Gunner

Overview

As a Gunner in the Canadian Armed Forces, you are entrusted with surveillance, target identification, and indirect fire operations against enemy forces. Your duties encompass the operation and upkeep of artillery equipment such as howitzers, mortars, radars, acoustic detection systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and armored combat vehicles. Gunners collaborate closely with members of other combat arms including Armoured units, Infantry, and Combat Engineers, along with various support units both on and off the battlefield.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain 105mm and 155mm howitzers.
• Manage future Ground Based Air Defence Systems.
• Handle surveillance and target acquisition equipment including radars, acoustic instruments, and unmanned aerial systems.
• Drive and maintain a range of vehicles from light ¼ ton trucks to Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles and Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV 6.0).
• Utilize sophisticated command post technologies such as laser range-finders and fire control computers.

Work Environment

Gunners must be prepared to serve in diverse terrains like Arctic tundra, tropical jungles, deserts, mountains, and urban settings. Deployments include overseas operational missions as well as supporting civil authorities during national emergencies at home.

Initial postings are to one of five artillery regiments across Canada:

• 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (Shilo, Manitoba)
• 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (Petawawa, Ontario)
• The Royal Canadian Artillery School, Combat Training Centre (Gagetown, New Brunswick)
• 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support) (Gagetown, New Brunswick)
• 5th Canadian Light Artillery Regiment (Valcartier, Quebec)

Regular Force members receive assignments upon completion of training and may expect relocations during their career. Primary Reserve members serve part-time with a specific unit and generally do not relocate, committing to about one evening per week and some weekends, with the possibility of full-time commitments.

Entry Requirements and Training

No prior work experience or career-specific skills are mandatory. Applicants should meet the minimum education level equivalent to Grade 10 (Secondary 4 in Quebec). Foreign education credentials may be considered.

Training begins with a 9-week Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, focusing on fundamental military skills and physical fitness. Upon successful completion, recruits attend The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery School for another intensive 9-week course centered on advanced weapon handling, communications, vehicle operation, and artillery knowledge.

Subsequently, gunners are posted to artillery regiments for further formal training and hands-on skill development. Specialization options include Gun Area, Observation Post, Surveillance and Target Acquisition, and Ground Based Air Defence.

Part-Time Career Opportunities

The role is also open for part-time service in the Primary Reserve, allowing individuals to balance civilian employment or education with military commitments. Reserve members receive the same level of training as Regular Force members, engage primarily during evenings and weekends, and earn 92.8% of Regular Force pay rates. They also gain access to benefits and pension plan options, with opportunities for full-time roles and deployments.

Related Careers

• Infanteer
• Armour Soldier
• Combat Engineer