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Canadian Rangers - Frequently Asked Questions
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Who are the Canadian Rangers?
Canadian Rangers are adult members of the Canadian Forces who live in remote
and isolated communities of Canada. They are part-time reservists who are
responsible for protecting Canada’s sovereignty as well as
defending her coastal interests.
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What do Canadian Rangers do?
Canadian Rangers provide a military presence in support of Canada’s sovereignty.
They report unusual activities, collect data of significance in support of
military operations, and conduct surveillance and sovereignty patrols as
required.
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Where are the Canadian Rangers located?
Canadian Rangers are located in 163 remote, isolated and coastal communities
across Canada. The majority of Canadian Ranger patrols are located north of
60 and along Canada’s east and west coasts.
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Are Canadian Rangers members of the Canadian Forces?
Yes. Canadian Rangers are members of Canada’s Reserve Force.
They play an important role in assisting CF members by providing local
expertise, guidance and advice, conducting Northern Warning System patrols,
and providing local assistance to search and rescue activities.
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How are the Canadian Rangers organized?
Canada is divided into five geographical areas called Canadian Ranger
Patrol Groups or CRPGs. Each CRPG is responsible for a specific number of
patrols, and each patrol consists of a minimum of eight Canadian Rangers.
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How do I join the Canadian Rangers?
Contact the Canadian Ranger Sergeant in your community. A complete list is available at: the Canadian Rangers and Junior Canadian Rangers
contact page.
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How do I become a Canadian Ranger?
In order to become a Canadian Ranger you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be 17 years old with parental signature or have reached the age of majority
- You must by physically and mentally capable of carrying out Canadian Ranger duties
- You must be a Canadian citizen, have a Social Insurance Number, and reside in Canada
- You must not have been convicted of a serious offence under the Criminal Code of Canada for which a pardon has not been granted, including firearms offences, violent crimes, drug-related offences, and other offences at the discretion of the Canadian Ranger Instructor
- You must not be a member of any other sub-component of the Canadian Forces or another national military or police branch (RCMP, Coast Guard)
- You must be knowledgeable and personally equipped to survive and efficiently operate on the land.
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How old do I have to be in order to become a Canadian Ranger?
Potential members must be 17 years old with parental signature, or have
reached the age of majority (18 years) and be willing to join the Canadian Forces.
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Will I be paid?
Yes. Canadian Rangers receive up to 12 days annual pay in addition to
compensation for any official CF taskings. Canadian Rangers also receive
reimbursement for wear and tear on their personal vehicles when they are used
in support of official Canadian Ranger activities.
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Will I wear a uniform?
Yes. Canadian Rangers are easily identified by their bright red sweatshirts
and red ball caps or toques. Canadian Rangers are also provided with a red brassard
(armlet), a red t-shirt, and an orange safety vest.
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What equipment will I be given?
All Canadian Rangers are issued a No. 4 Lee Enfield rifle and ammunition.
Canadian Rangers also have access to a first aid kit, Global Positioning
System (GPS), compass and short wave radio through their patrol groups.
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What is the time commitment for being a Canadian Ranger?
This varies from community to community. Many Canadian Rangers fulfil their
military commitments while engaged in personal activities such as fishing or
hunting. Canadian Rangers meet as a group six or seven times a year at a
minimum.
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What training will I receive?
All Canadian Rangers participate in a 10-day Basic Ranger Qualification
Course that includes seven days of hands-on training in the local community.
Topics covered include rifle training, general military knowledge,
navigation (map & compass, GPS), first aid, search and rescue, and communications.
Canadian Rangers also receive patrol sustainment training which may include
courses in first aid, flood and fire evacuation planning, search and rescue,
major air disaster assistance, communications, firing exercises, and setting up
bivouac sites (igloos or tents).
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Will I be deployed overseas in case of war?
No. Although the Canadian Rangers are an important operational resource for
the CF, their service is mainly focussed on domestic matters. This is usually
defined as defending Canada’s interests at home. It is extremely unlikely that
a Canadian Ranger will be called upon to serve overseas.
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What is the compulsory retirement age for Canadian Rangers?
There is no compulsory retirement age for Canadian Rangers. They can
continue to serve as long as they are physically and mentally capable of doing
so. In fact a Canadian Ranger currently holds the record for longest continued
service in the Canadian Forces.
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What else do I need to know about the Canadian Rangers?
Canadian Rangers are proud, dedicated members of the Canadian Forces.
They are active, well-respected members of their communities and often serve in
leadership positions. Many Canadian Rangers are also involved with the Junior
Canadian Ranger Program as positive role models and educators for the youth in
their communities.
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How can I show my support for the Canadian Rangers?
You can write letters to your local Member of Parliament and local government
officials encouraging their continued support of this worthwhile program.
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