Joining the Canadian Military

Hey, fellow students, I'm from Canada and I'm considering joining the military after high school. Just trying to figure out what I should know before I jump in? Do I need any specific qualifications or meet any eligibility criteria?

Joining the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is indeed a big decision and it's great you're reaching out to gather more information.

To join the CAF, you must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old, though with parental consent, you can join at 16. For officers, the minimum education required is a university degree; for non-commissioned members, it's typically a high school diploma or a high school equivalency (GED, for example). However, certain jobs may require specific education or qualifications.

The CAF has also physical fitness standards you will need to meet. The fitness test, known as the FORCE Evaluation, measures your physical capacity for military service. It includes tasks like a sandbag lift, intermittent loaded shuttles, 20-meter rushes, and a sandbag drag.

Before officially joining, you'll have to go through an application process, which involves an aptitude test, a medical exam, and an interview. The aptitude test is meant to help determine which military occupations would suit you best. The medical exam includes a thorough medical history review and physical examination.

Also, you should expect background checks, which is a standard part of the military application process, so it's important to have a clean criminal record as well.

Although the military demands dedication and commitment, it also brings a lot of benefits such as paid education, comprehensive health care, job security, and opportunities for advancement.

Take time to research more about the exact role or profession you're interested in within the military - each job category has specific qualifications and requirements. And remember to discuss this with your family and seek their support as well.