Service commitment in the CAF

From National Defence

In the Regular Force

The time you spend in the Regular Force can range from three to nine years, depending on the job you choose. If you enrol through a paid education program, your length of service will be longer. Please speak with a recruiter for details specific to your situation.

With paid education

In exchange for paying for your education, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) requires you to serve for a period of time after graduation. You will receive a salary, medical and dental care and paid vacation during your time in service. Time served is calculated based on two months of service for each month of paid education.

In the Reserve Force

The time you spend in the Reserve Force is voluntary. There is no mandatory length of service. Most Reservists serve on a part-time basis and most have non-military, full-time careers or are full-time students.

Routine training and deployments are also voluntary. However, a national emergency such as a war or an invasion may require you to serve full time in Canada or overseas. This commitment can only be mandated by the federal government in response to a serious national emergency.