Infanteer - Infantry Soldier

Overview

Infantry Soldiers serve as the primary combat forces of the Army, responsible for engaging and defeating enemy forces. As essential contributors to the Combat Arms team—which also includes Artillery and Armour personnel—these soldiers operate globally in diverse terrains such as Arctic tundra, mountains, jungles, and deserts. They participate in various operations including airmobile and amphibious missions.

Primary Duties

• Proficiently handle and maintain a variety of weapons systems, including rifles, hand grenades, light, medium and heavy machine guns, and anti-tank arms.
• Utilize advanced equipment for field communication, navigation, and night-vision surveillance.
• Inspect and service weapons, vehicles, survival and personal defensive equipment.
• Engage in airborne operations.
• Coordinate with support units such as fighter aircraft, tactical, and artillery teams.
• Participate in unarmed combat.
• Apply camouflage, concealment, patrol, assault, defense, and evasion tactics.

Work Environment

Infantry Soldiers predominantly operate outdoors, living and working in conditions replicating field environments during training or missions. Soldiers are usually assigned to battalions within Canada, with deployment opportunities worldwide. Regular Force members may expect relocations throughout their careers. Primary Reserve members serve part-time with their local units, typically one evening weekly and some weekends, without relocation requirements but with potential for full-time deployment.

Entry Requirements and Training

• No prior work experience or career-specific skills are mandatory; recruiters assist in evaluating personal suitability.
• Minimum education required: completion of Provincial Grade 10 (Secondary 4 in Quebec).
• Foreign educational credentials may be accepted.
• Initial training involves Basic Military Qualification at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Quebec, focusing on core trade skills and maintaining physical fitness standards.
• Infantry training lasts 17 weeks at one of three Military Training Centres in Canada, covering weapons use and care, field-craft, defensive construction, navigation, patrolling, and tactical operations.

Advanced Training Opportunities

Infantry Soldiers may undertake specialized courses and practical training to gain expertise in areas such as parachuting, mountain warfare, instructional methods, first aid, urban operations, and close quarter combat. Career progression offers access to advanced instruction in leadership, reconnaissance, sniper skills, heavy weapons, armored vehicle command, and remote environment operations.

Part-Time Service Option

Infantry roles are available part-time within the Primary Reserve across Canada, allowing members to combine military duties with civilian life. Reservists receive equivalent training to full-time soldiers, serve mostly during evenings and weekends, and have opportunities to serve full-time or volunteer for deployments. Employment includes pay at 92.8% of regular force rates with benefits and pension options.

Related Careers

• Combat Engineer
• Gunner
• Armour Soldier