Myth-busters

Ever wonder what Army life is all about?  Those myths you thought were real are busted by clicking below.

Enrolment - Eligibility What to expect - Employment What to Expect - Basic Training - Reserve What to Expect - Reserve Force Pay and Benefits What to Expect - Life In Uniform Army Life - Deployments Life in Uniform -FAQs Equipment

Enrolment - Eligibility

The Army is an equal opportunity employer. All branches of the Canadian Forces are open to men and women. We do have certain criteria that must be met. All employers do. Here are the Basic Eligibility requirements.

You Must:

• be a Canadian citizen
• be at least 17 years old (16 years old to apply to the Reserves, with parents permission)
• have a minimum grade 10 or Secondary III (QC) education
• meet all medical and enrolment standards
• successfully complete the pre-enrolment fitness evaluation and aptitude test (This fitness evaluation is for Reserve candidates and
• component transfer from Reserve to Regular force only)

What to Expect - Employment

When you think Army, think opportunity. We offer employment opportunities in every imaginable field of expertise and study - doctors, communications researchers, engineers, combat soldiers, computer specialists, technicians, mechanics - and dozens more. The possibilities are endless.

When you think Army, think advancement. The Army provides the education, training, and skills you need to succeed in today's world. If you're looking to get ahead, check out what we've got to offer in the Jobs section of this site. The leadership, discipline, and self-confidence you gain will prove invaluable during your time in the forces and beyond.

When you think Army, think adventure. This isn't your typical nine to five. We offer travel, cutting-edge equipment and a dynamic team environment. Drive a tank. Operate surveillance equipment. Lead a platoon on a night assault. Rappel out of a helicopter. These are just a few of the challenges we've got to offer. Interested? Check out our Hot Jobs section for more info or call our toll-free number,1-877-5 GO ARMY (46-2769), for more information.

Basic Training - Reserve

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 their leadership skills in order to be effective military leaders.

Basic Recruit Training

Reserve Basic Training takes place at several different venues across the country.

Subjects of Instruction:

• Military Bearing
• General Safety
• First Aid
• Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence
• Drill
• Weapons Training
• Military Knowledge
• Physical Fitness
• Topography (Map Reading)
• Survival in the Field

What to Expect - Reserve Force Pay and Benefits

Pay

The Canadian Forces offer very competitive salaries and benefits. Rates of pay in the Army Reserve are calculated as a daily rate, based on your rank, occupation and experience.

Your pay will be deposited directly into your bank account on the 15th and 30th of each month, with the usual deductions. And remember, Reservists are only paid for days they work. No work.no pay.

Medical and Dental

You will be responsible for your own provincial medical and dental insurance. The Canadian Forces will, however, cover your medical expenses while you are on duty. There is access to a dental plan after you have been with us for six months, which is administered through your unit.

Uniforms and Equipment

All uniforms and equipment are provided free of charge. Everything you are issued is on loan and must be returned when you leave the military. You are responsible for keeping your gear clean and in good working order.

Allowances

All military personnel are entitled to certain allowances for special or hazardous duties. Some examples include Field Operations Allowance and Paratroop Allowance. You also receive extra allowances if you are travelling, or are deployed on an overseas mission.

Accommodations and Meals

While on training exercises or duty away from home, overnight accommodations and meals will normally be provided. Don't expect five-star service. The food will be good but it could be out of an insulated box served from the back of a truck, and your bed could be a sleeping bag under the stars.

Reserve Pension

A pension plan is available for Reservists. Your unit will have the details.

What to Expect - Life In Uniform

Physical Fitness

Basic Training may prove to be the most demanding experience you have ever had. It will require hard work and perseverance, so you will find it easier if you are prepared. Here are some of the things you can look forward to during 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 will consist of physical training, marching, classes and practical sessions on a variety of military subjects. Evenings will be spent maintaining personal equipment and living quarters, and preparing for the next day's classes.

Field Exercises

Field exercises focus on weapons firing, map and compass use, obstacle course training, and forced marches of various lengths.

The Obstacle Course

Obstacle course training involves performing physical tasks like scaling two and four metre walls, climbing a four metre netting apparatus, and traversing 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. (For this reason, push-ups, chin-ups and other resistance exercises are recommended in your pre-enrolment training program.)

Swimming

During Basic Training, you must also meet the military swim standard. The test consists of jumping off a three-metre board wearing a life jacket, then swimming 50 metres. You must also somersault into the water without a life jacket, tread water for two minutes, then swim 20 metres. If you cannot swim now, you are advised to take a basic swimming course before proceeding on training.

Success on basic training depends on your individual effort and contribution to the team. If you are constantly tired during training because you are out of shape, you will not learn as much, you will not do as well on the exercises, and you will not be a strong team member. So when you come to Basic Training, it is important for you to be as fit as you can.

Pre-enrolment Physical Fitness Evaluation

To ensure that you are ready for the demands of Basic Training, you will be asked to undergo a physical fitness evaluation as part of the recruiting process. Successful completion of this evaluation is a necessary step toward being accepted into the Canadian Forces.

You should begin your preparation NOW to achieve the highest level of physical fitness possible before Basic Training. Don't put it off. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to meet or surpass the objectives in the evaluation. Remember, your enrolment in the Canadian Forces will be delayed unless you are sufficiently fit.

There are four test items in the evaluation: a step test to measure your aerobic fitness, push-up and sit-up tests to measure your muscular endurance, and a hand-grip (squeeze) test to measure your muscular strength.

Army Life - Deployments

The Army is ready to respond to conflicts around the globe. On any given day, thousands of Canada's soldiers are restoring peace and renewing hope in places like Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.

As a trained Reservist, you could be eligible to deploy on operations. Deployments could include rotating overseas as part of a unit into the International Security Assistance Force, Task Force Kabul in Afghanistan, going as an individual to the UN mission in the Golan Heights of Israel, or becoming a Military Observer in a far-reaching part of the world.

More and more Reservists are supporting operations, they make up a part of every mission.

Deployments can also happen inside Canada when the Army assists the public, (called Domestic Operations) during times like the Winnipeg Floods and the 1998 Ice Storm.

To deploy overseas, you need to be have completed your occupational training, be very fit and be able to take at least seven months away from your civilian job. Many employers are supportive of Reservists needing unpaid time away from their jobs to complete training or to serve Canada's commitment abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about joining the Army Team? To learn more about the Army experience, call 1-877-5-GO ARMY (46-2769) to speak to a recruiter in your area or click to the following.

Equipment

Click on the link to see Equipment used by members of the Canadian Army.