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Steps to Join. Basic Training. See the steps as you shape yourself into a Canadian Armed Forces Member. Entry options, Steps to Join and Basic Training information.
The eligibility requirements and application process of enrolling in the Canadian Armed Forces.
- Who is eligible to join the Forces?
- Life the Forces
- Part-Time in the Forces
- Do you have additional questions?
To join the Forces, you must:
•Be a Canadian citizen
•Be 17 years of age (with parental or guardian consent) or older, except:
•Regular Officer Training Plan – Junior applicants, who must be 16 years of age or older; or
•Primary Reserve applicants, who must be 16 years of age (while maintaining full-time student status) or older.
•Make sure you meet the minimum education requirements for your desired occupation – visit Find a job to explore jobs in the Forces and their education requirements.
My spouse/partner is already in the Forces. If I join, will we be posted together?
Married couples who are both serving in the Forces are typically posted together to the same location. However, the Forces is occasionally unable to accommodate spouses in cases where there are distinct differences in occupations or elements (e.g. posting an Air Weapons Specialist with his/her Infantry spouse) or because of operational requirements, such as overseas deployments.
What are regular working hours in the Forces?
Most members in the Regular Force work normal eight-hour days, with evenings and weekends free. However, there are exceptions, depending on the job or operational requirements and an expectation that some periods of work will routinely extend beyond eight hours.
Do Forces members get benefits?
Yes. Regular Force members have health and dental benefits through the Public Service Medical and Dental plans. In addition to health and dental benefits, Forces members are also provided with paid vacation days, a generous pension, excellent maternity and parental leave, and access to support programs such as sports and fitness programs. Visit Career Options to discover all the advantages of a career in the Forces.
If I join the Reserve Force, how long do I have to serve?
Service in the Reserve Force is completely voluntary and does not involve a set Term of Service. Visit Career Options to find out more about serving part-time as a Reservist in the Forces.
Do members in the Reserve Force have to go on deployment?
No. Members of the Reserves Force are not required to go on a deployment. However, Reservists have the option to volunteer for deployments if they would like to take part in overseas operations and if there is a need for their skills. Visit Career Options to find out more about serving part-time as a Reservist in the Forces.
What are the working hours for Reservists?
Members in the Reserve Force typically work, at minimum, one night per week and one weekend every month. Contact your local Reserve unit for more information.
Find a recruiting centre, event, or Reserve unit in your area.
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How do I apply? Will my previous training, education, and/or experience be recognized? I have applied to join the Canadian Armed Forces. Now I need to revise my application, schedule or reschedule an appointment, or ask about a general concern or application issue. What should I do?
Need a straight answer to your simple question? Start here! For the answers to your general questions about the Department of National Defence (DND)/Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), please refer to the following topics. Goals of DND and the CAF. 1. What is the goal of DND and the CAF? 2. What does the CAF do to achieve this goal?
In order to access the CAF Online Employment Application (OEA) you may either create a GCKey, which uses a Government of Canada credential (User Name and Password that you create), or you may access the OEA through a Sign-in Partner (Government Sign-In by Verified.Me) which uses your online banking information.
People also ask
How do I enrol in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)?
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How do I start a career in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)?
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Who is required to enrol in the Canadian Armed Forces?
Learn more. CAF Spotlight: Expedited application trial. Some occupations no longer require the Canadian Forces Aptitude Test for enrolment. Find out if you meet the criteria for this exciting new opportunity! Learn more. CAF Spotlight: You have questions? We have the answers.
