Infantry Soldier

Overview

Infantry Soldiers are the primary combat troops of the Canadian Army, specializing in engaging and defeating enemy forces. They form a critical component of the Combat Arms team alongside Artillery and Armoured Soldiers. These soldiers are trained to operate effectively across diverse environments worldwide such as Arctic tundra, mountainous terrain, jungles, and deserts, and participate in mixed arms operations including airmobile and amphibious missions.

The core responsibilities include expertly handling and maintaining an array of weaponry like rifles, hand grenades, machine guns of varying calibers, and anti-tank armaments. They utilize advanced field equipment for communications, navigation, and night surveillance. Duties further extend to inspecting and maintaining weapon systems, vehicles, survival gear, and personal defense gear. Infantry Soldiers participate in airborne operations and coordinate with supporting units such as tactical and artillery forces. They are trained in unarmed combat and employ tactics such as camouflage, concealment, patrolling, assault, defense, and escape.

Work Environment

Typically working outdoors, Infantry Soldiers train and operate in field-like conditions. They are assigned to battalions across Canada and may be deployed globally for operations. Regular Force soldiers undergo relocations during their career, whereas Primary Reserve members work part-time with their local units, generally committing one night per week and some weekends, without mandatory relocation.

Entry and Training

No prior experience or career skills are required for entry. Candidates must have completed Grade 10 (or Secondary 4 in Quebec). Foreign education credentials may be recognized. Initial training involves the Basic Military Qualification course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, focusing on core military skills and physical fitness.

Infantry training spans 17 weeks at one of three Military Training Centres covering weapon care and use, fieldcraft skills like camouflage and tactical movements, site defense construction, navigation, and infantry tactics. Opportunities exist for specialized instruction in areas such as parachuting, mountain warfare, instructional methods, first aid, urban operations, chemical defense, and close-quarters combat.

Advanced career growth includes leadership training and specialized courses such as Infantry Section Commander, Sniper, Machinegunner, and Tactical Intelligence Operator among others.

Part-Time Options

Infantry roles are also available through the Primary Reserve, where members train and serve part-time while maintaining civilian occupations or education. Reserve members receive similar training standards, serve at local units, are compensated during training, and have options for full-time terms, deployments, and benefits including pension eligibility.

Related Careers

• Armour Soldier
• Gunner
• Combat Engineer