What to Expect

Thinking of joining the Army Team? Select a topic below to learn more about the Army experience.

Employment in the Army     Basic Training     Regular Force Pay and Benefits   Reserve Force Pay and Benefits     Physical Fitness

Basic Training

Every new member of the Canadian Forces must complete Basic Training. All recruits, including officer candidates, must learn basic soldier skills.

What is Basic Training?
It's an intensive course designed to teach the skills you will need in your career and build strength of character. It will help to make you physically and mentally prepared for any challenge. It is an obstacle you must overcome to earn your spot on the Army Team.

Here's what to expect. You'll be up early…very early. You'll do lots of push-ups, sit-ups and chin-ups. You'll run. You'll practice drill. You'll learn about weapons…how to handle them, take care of them and how to use them. You'll be taught orienteering and how to live in the field under tough conditions. You'll learn First Aid and CPR. In short, you'll become a soldier.

The key to surviving Basic Training is to keep everything in perspective. You are learning a new way of life. Listen. Take notes. Work hard. You can make it and become part of our team.

Basic Officer Training
Basic Training for Officer candidates is similar to the Basic Recruit Training course (described below), but with the addition of leadership training. Leadership theory is taught in the classroom, and candidates have the chance to apply what they have learned in a variety of practical exercises. Finally, Officer candidates are evaluated on th2006-12-08kills in order to be effective military leaders.

Basic Recruit Training
Basic Training for Regular Force candidates is conducted at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) located in St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec (25 km south of Montreal). Reserve Basic Training takes place at several different venues across the country.

This 10-week course will develop the attitudes and skills which will assist you in making the transition from civilian to Army life.

During the training, your typical daily routine will be something like this:

Subjects of Instruction

Military Bearing
All members of the Canadian Army must demonstrate ethical conduct, strong values, and a high standard of personal appearance. During training, you must demonstrate attributes including teamwork, loyalty, integrity, honesty and responsibility. You will be taught how to maintain your uniforms and equipment, follow military protocol, and respect the rights of others.

General Safety
The aim of the General Safety Program is to prevent accidents. You will learn to ensure that anything you may be responsible for – you, your peers, and your equipment – are not injured or damaged in preventable accidents. Safety is common sense.

First Aid
First aid is the emergency care given to an injured or suddenly ill person at the scene, using readily available materials. The Canadian Forces teach the St. John Ambulance program. We also instruct first aid from a military perspective to ensure our soldiers consider operational factors, such as terrain and the enemy, to effectively help injured personnel.

Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence
The objective of nuclear, biological and chemical defence is to ensure that all elements of the Canadian Forces are able to continue to operate effectively in the event that nuclear, biological or chemical weapons are used. You will be taught to recognize the signs and effects of such weapons, as well as how to use special equipment and measures to protect yourself.

Drill
Drill that is well-taught and well-executed develops individual pride, mental alertness, precision and esprit-de-corps that will assist soldiers in the performance of their duties. Military troops that display constant competence in drill are universally recognized as highly trained, well disciplined and professional.

Weapons Training
Soldiers are trained in the use of small arms so that they are able to protect themselves and others in operations. You will learn how to maintain and fire the C7 rifle. To successfully complete Basic Training, you must pass a personal weapons test.

Military Knowledge
In the course of your training, you will learn to recognize and comply with Canadian Forces policies including military law, regulations, the Geneva Convention, and routine administration.

Physical Fitness
Canadian Forces members must be physically fit to meet military operational requirements, to perform under a wide range of geographical and environmental conditions, to cope with the stresses of sustained operations and to be ready to respond on short notice.

Topography (Map Reading)
Topographical exercises teach students to navigate in the field. You will learn to identify topographical symbols, to identify positions on a map, to orient yourself according to the features of the terrain, and to plan routes. Practical exercises will hone your day and night navigational skills using only a compass and a topographical map.

Survival in the Field
To be a soldier, you’ve got to be able to survive in the field. You will learn to:

• use personal camouflage and concealment techniques
• respond to hand signals used for section formations
• carry out basic field manoeuvres
• select an individual firing position
• indicate targets
• respond to fire control orders
• build temporary shelters
• use field equipment, including stoves and signal lights
• prepare field rations
• purify water
• safely operate weapons
• carry out sentry duties
• communicate by radio

Graduation Ceremony
A graduation ceremony signals the end of Basic Training and the start of an exciting new career. The parade is a visual representation of the effort and teamwork needed to successfully complete the weeks of intense training. Everyone who completes Basic Training has good reason to be proud.