Infanteer

Role overview

Infantry soldiers are the Army’s frontline combat specialists. They form a key part of the Combat Arms team alongside artillery and armoured personnel, with the core mission of closing with and neutralizing the enemy.

This role is built for work in demanding environments around the world, including Arctic tundra, mountains, jungle, and desert. It can involve airmobile and amphibious operations, as well as coordinated action with other combat units.

What the role involves

• Handle and look after a broad set of weapons, such as rifles, hand grenades, light, medium, and heavy machine guns, and anti-tank systems.
• Work with advanced field tools for communication, navigation, and night-vision observation.
• Check and maintain weapons, vehicles, survival equipment, and personal protective gear.
• Take part in airborne missions.
• Coordinate with supporting assets such as fighter aircraft, tactical support, and artillery.
• Train for and carry out unarmed combat.
• Apply camouflage, concealment, patrol, assault, defensive, and escape-and-evasion methods.

Work setting

Infantry soldiers generally operate outdoors and train in conditions similar to field operations. Posting is typically to a battalion in Canada, though opportunities exist across the country and on deployments overseas.

In the Regular Force, you will be assigned to your first base after completing all mandatory training. Relocations may be required during your career, and flexibility around postings is not always possible.

In the Primary Reserve Force, you serve through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your unit is your part-time workplace, and relocation is not normally required. Reserve members usually work one evening per week and some weekends at a minimum, with the option of full-time work in some cases.

Entry route

This is a direct-entry role. No prior work history or job-related experience is required, and recruiters can help assess whether your interests and personal qualities fit the occupation.

Training and development

Training begins with Basic Military Qualification at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This phase builds the essential skills shared across all military occupations and is physically demanding because recruits must meet the Canadian Armed Forces fitness standard.

Infantry training is delivered at one of three Military Training Centres: The Royal Canadian Regiment in Meaford, Ontario; Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Wainwright, Alberta; or the Royal 22e Régiment in Valcartier, Quebec. The Infantry course lasts 17 weeks and covers weapons handling, field craft, hygiene and meal preparation, camouflage, sentry duties, signalling, firing positions, tactical movement, defensive works, minefield marking, day and night navigation, patrolling, and section/platoon tactics for offensive, defensive, and transitional operations.

As you progress, additional formal and on-the-job learning may be available in areas such as parachuting, jumpmaster duties, para instruction, mountain warfare, teaching methods, first aid instruction, rappelling, NBC defence instruction, urban operations, and close-quarters combat instruction.

Further career development can include advanced training in leadership, section command, platoon second-in-command roles, company sergeant-major duties, communications, reconnaissance patrolling, anti-armour operations, sniping, machine gunnery, small-arms coaching, 25mm gunner and light armoured vehicle crew commander functions, winter and jungle operations, patrol pathfinding, and tactical intelligence work.

Reserve Force details

The role is also open on a part-time basis in the Primary Reserve at selected locations across Canada. Reserve members typically train and serve with a unit in their community, may balance service with school or civilian employment, are paid during training, are not normally posted, and can volunteer for relocation or deployment within or outside Canada.

Reserve members train to the same standard as Regular Force members. They usually start with their home unit to meet basic military standards and then complete 7 weeks of Infantry training at one of the CAF training centres. Pay is set at 92.8% of Regular Force pay, along with a benefits package and possible pension contributions.

Related roles

Related careers mentioned include Armour Soldier, Infantry Officer, and Gunner.

Eligibility and education

Applicants need at least the provincial equivalent of Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec. Foreign education may also be accepted. No previous work experience or occupation-specific skills are required.

Additional notes

Priority application processing is noted for Infantry Officer and Gunner.

This role is associated with the Canadian Army and the Canadian Armed Forces.