Non-Commissioned Members

Basic Military Qualification

The Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) is the basic training course for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Non-Commissioned Members. The BMQ course is 14 weeks and provides the core skills and the common military knowledge required to succeed in a military environment.

For additional information: Get ready for Basic Training page

Canadian Forces Primary Leadership Qualification

The Primary Leadership Qualification (PLQ) provides Non-Commissioned Members of the rank of Corporal/Leading Seaman with the foundational skills and knowledge inherent for leading within the military. The course consists of a Distance Learning phase of 1 day of instruction/week within 7 weeks and a Residency portion of 6 weeks. The Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) is responsible for the DL phase for the CAF, as well as the Residency phase for the Chief of Military Personnel Occupations. 

Intermediate Leadership Programme

The Intermediate Leadership Programme (ILP) prepares prospective Petty Officers 1st Class and Warrant Officers for leadership, management and supervisory roles associated with the rank. The course consists of a Distance Learning portion of 1 day of instruction/week within 9 weeks and a Residency portion of 3 weeks. The topics covered are Principles of War, Historic Evolution of the CAF, and the CAF and International Relations. 

Advanced Leadership Programme

The Advanced Leadership Programme (ALP) prepares prospective Chief Petty Officers 2nd Class and Master Warrant Officers for sub-unit and unit level duties in leadership, staff and advisory positions. The course consists of a Distance Learning portion of 1 day of instruction/week within 10 weeks and a Residency portion of 3 weeks. The topics covered are Leadership and Military Ethos, CAF Structure and Defence and National Security Policies.

Senior Leadership Programme

The Senior Leadership Programme (SLP) prepares prospective Chief Petty Officers 1st Class and Chief Warrant Officers for higher institutional responsibilities in leadership, staff and senior advisory positions. The course consists of a Distance Learning portion of 1 day of instruction/week within 10 weeks and a Residency portion of 3 weeks. The topics covered are Leading the Institution, CAF Operations and the Organization of the CAF and Department of National Defence.

Senior Appointment Programme

The Senior Appointment Programme (SAP) prepares Senior Appointments Chief Petty Officers 1st Class and Chief Warrant Officers for higher institutional responsibilities in leadership, staff and senior advisory positions. The course consists of a Distance Learning portion of 1 day of instruction/week within 5 weeks and a Residency portion of 1 week. The topics covered are Theories of War and Operational Planning in the Current Security Environment, Civil-Military Governance, the National Security Strategy and Canada’s Defence Policy, and Organizational Culture and Change.