Education · 1 of 5

The path

Officers need a degree. The question is who pays for it.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Strong marks matter here, because the paid education route is a competitive university admission as well as a military one.

2. 2

   Apply, usually by late January

   6 to 12 months

   Recruiting runs aptitude testing, an interview, a medical and a security screening. The Royal Military College of Canada posts a Regular Officer Training Plan deadline of January 31.

3. 3

   Basic officer training

   About 3 months

   About 12 weeks at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Drill, weapons, fitness, leadership under pressure.

4. 4

   Your degree

   4 years

   Either at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, a bilingual military university, or at a civilian university under the paid education plan.

5. 5

   Trade training, then your first posting

   1 to 3 years

   Infantry, artillery, naval warfare, pilot, logistics, engineering, intelligence. Pilot training alone can take another 2 to 3 years.