Primary combat members of the Canadian Armed Forces

Overview

Primary combat members of the Canadian Armed Forces provide collective defence measures to protect Canadian waters, land, air space and other interests. They conduct raids and ambushes in combat missions and conduct patrols and escorts in security and stability missions. They also follow the military and strategic policies established by the leadership of the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Airforce and the Royal Canadian Navy.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Provide assistance in emergency situations, such as civil disorder, natural disasters and major accidents

  • Operate armoured vehicles, artillery, hand-held weapons and other military combat equipment and defense systems

  • Engage in non-combat operations for humanitarian efforts

  • Participate in drills and other training in preparation for peacekeeping, combat and natural disaster relief

  • Maintain weapon systems, vehicles, survival gear and personal defensive equipment

  • Perform underwater search and recovery operations

  • Use tactics of camouflage and concealment, patrol, attack, defense, and evasion when engaged in combat missions.

Job titles

  • armour defence gunner
  • armoured soldier - Canadian Army
  • artillery soldier
  • aviator - Royal Canadian Air Force
  • infanteer
  • infantry soldier

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$48,741

Median

$73,017

High

$102,924

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

25

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.

  • Three months of basic military training is required and provided.

  • Specialized training in the operation of military equipment and systems is provided.

Additional information

  • As they progress in their careers, members of this unit group who demonstrate the required abilities and potential will be offered advanced training.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Work Experience

Work experience required

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

No post-secondary education required

No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.

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