Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces

Overview

Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces plan, organize, command, direct, control and evaluate, the operations of their organization in relation to established objectives. Senior commissioned officers formulate military and strategic policies which establish the direction to be taken by the Canadian Forces. All ranks of commissioned officers in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Navy are included in this unit group.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Allocate material, human and financial resources to implement military policies and programs, establish administrative controls, and approve overall personnel planning

  • Plan, organize and command the activities of the Canadian Armed Forces combat units and military strategic units in the Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Royal Canadian Navy at home and when deployed overseas during operations in conflict territory

  • Plan, organize and command units engaged in non-military disaster relief, humanitarian and peacekeeping operations at the national and international level

  • Set objectives of the organization in accordance with legislation and government policy, formulate or approve and evaluate programs and procedures, alone or in collaboration with senior government committees

  • Coordinate the work of various military strategic units employing appropriate levels of military force for specific tasks

  • Develop and implement military procedures and policies that are geared to the capabilities and performance of each unit.

Job titles

  • acting sub-lieutenant
  • admiral
  • air combat systems officer
  • armour officer
  • artillery officer
  • brigadier general

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$44,131

Median

$84,592

High

$116,794

Job openings

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British Columbia

230

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • A university degree is usually required.

  • Completion of military training is required.

  • Experience as a non-commissioned member of the armed forces and demonstrated leadership ability may substitute for a university degree.

Additional information

  • Senior commissioned officers are classified according to their military rank.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Work Experience

Work experience recommended

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

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