Get Ready for Basic Training

• The course is composed of 62% of classroom training with study and theoretical exams; 25% of field training with practical exams; and 13% is devoted to physical training. Types of physical training: running, weight training (machines), obstacle course, forced marches, circuit training, in-pool training. It is very important to have proper running shoes.
• For Non-Commissioned Members: If you are single, you must pay rations and quarters throughout your stay at the School at a cost of $662 per month. If you are married/common-law, you must pay rations at a cost of $566 per month. This will be deducted directly from your pay.
• For Officers: If you are single, you must pay rations and quarters throughout your stay at the School at a cost of $681 per month. If you are married/common-law, you must pay rations at a cost of $566 per month. This will be deducted directly from your pay. 
• During the first five weeks of training, you will not be able to leave the military base or receive visitors. After this initial period, permission to leave on the weekend will be granted depending upon your training performance. Visitors are not permitted during the week at any time throughout the course.
• Phones can be used on weeknights after training has concluded but no earlier than 6:00 pm. Reasonable usage should be restricted to communications with family and friends; other devices such as MP3s, iPods, iPads, laptops, etc., may be authorized during the weekends in garrison if there is no training scheduled and if performance has been judged adequate by the instructors.
• If you request a voluntary release, expect 2 to 4 weeks for administrative procedures to be completed before you may return home. (This applies only if no major problems are encountered with your administrative file and/or no disciplinary actions are pending).

During the first week of basic training, candidates will undergo a physical fitness evaluation (CF EXPRES Test). Please note that for candidates starting basic training after January 1st, 2014, the CF EXPRES Test will be replaced by Evaluation FORCE. For more details about Evaluation FORCE: https://www.cfpsa.com/en/AboutUs/PSP/DFIT/Fitness/FORCEprogram/Pages/default.aspx

The CF EXPRES Test is composed of four consecutive items:

1. 20M Shuttle Run (to measure the aerobic fitness)
2. Hand Grip (to measure the muscular strength)
3. Push-Ups (to measure the muscular endurance)
4. Sit-Ups (to measure the muscular endurance)

The standard for each item varies according to the gender and age group of the individual:

Furthermore, for the candidates that are under 35 years of age, the criteria of the Threshold Fitness Standard must be met in order to stay in the Canadian Armed Forces:

Therefore, five possible situations may occur in regards to your Physical Fitness Evaluation:

1. You have achieved the standard for all the performance objectives of the CF EXPRES Test: You may go on with the BMQ/BMOQ course.
2. You have achieved the standard for the performance objectives of the shuttle run, and of two of the three strength components (push-ups, sit-ups and hand-grip), as well as a minimum of 2 push-ups for women and 4 for men: You may go on with the BMQ/BMOQ course.
3. You are 35 years of age or over and you have not achieved the criteria described at point 2: You may join a specialized fitness training program that is also offered at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS). The program integrates overall health coaching, diet and a rigorous personalized fitness program that lasts a maximum of 90 days. From the moment you achieve the standard, you are reintegrated onto the BMQ course. If unsuccessful at the end of 90 days, you will be released from the CAF.
4. You are under 35 years of age and you have not achieved the performance objectives of the CF EXPRES Test, but you have met the Threshold Fitness Standard: You may join a specialized fitness training program that is also offered at CFLRS. The program integrates overall health coaching, diet and a rigorous personalized fitness program that lasts a maximum of 90 days. From the moment you achieve the standard, you are reintegrated onto the BMQ course. If unsuccessful at the end of 90 days, you will be released from the CAF.
5. You are under 35 years of age and you have not met the criterion of one of the two components of the Threshold Fitness Standard: When the criterion of one of the two components of the Threshold Fitness Standard is not achieved, you are released from the CAF.