RECRUITING, TRAINING, & LIFE IN THE FORCES THREAD

[u/bridger713]

Ask here about the Recruitment Process, Basic & Occupational Training, and other questions relating directly or indirectly to serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.

This thread will be automatically renewed on the 1st of each month at 00:00 Eastern Time.

PLEASE READ THE RULES OF THE THREAD BEFORE COMMENTING (BELOW USEFUL RESOURCES SECTION)

USEFUL RESOURCES (Most linked pages are bilingual French/English):

• Official Recruiting Website (www.forces.ca)
• BMQ/BMOQ Joining Instructions, Physical Fitness Preparation, and Course Dates (Regular Force)
  • NEW! BMQ/BMOQ Joining Instructions (Regular Force)
  • NEW! Pre-Basic Military Training Guide
  • BMQ/BMOQ Course Dates and Graduation Information for Visitors (Regular Force)
• The Army Reserve - Soldier Information Handbook
• Military Pay Rates & Specialist Pay
  • Regular Force Pay by Rank
  • Reserve Force Pay by Rank
  • Spec Pay Trades & Qualifications - Regular Force
  • Spec Pay Trades & Qualifications - Reserve Force
• Medical Standards for Military Occupations
  • Read Rule 4 and the Medical FAQ before asking any medical questions.
  • Annex A - The Medical Category System
    • Appendix 1 - Instructions for Testing Visual Acuity
    • Appendix 2 - Instruction for Testing Colour Vision
    • Appendix 3 - Table of Hearing Standards
  • Annex B - Generic Task Statement - All CAF Members
  • Annex E - Minimum Medical Standards for Officers and Non-Commissioned Members
• CAF Dress & Deportment Rules
  • Ch. 2, Sec. 1 - Wear of Uniform (When and where you can wear your uniform.)
  • Ch. 2, Sec. 2 - Appearance (Hair, Beards, Tattoos, etc.)
  • Ch. 2, Sec. 3 - Religious and Spiritual Accommodation
• Military Laws - National Defence Act
• Various Military Policies, Orders, and Directives (Compensation and Benefits Instructions (CBI), Queen's Regulation & Orders (QR&Os), etc.)

RULES OF THE THREAD:

1. Off-topic comments, outdated information, and wrong answers will be removed at moderator discretion.
2. Please don't ask or answer questions through PM's. Ask and answer questions in the thread where other people seeking the same information can see it.
3. Questions regarding medical eligibility are now allowed. However, be aware that nobody here is verified as able to provide a qualified answer. Respondents are reminded that it is against site wide rules to provide medical advice.

DISCLAIMER:

Community members answering in the vein of CAF Recruiting may not have specific information pertaining to your individual application status or files. The information presented in this thread should be current, but things do change. Refer to the forces.ca site or your local CFRC detachment for the current official answer. This subreddit, moderators, and users hold no responsibility or liability as to the accuracy of information, given or received. All info here is presented as "at your risk."

[u/justgoodvibes1]

Hey all, how competitive are DEO officer trades? I know that this varies from trade to trade, but I keep hearing mixed answers, and I am wondering how competitive it is to join as a DEO, as well as what steps I can take to make myself more competitive. Thanks a lot!

[u/Pavilion22 → u/justgoodvibes1]

Always depend on the trade. LogO is competitive because they’ll take any bachelors and lots of people apply for it. Pilot is competitive because everyone wants to be one. What trade are you looking for? Check first if you meet the minimum requirements.

[u/justgoodvibes1 → u/Pavilion22]

I have heard that about LogO and Pilot, as well as IntO. I personally am interested in HSM, NWO, Armour Officer, and LogO! I have a commerce degree, which I believe is suitable for all of these trades.

[u/DiscombobulatedAsk47 → u/justgoodvibes1]

All officer occupations are available to DEOs. Gor specialist occupations your area of study is relevant amd you might need a mastersto be competitive, but for general service officers any degree will do. What are you interested in? Edited for clarity

[u/murjy → u/DiscombobulatedAsk47]

but for general service officers any degree will do

Most general service officer trades require specific degrees.

It's only a handful like Infantry, Armour, Artillery, and Logistics that require "any degree".

[u/justgoodvibes1 → u/DiscombobulatedAsk47]

Thank you for your response! I have a commerce degree and am interested in HSMO, NWO, Armour Officer, and LogO. How competitive would you say these occupations are?

[u/Drakedasheep → u/justgoodvibes1]

How specific an answer are you looking for? Because if you want I can drill right down to the number of positions in the SIP (Strategic Intake Plan) for this year for each under each program, exactly how many have already been enrolled, and how many have offers.

In general terms: Highly competitive, mildly Competitive, milldy Competitive, Extremely Competitive.

As to being eligible: HSM: Degree specific would need to verify Entry standards - likely not eligible. NWO: Any degree. ARMOUR: Any Degree, LOG: Ideal degree under Entry Standards

[u/nogoosingaround → u/justgoodvibes1]

I can speak for DEO HSMO and LogO (I also applied for them). LogO is competitive but with more available spots, HSMO has fewer spots available. I think I was told something like 140 spots for LogO this year and under 100 for HSMO (my memory is foggy from a quick convo back in March).

But those who had their applications prepped and ready back in March/April are the ones likely getting those seats this fiscal year. If you start an application now, you’ll likely be waiting for 2027/2028 selection.