Canadian Armed Forces

Nature of work

This group of jobs includes commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) or members of other non-commissioned ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces. All ranks of commissioned and non-commissioned personnel in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Navy are included in this group. Personnel in this group are assigned to specific operations related to reconnaissance, peacekeeping, disaster relief and combat.

Job duties

Commissioned officers of the Canadian Forces perform some or all of the following duties:

• Plan, organize and command the activities of Canadian Forces combat units such as armour, artillery and infantry battalions.
• Develop and implement military procedures and policies based on detailed knowledge of units' capabilities and performance.
• Direct subordinates in training and coordinate and direct activities of units in accordance with military practices.
• Assume responsibility for welfare, morale and discipline of units.
• Review and evaluate unit performance, prepare reports and provide briefings for superiors.
• May command and lead units engaged in non-combat operations for disaster relief and humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts domestically and internationally.

Personnel in non-commissioned ranks of the Canadian Forces perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate armoured vehicles, artillery, hand-held weapons and other military combat equipment and defence systems.
• Conduct peacekeeping operations and enforce cease-fire agreements.
• Engage in non-combat operations for humanitarian efforts.
• Provide assistance in emergency situations, such as civil disorder, natural disasters and major accidents.
• Participate in drills and other training in preparation for peacekeeping, combat and natural disaster relief duties.
• Perform administrative and guard duties.

Sample job titles

• able seaman
• admiral
• captain
• colonel
• corporal
• lieutenant commander
• major general
• master seaman
• officer
• petty officer
• private recruit
• sergeant
• soldier
• warrant officer

Skills

To work in these jobs you need good organizational and managerial skills. An ability to work under pressure is important. You must be decisive. You need to work well with others. Effective communication skills, both written and oral, are also important.

Job requirements

Commissioned officers of the Canadian Forces:

• A university degree is usually required.
• Completion of military training is required.

Non-commissioned ranks of the Canadian Forces:

• Completion of high school is usually required for non-commissioned work.
• Three months of basic military training is provided.
• Specialized training in the operation and maintenance of military equipment and systems is provided.

Other considerations

Progression to commissioned officer positions is possible with additional training and experience. Experience as a non-commissioned member of the armed forces and demonstrated leadership ability may substitute for a university degree. Senior commissioned ranks, such as colonel, require several years of experience.

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