Infantry Officer

Overview

As a member of the military, an Infantry Officer performs a wide range of duties, from commanding and leading soldiers as part of a team to occupying various staff positions involving planning, training, intelligence, logistics and personnel administration. Infantry Officers are capable of operating anywhere in the world, in any environment including Arctic tundra, mountains, jungle or desert and in any combination of arms, including parachute, airmobile and amphibious operations. The primary role during operations is to be involved in combat.

Work environment

Infantry Officers experience the unique challenges of working outdoors in various weather conditions. When not in the field, they are responsible for garrison duties, which include physical training, office work and supervision, mixed with instructing staff and outdoor field and weapons training. Office work is focused on personnel administration and maintenance of weapons, equipment and vehicles. These duties usually occur during regular working hours.

Infantry Officers will be posted initially to one of three regiments:

• the Royal Canadian Regiment in Petawawa, Ontario or Gagetown, New Brunswick;
• Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton, Alberta or Shilo, Manitoba;
• the Royal 22e Régiment in Valcartier, Quebec, City, Laval, or Saint‑Hyacinthe, Quebec.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. Some flexibility exists for postings, but accommodations can’t always be made, so movement during a career is likely. If you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part‑time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. Part‑time Reserve work typically involves one night per week and some weekends, with possibilities of full‑time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

Applicants who already have a university degree will be assessed to determine if their academic program matches the criteria for this job. If so, they may be placed directly into the required on‑the‑job training program following basic training. Basic training and military officer qualification training are required before assignment.

Regular Officer Training Plan: The CAF requires officers to obtain a university degree. Successful recruits are paid to complete a bachelor’s degree program in the Royal Military College System. Recruits receive full‑time salary, medical and dental care, and vacation pay while serving in the CAF for a specified period. Typically, candidates enter the Canadian Military College System as Officer Cadets studying subjects relevant to both their military and academic careers. In rare cases, candidates may be approved to attend another Canadian university on a case‑by‑case basis.

Training

After enrolment, basic officer training begins at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec, lasting 12 weeks. Topics include general military knowledge, principles of leadership, CAF regulations and customs, basic weapons handling, first aid, and physical fitness. Training also incorporates force protection, field training, navigation and leadership exercises.

Following basic training, official second‑language training may be offered, ranging from two to nine months depending on proficiency.

The required training for Infantry Officers takes place at the Infantry School in Gagetown, New Brunswick. Officers learn the duties and responsibilities required to command and lead an Infantry Platoon, progressing through leadership and tactical challenges. Weaponry training accompanies the program. During the final phase, officers gain skills operating in a mechanized environment, learning to manoeuvre a Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) III, use modern infrared and night‑vision systems, and employ specialty weapons. After mastering these skills, officers are posted to an operational Infantry Battalion to command a Platoon.

Officers may also be offered the opportunity to pursue specialized courses, such as the Patrol Pathfinder course, Basic Parachutist and Free‑Fall courses, and further training to become a Platoon Commander.

Part‑time options

This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members serve part‑time at a military unit in their community, and may serve while attending school or working a civilian job. They are paid during training and are not required to relocate, though they may volunteer to move to another base or for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Reserve Force members receive 92.8 % of Regular Force rates of pay, a reasonable benefits package, and may qualify for a pension plan.

Related Careers

• Engineer Officer
• Armour Officer
• Artillery Officer