Basic Training

What is it? Will I survive?

WATCH Basic Up Reloaded, the Army television series that follows new recruits through basic training.

Every new member of the Canadian Forces must complete basic training. All recruits, including officer candidates, take an intensive 13-week 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.

Basic training for all Regular Force candidates is conducted at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) located in St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec (25 km south of Montreal).

Reserve basic training takes place at several different venues across the country and under the supervision of the Reserve regiment.

What is Basic Training?

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 learn about maps and compasses 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

Physically, basic training for Officer candidates is similar to the basic recruit training course 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. Officer candidates are evaluated on their leadership skills and potential to be effective military leaders.

Typical Daily Routine

During training, your typical daily routine will be something like this:

Or you could be on night training – in the rain (or snow).

Subjects of Instruction

Military Bearing

All members of the Canadian Army must demonstrate ethical conduct, strong values, and a high standard of personal appearance, teamwork, loyalty, integrity, honesty and responsibility. You will be taught how to maintain your uniforms and equipment, follow military protocol, and respect the rights of others.

Drill

Drill that is well-taught and well-executed develops individual pride, mental alertness, precision and esprit-de-corps that will assist soldiers in the performance of their duties. Troops that display constant competence in drill are universally recognized as highly trained, well disciplined and professional.

Weapons Training

Soldiers are trained in the use of small arms so that they are able to protect themselves and others in operations. You will learn how to maintain and fire the C7 rifle. To successfully complete basic training, you must pass a personal weapons test.

Military Knowledge

In training, you will learn to recognize and comply with Canadian Forces policies including military law, regulations, the Geneva Convention, and routine administration.

Physical Fitness

Army members must be physically fit to meet military operational requirements, to perform under a wide range of geographical and environmental conditions, to cope with the stresses of sustained operations and to be ready to respond on short notice.

Map Reading

Topographic map exercises teach students to navigate in the field. You will learn to use maps to orient yourself according to terrain and to plan routes. Practical exercises will hone your day and night navigational skills using only compass and map.

Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence

Nuclear, biological and chemical defence training ensures that you are able to continue to operate effectively in the event that nuclear, biological or chemical weapons are used. You will be taught to recognize the signs and effects of such weapons and how to use special equipment and measures to protect yourself.

Survival in the Field

To be a soldier, you’ve got to be able to survive in the field. You will learn to:

• use personal camouflage and concealment techniques
• respond to hand signals
• carry out basic field manoeuvres
• select an individual firing position
• indicate targets
• respond to fire control orders
• build temporary shelters
• use field equipment, including stoves and signal lights
• prepare field rations
• purify water
• safely operate weapons
• carry out sentry duties
• communicate by radio

General Safety

The General Safety Program is to prevent accidents. You will learn to ensure that anything you may be responsible for – you, your peers, and your equipment – are not injured or damaged in preventable accidents.

First Aid

The Canadian Forces teach the St. John Ambulance first aid program. You also learn first aid from a military perspective to ensure soldiers consider operational factors, such as terrain and the enemy, to effectively help injured personnel.

Graduation Ceremony

A graduation ceremony signals the end of basic training and the start of an exciting new career. The parade is a visual representation of the effort and teamwork needed to successfully complete the weeks of intense training.

Everyone who completes basic training has good reason to be proud.

And what’s next after basic training? Go to the continuing training education pages in the Army Life section of this website.