How to become a primary combat member of the Canadian Armed Forces
Official title: Primary combat members of the Canadian Armed Forces
Also called: Private - canadian army, Soldier - canadian army, Seaman - royal canadian navy, Private recruit - canadian army, Armoured soldier - canadian army, Aviator - royal canadian air force, Ordinary seaman - royal canadian navy, Infanteer, Infantry soldier, Artillery soldier, Armour defence gunner
Primary combat members of the Canadian Armed Forces provide collective defence measures to protect Canadian waters, land, air space and other interests. They conduct raids and ambushes in combat missions and conduct patrols and escorts in security and stability missions. They also follow the military and strategic policies established by the leadership of the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Airforce and the Royal Canadian Navy.
Main tasks
- Provide assistance in emergency situations, such as civil disorder, natural disasters and major accidents
- Operate armoured vehicles, artillery, hand-held weapons and other military combat equipment and defense systems
- Engage in non-combat operations for humanitarian efforts
- Participate in drills and other training in preparation for peacekeeping, combat and natural disaster relief
- Maintain weapon systems, vehicles, survival gear and personal defensive equipment
- Perform underwater search and recovery operations
- Use tactics of camouflage and concealment, patrol, attack, defense, and evasion when engaged in combat missions
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Three months of basic military training is required and provided. Specialized training in the operation of military equipment and systems is provided.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $71,546 a year The middle half earn $53,177 to $83,480.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a primary combat member of the Canadian Armed Forces?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Three months of basic military training is required and provided. Specialized training in the operation of military equipment and systems is provided.
How much does a primary combat member of the Canadian Armed Forces earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $71,546 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $53,177 to $83,480.
Do you need a degree to become a primary combat member of the Canadian Armed Forces?
Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03