Canadian Reserve Force Eligibility

RESERVE FORCE BASIC ELIGIBILITY

Be a Canadian Citizen, 16 to 57, with 15 high school credits and free of legal obligations.

RESERVE FORCE BENEFITS

PAY

All soldiers are paid according to rank on a fixed daily rate. For a full day’s work (more than six hours) you get a full day’s pay; for less than six hours, you get half that amount. Recruits earn about $80 per day, which includes amounts for incidentals and instead of vacation.

PROMOTION

Promotion is based on performance, time served, and courses completed. A private, for example, commonly takes two years to become a corporal.

VACATIONS

Reservists who are serving full time get two days of vacation for each full month of service.

ALLOWANCES

While on training exercises or on duty that takes you away from home, meals and quarters are provided – maybe a hotel, more likely a sleeping bag in the woods. Transport allowances may also be provided.

EDUCATIONAL REIMBURSEMENT

The CF offers partial reimbursement (50% up to $2000 per year) of tuition for university courses leading to a BA or for other courses that are relevant to your military occupation.

UNIFORMS

Reservists are issued the same uniforms as their Regular Force counterparts, and these are replaced when necessary. All uniforms and equipment are on loan and must be returned when you leave the service.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE

Emergency on-duty care is provided while on part-time service; comprehensive care is provided to Reservists serving full time for more than 180 days. All Reservists are eligible for a dental plan that normally reimburses necessary dental work at 90% of the cost.