FAQ for Parents of New Recruits
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What is basic training?
Basic training provides the knowledge that is common to all trades and elements (Army, Air Force or Navy) of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). It develops a military state of mind and behaviour, the mental and physical endurance and the combat skills necessary for the profession of arms. The training is physically, mentally and morally demanding and lays its foundation on the fundamental values of the CAF: Duty, Loyalty, Integrity and Courage.
Looking for more information about Basic Training? -
How long is basic training?
Non-Commissioned Members: Basic Military Qualifications (BMQ)
Duration: 8.5 weeks
Objective: To provide the knowledge that is common to all trades and elements and produce non-commissioned members that can operate in a small team.
Officers: Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ)
Duration: 2 – 7 Week Modules (depending on the entry plan – candidates will either conduct these modules back to back or over two consecutive summers)
Objective: Provide the knowledge that is common to all trades and elements and prepare future officers to effectively lead small teams in simple operations in both garrison (base or military post) and austere (air field) field.
Members: Individuals who have successfully completed either the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course or the Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ) course.
Candidates / Recruits: Individuals who are participating in the BMQ or the BMOQ. Once the individuals complete either course successfully, candidates will become members of the Canadian Armed Forces. -
What are candidates doing at basic training?
Basic training will consist of the following items: drill, first aid, weapons handling, physical training, topography, field training, (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defence), force protection regulations* & orders, communications, military history, leadership (BMOQ only), military planning (BMOQ only).
* (Force Protection – All measures taken to contribute to mission success by preserving freedom of action & operational effectiveness) -
When and how often can family go to visit candidates at basic training?
Visits are not authorized during the indoctrination period first three weekends of the course) or when the platoon is given supplementary training on weekends. Once the indoctrination period is over, candidates may welcome guests on Saturday (from 1 pm to 10 pm), on Sunday (from 8:30 am to 7 pm) and on statutory holidays (from 1 pm to 10 pm). Guests must be welcomed at the Rotunda and may go to the Subway, the Canex, the O'Mega Mess, the cafeteria or the orange corridor. All other areas are explicitly out of bounds to any guests.
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Is there an emergency telephone number where family members can leave a message for candidates?
In case of emergency, candidates can be reached through the Canadian Forces School Coordination Centre at (450) 358-7099, ext 7229.
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What does a candidate need to bring with them to basic training?
All candidates are required to bring the items in the following kit list.
There are some items that meet strict standards and should only be purchased at the CANEX store when they arrive. -
Will the candidate need to bring any money? If so, how much?
Yes, the member will require money, a minimum of $150.00.
Please be aware that in the first week of basic training in both courses, a new recruit will be given an advance of $200.00 from their first pay, to purchase the required supplies from CANEX. The advance will then be DEDUCTED from the recruits’ first pay along with the other regular deductions, like rations & quarters and taxes, making their first pay substantially smaller than normal.
It’s important for all recruits & families to be aware of this financial shortfall prior to starting basic training so the appropriate financial arrangements can be made prior to leaving home. -
What official documents are required to bring and present when the candidate goes to basic training?
a. The following documents are required upon arrival:
i. Birth Certificate and Certificate of Canadian Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization (if you were born outside of Canada);
ii. Vaccination booklet (very important);
(If you don’t have it contact public health or your doctor otherwise the candidate will be revaccinated)
iii. Complete Security Clearance form (obtain from the Recruiting Centre);
iv. CF 100 – Leave Request Authorization provided by the Recruiting Centre;
v. CF742 – Emergency Contact Notification and DND 2587 – Next of Kin Identification from the Recruiting Centre
vi. Social Insurance Card (SIN);
vii. Void cheque (for pay purposes); and
viii. Your lease or proof of mortgage.
b. The following documents are required only if applicable to the candidate:
i. Medical Prescription;
ii. Eyeglass Prescription;
(If you have prescriptions the candidate can access medications and eyeglasses immediately if required)
iii. Birth Certificates for dependents (certified true copy);
iv. Marriage Certificate (certified true copy);
v. Affidavit with regards to any common-law relationship (original);
vi. Certificate of divorce (certified true copy);
vii. Proof of Name Change (certified true copy);
viii. Proof of change in medical status; and
ix. DND 1654 (reimbursement of moving expenses). -
Is basic training co-ed? Will the male quarters be separated from the female quarters?
Most basic training courses are co-ed. In order to develop a feeling of cohesion for the platoon, everyone lives together on the same floor of the building however the females do have their own area.
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Can the recruit bring their car with them?
Candidates are allowed to have their personal cars with them however access will be restricted to weekend use only when leave has been granted.
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What can I mail to the candidate during basic training? Will they receive it in time?
Definitely, parents and friends are welcome to send mail and parcels to candidates while they are in basic training. In fact, mail greatly assists with the candidates’ morale. Things to avoid: restricted, prohibited, and large items that can’t be stored. Baked goods are a treat, and enough for the platoon is always welcome. Please consult with the candidate for allergies within the platoon before you send any items.
Mailing Address for a CFLRS candidate is as follows:
Service Number (Candidates will inform family and friends of their service number once they have received it)
Rank, surname, initials
Course number
CFLRS
St-Jean Garrison
P.O. Box 100 Stn Bureau-chef
Richelain, QC, J0J 1R0 -
Can I phone the candidate during basic training?
Yes, families are allowed to contact the recruit during basic training however it is limited to certain hours. Cell phones usage is restricted to after training hours and the privilege can be revoked at any time. Cell phones times will be given to candidates to pass along to their family members.
There is a phone number in the event of an emergency:
School Coordination Centre (450) 358-7099, ext. 7229 -
Are the candidates safe during their time in the field while at basic training?
Recruits are safe at all times while training or in the field. All activities are supervised and many standard operating procedures (SOP) have been put in in place to ensure the safety of all recruits and staff alike.
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What happens if a candidate gets hurt or sick during basic training?
If a recruit gets hurt or sick at any time throughout basic training, there are medical staff and facilities on site to assist. There are regular sick parades and procedures in place in the event of normal illnesses and small injuries as well as local hospitals in the Montreal Region for larger problems. The military have medical staff trained and ready to assist around the clock.
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Sometimes candidates aren’t exactly physically fit, will they be able to pass the fitness component of basic training?
The Pre Basic Military Training (PRE-BMT) fitness training program aims to establish a minimum level of physical fitness needed to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injury during BMT. This program is designed to raise early awareness and for recruits to better understand the commitment and physical preparation required for the BMT course.
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Do the candidates get enough sleep?
The candidates’ days are designed so that the days start with a wake-up call at 0500 Hrs and lights out at 2300 Hrs. The days are busy and completely structured with physical training, class room instruction, inspections, station jobs and study periods. The candidates need to manage the evening time accordingly, to ensure personal chores get completed in the allotted timeframe.
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Will candidates have any free time after the graduation parade?
A few weeks prior to the Graduation Ceremony, candidates will find out when and where they will have to report to for their next training establishment. In most cases, graduates leave the day following the ceremony. Please Note: BMOQ candidates will only graduate after part 2 of their course.
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Information on Graduation Ceremonies at St. Jean
Family members and friends of the graduates are invited to the Graduation Ceremonies. The ceremonies take place on Thursdays at 2 pm in the HD-4 Building located at the Saint-Jean Garrison. Doors open at 12:30 pm, and guests must be seated no later than 1:45 pm on a first-come, first-serve basis. Parking spots are also available for the guests.
The ceremony is approximately one hour long and is followed by a reception for the graduates, their families and their instructors.
A few weeks before the Graduation Ceremony, candidates will be informed of the procedure to gain permission to meet their respective families and friends for the evenings before and after the Graduation Ceremony.Appropriate Dress for the Graduation Ceremony
For civilians: Business Attire – Men -Suits, dress pants/dress jacket & tie
Women - dress/skirt, pantsuit
For military members: 1A with medals
Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School - Canada.ca
Post Graduation
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What happens to members after basic training?
From basic training, the platoon will be separated and all members will be going in different directions to different bases, wings, RMCC, St. Jean and Civilian Universities. A posting message will be given to each member outlining the next steps of their training. They will be given an itinerary, travel orders of where & when to report, how they will be travelling, and to which base /wing they are to report to.
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Will the member be allowed to come home at Christmas or holidays?
Block Christmas leave or holidays will be designated by the school\training unit. Otherwise it will be up to the member to choose their leave and their location.
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Where will the member be living when they get posted after training?
Each member will receive a posting message to a base/wing after their trades training. In most cases, members will live in barracks when they arrive at their new units.
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Will the member have any time off during trades training?
Time off during training will depend on the trade school/unit and their training schedule. Members will have to wait until they have started training to find out any detailed leave information.
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When can the member move their furniture from home to the base where they are posted?
It is suggested that a member doesn’t move anything until they have a permanent posting message to a location. The member will be told when a location (posting) is permanent and when they can move their possessions.
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Does the member need a Will?
Each new member will fill out a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Will upon enrolling. This Will is valid as long as the member is enrolled in the CAF and the beneficiary can be modified at any time.
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When does the member change their permanent address on their driver’s licence, insurance, and so forth?
The member will only change their permanent address on their driver’s licence, insurance and other personal identification when they are permanently posted to a location. A permanent posting will be identified to the member.
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Where does the member go to get their Trades or Classification Qualification?
The base/wing will vary depending on the training qualification course.
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Does the member pay for every trip home when they visit?
The member’s Unit Clerk will provide travel details to the member. The member can also look up the information (under Benefits and Compensation) on a DND Website and computer.
