In today’s economy, more and more people are turning to employment positions with known stability and staying power. What has more of these virtues than a position in Canadian military? The military is an opportunity to find long or short-term employment with many guarantees and some great benefits. However, there are many factors that must be considered when one is thinking about a career in the military. Speaking to a career counsellor at RDG Careers can assist you in determining whether the military path would be right for you.

Initially, deciding whether military is right for you can be a difficult step. Military jobs are generally considered dangerous, as often there is a chance for combat and high risks for the employee. Military jobs are often considered appropriate only for a certain type of person and it is important to decide if you would fit the bill. There are personality tests that a career counsellor can assist you with, and these may also be available online. In addition, there are overviews available regarding physical conditioning that are important to consider when thinking about military as a job choice. Looking over the government websites associated with job opportunities in the military is a good starting point to determine if you are interested in the many options the military offers.

Once you have made the decision that military would be a good fit for you, there are many different ways you can enter into this job field. You can enter without even completing high school, an interesting option for the unmotivated potential “high school dropout”. The requirements for potential applicants are that you are a Canadian citizen, have completed the equivalent of 33 credits of high school (grade ten), and you must be 16 years old for primary reserve or 17 years old for the regular forces. Be advised you will require parent or guardian permission if you are under 18 years old. You can also enter the military through various university and college programs across Canada that are associated with the military. Often, individuals have their education subsidized by the Canadian military in exchange for a term of service once their education is complete.

The two branches of military (reserve vs. regular force) have very different schedule expectations. As a reservist, you are usually required to work 4 days a month and may be able to complete your training periods during summer months. Reservists are often enrolled in education or work traditional jobs in addition to their service. Individuals involved in the military through regular force position are making the military their full-time employment. They often reside on military bases, and depending on their position may be expected to move their families depending on military requirements.

If you are confident in your abilities and judgment, are able to adjust quickly to changing situations and are able to make changes in your priorities as situations unfold, you may find that the military is a good fit for you. The military is a team environment that promotes leadership, teamwork, and hard work.  Career counsellors are available to help you assess your personality and skills to determine if you would excel in a military career in Canada.