Training
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Introduction
After accepting a job offer with the Canadian Forces, all new recruits are required to complete basic training. Officer Cadets complete the Basic Military Officer Qualification course over 15 weeks, and Non-Commissioned Members attend the Basic Military Qualification course over 14 weeks.
These courses are designed to teach you the core skills and necessary knowledge to succeed in a military environment. The training emphasizes basic military skills, weapons handling, first aid, leadership fundamentals and ethical values. Since physical fitness is an integral component of military service, a large part of the course will be spent in physical fitness training.
Basic training is conducted at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.
Quick Facts:
Q. Do all Canadian Forces members need to go through the basic training?
A. Yes.
Q. Can my family visit me during my basic training?
A. After the first five weeks of training, your family and friends may visit you on weekends & holidays.
Q. What happens to my household goods while I am on basic training?
A. If you are not able to store your stuff with family or friends, you can be reimbursed for long-term storage until your training is complete and you are posted to your first job.
A. Yes.
Q. Can my family visit me during my basic training?
A. After the first five weeks of training, your family and friends may visit you on weekends & holidays.
Q. What happens to my household goods while I am on basic training?
A. If you are not able to store your stuff with family or friends, you can be reimbursed for long-term storage until your training is complete and you are posted to your first job.
Basic Training
Basic Training will teach you a new way of life. It may be the most demanding experience you have ever had. It will require hard work and perseverance. The more prepared you are, the better you will be able to meet the physical demands of Basic Training.
Daily Routine
Your days will start at about 5:00 a.m. and will not be over until 11:00 p.m. Each training day consists of physical training, marching, classes and practical sessions on a variety of military subjects. Evenings are spent maintaining personal equipment and living quarters, in addition to preparing for the next day’s classes.
Field Exercises
Field exercises focus on practical military skills such as weapons firing, map and compass use, and forced marches of various lengths. You may also set up your own accommodations and do your own cooking.
Obstacle Course
Obstacle course training involves performing physical tasks like scaling 2 metre and 4 metre walls, climbing a 4 metre netting apparatus, and crossing a 4 metre ditch while hanging from a set of monkey bars. Good upper body strength and power are necessary to successfully complete the obstacle course.
Swimming
The military swim standard is a key element of Basic Training. This test involves jumping into a pool wearing a life jacket, and then swimming 50 metres. You must also somersault into the water without a life jacket, tread water for two minutes, and then swim 20 metres. If you cannot swim, you should take basic swimming courses before Basic Training.
Physical Training
Regular physical training sessions will prepare you for field exercises, 13 kilometre forced marches, and help you meet the Canadian Forces Minimum Physical Fitness Standard. Passing the Canadian Forces minimum Physical Fitness Standard is a requirement of Basic Training.
Training will include:
- skill and strength development;
- running progressively longer distances;
- completing forced marches of various lengths.
Physical Fitness Evaluation
Your overall success in Basic Training will depend on your contribution to the team effort. If you are out of shape, you will not do well on the field exercises and you will not be a strong team member. It is important for you to be as fit as possible before Basic Training. It is a good idea to start a regular physical fitness routine that focuses on four key areas:
- Upper-body muscular endurance
- Core muscular endurance
- Muscular strength
- Aerobic fitness
To view a sample training session, training targets and more details on the tests during Basic Training, please refer to the following guides:
Officer Training
The Basic Military Officer Qualification course focuses on honing the necessary leadership skills required of officers. In addition to the rigorous fitness training, basic training for officers verifies that each candidate has the leadership potential, motivation and ability to lead in a military environment.
To ensure that you have the general skills necessary to effectively lead small teams in simple operations, there will also be opportunities to apply your military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. Second-language training, if required, is based on the needs of each cadet so it can take anywhere from two to nine months.
If you join under the “Direct Entry” option, and you already have a university degree, you will begin occupation training, which will introduce you to the basics of your chosen occupation in a military environment. You will most likely complete your training with a brief period of on-the-job training.
If you join under the “Regular Officer Training Program” and your university education is being subsidized or you are attending the Royal Military College, you will most likely complete the Basic Military Officer Qualification course during the summer before you start university. During the summer break, you will have the opportunity to train on-the-job within the Canadian Forces.
Non-Commissioned Member Training
The Basic Military Qualification course focuses on teaching you the necessary skills to succeed in a military environment. In addition to the fitness training, basic training for non-commissioned members ensures that each recruit has the potential, motivation and ability to work as an effective team member.
To ensure that you have the general skills necessary to work in small teams during simple operations, there will also be opportunities to apply your military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, and navigation.
After basic training is complete, you will continue training specific to the uniform you are wearing: Navy, Army or Air Force:
- Navy recruits attend a five-week long Fleet School where they learn about naval history, watch keeping and firefighting duties, and general skills necessary while at sea.
- The Soldier Qualification course for Army recruits is about 20 days and provides more in-depth army-specific training, weapons, and tactics.
- The Basic Air Environmental Qualification course is a four day long overview of the history of the Air Force, evolutions in aviation technology, and Air Force customs and traditions.
The next step is occupation training which, depending on the job you have selected, can run from a few months to nearly a year. The primary goal of this training is to introduce you to the basics of your job in the military. You will most likely complete your training with a period of on-the-job training.
