family Resource Centre? A: Located on CF bases across the country, Military Family Resource Centres (MFRC) provide support to the parents or the spouses and children of deployed CF members. Contributions must be coordinated with the specific MFRC. To locate an MFRC, please contact Maria DiVirgilio, field operation assistant, at 613-995-2479 or visit www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/dmfs/mfrccontact/index.asp#.    Q: I have a product that I think might interest DND. Whom should I contact? A: If you have goods or services to offer to the Government of Canada (which includes DND), visit the Contracts Canada website for information on government purchasing, and how to contact a materiel manager. For specific information, telephone Contracts Canada at (819) 956-3440 or toll-free at 1 800 811 1148.    Q: How short will my hair have to be? How short will my hair have to be? A: Appearance is important in the Canadian Army. Both men and women must adhere to certain hair guidelines. Men must wear their hair short and neat. Women can wear their hair in varying styles so long as it does not preclude the proper wearing of military headdress. Long hair must be worn in a braid. Some exceptions to hair standards apply to certain religious and aboriginal groups.