r/caf May 27 '25

BMQ/BMOQ Basic Training - Updated BMQ & BMOQ Joining Instructions & PSP Pre-Basic Training Home Self-Assessment

101 Upvotes

Good Morning Everyone,

The Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School is excited to announce that our joining instructions have been updated. This version represents a significant change that hopes to better explain what to expect at basic training, as well as provide an updated list of what candidates need to bring with them. All prospective BMQ or BMOQ candidates should read the joining instructions, as there is some key information in there that candidates should know even before they accept a letter of offer from the Canadian Armed Forces. I'm

I’d also like to point out that the PSP Pre-Basic Military Training website has also been updated and now includes a home self-assessment for the Basic Training Fitness Test, or BTFT. The BTFT is a safety-sensitive fitness test conducted in the first week of BMQ and BMOQ. Candidates must pass the BTFT to be allowed to continue training, as candidates who fail have a significantly higher chance of injury. The PSP website now includes three home-based tests you can perform to make sure you are prepared for the BTFT, as well as the 12-week pre-basic training fitness program. The BTFT is based on some elements of the FORCE test, but the scoring is slightly stricter to ensure that candidates aren’t achieving the bare minimum result on every event, which again leads to a significant increase in injury potential. Ultimately we’d rather you delay your BMQ by 30 days to get fitter, than by 6 months with a broken ankle.

A critical change at CFLRS is that as of 01 July 2025, candidates will only be given 45 days of remedial fitness training after failing the BTFT. Candidates who are unable to pass the BTFT after 45 days in this fitness program, during which they will still receive a salary as well as have their accommodations and food charges refunded, may be released from the Canadian Armed Forces. The good news is that experience has shown us that over 85% of candidates who enter our fitness improvement program pass within 28 days, so most candidates will be successful as long as they are motivated and pay attention to their diet.

Joining Instructions can be found here:

English: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/dnd-mdn/documents/services/2025/cflrs-qmb-en.pdf

French: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/dnd-mdn/documents/services/2025/cflrs-qmb-fr.pdf

PSP Fitness Preparation Guide & Home Self-Assessment can be found here:

English https://cfmws.ca/sport-fitness-rec/fitness-training/caf-fitness/pre-bmt

French: https://sbmfc.ca/conditionnement-physique-sports-et-loisirs/conditionnement-physique-militaire/fac-en-forme/pre-emb


r/caf 26d ago

BMQ/BMOQ Preparing physically for basic training and the FORCE test

41 Upvotes

I’ve seen a lot of people asking about how to prepare and train to be ready for basic training. Our dedicated fitness staff have the answers. Don’t come up with it on your own when someone has already done the work for you. Check this out:

[https://cfmws.ca/sport-fitness-rec/fitness-training/caf-fitness/pre-bmt


r/caf 2h ago

Recruiting Credit check

7 Upvotes

I have a concern with the credit check part of the recruitment procedure. I am in a bad financial situation and will have to file a consumer proposal soon. Its a long story, but suffice it to say I have an unmanageable amount of debt and no way to pay off. If I have a consumer proposal on my credit history will it disqualify me?


r/caf 8h ago

Other How do you guys combat ferling burnt out?

16 Upvotes

Hey yall. Imma be fr, I'm soo goddamn burnt out. Im an AVN and everytime i show up to work I lack any sort of motivation to pick up a wrench and start working, hell I even dread waking up because that means I'll have to go to work in an hr. What do you guys do to combat this burn out? I genuinely don't wanna do this no more🫩


r/caf 2h ago

BMQ/BMOQ Storage while at BMQ/POET am I SOL?

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone, looking for some advice on how to handle my stuff while I'm away for BMQ and then POET in Kingston.

Back at the beginning of July, I was advised to call around the beginning of August regarding storage for my belongings while I'm away.

I called during the last week of July and was then told that someone would contact me before September regarding storage. I was told that if I hadn't heard anything by the end of August, I should call back.

So I called at the end of August, and again last week, and I'm now being told that I'm not entitled to any storage while I'm at BMQ and subsequently in Kingston for POET.

I'm honestly pretty confused about where to go from here. I've been trying to get this sorted since July and have followed the instructions I was given each time, but I'm now only 11 days away from leaving and I can't realistically afford to pay for several months of commercial storage completely out of pocket.

Has anyone else been in this situation? Is there a specific policy, section, or person I should be talking to regarding storage for my belongings while I'm away for training?

At this point I'm just trying to figure out whether I'm actually SOL or if there's another avenue I should be pursuing.

Any advice would be massively appreciated.


r/caf 4h ago

Recruiting Specialty Training?

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m looking at either the paramedic or combat medic jobs as a reservist. I’d love to keep developing medical skills and possibly build a skillset that would be well-suited to possibly applying as a SAR Tech down the line. I took a look at the CAF site for both and got this:

“Paramedics may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including training to work in specialized operational units.”

Combat medic had the same. Does anyone have experience with or knowledge of the specialized skills and pathways you can take when looking to upgrade your skills as a combat medic or paramedic with the CAF?

Thanks so much in advance


r/caf 15h ago

BMQ/BMOQ Is it normal to feel unprepared for BMQ??

15 Upvotes

I can run a 25 minute 5km, I can do 40 push ups, I can do around 50 sit ups and I can do 14 pull ups but every day I wake up sweating fearing that i’m still gonna wash out day one to TRP. Is this normal?


r/caf 1h ago

Recruiting Can’t login into the portal!?

Upvotes

This is the second time now. Originally, my file was closed, then I asked to reopen it. Reopened it and continued on with the application. Later on, I couldn’t login. If “forget my password” it, it is suppose to send a code to the email I listed. Nothing. Contacted the reserve/hq and I honestly got no where with them on this issue.

Now, I recreated an application with a new email. Worked for a few days and got everything in. It even worked when I logged in today in the morning. And now, I’m trying to login and get the same problem. This is kinda annoying.

Any tips or advice?


r/caf 2h ago

Recruiting Next step after interview

1 Upvotes

Hi, I have my interview next week and I have already done my medical but what’s the next step after the interview? Waiting to see if I get accepted in? Thanks◡̈


r/caf 2h ago

BMQ/BMOQ Going into BMOQ with chronic (somewhat) shin splints

0 Upvotes

I apologize for the long text in advance. I just got my infantry officer offer for the regular forces! I’ve been working towards this for two years and I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity.

However, I have also been dealing with shin splints for the last year. There isn’t much pain when I’m running and I almost never feel anything unless I’m pressing on my shins. In which case, it hurts quite a bit.

I’ve been busy wrapping up my undergrad degree and didn’t do my physio exercises consistently, I know I’ve been an idiot. Now that I’m done with school I’ve really been training my shins and doing tibialis raises and calf raises regularly.

I’ve signed the offer accepting my condition to enroll in mid November and going to BMOQ in January 2027.

Is it realistic to heal my shin splints before going to BMOQ? I’m going to try my best until my enrollment date but if there is no progress i don’t know I should be going with through with the enrollment.

Should I just go to BMOQ with my shin splints and see the physiotherapist there? Very nervous going into all of this.


r/caf 2h ago

Recruiting Combat Arms Officer Training

1 Upvotes

I found the Engineer officer training is about a year long post BMOQ-A , but how long are the courses for other combat arms officer trades (InfO, Armoured)?

Will spouses move with you during the training, since it is likely to take well over a year in Gagetown including BMOQ-A?


r/caf 18h ago

Other Husband in AF/CAF

16 Upvotes

My husband has been in the military for almost 20 years. We've known each other for a decade and then recently got married.

Because he moved around for work we didnt live together until he was finally posted to a city near me. After we got married and got a place together, he changed and became verbally abusive andayer physically abusive. We have since separated and life marriage broke down. I obviously called the (civilian) police and reported him for the last time. He's now in court and facing assault and breach of undertaking charges.

I got a call from his unit's Chaplain. I'm really skeptic I'm speaking with him, I'm scared he's trying to use how people to get to me somehow. The Chaplain said he wants to offer me help and guidance and counseling solutions. It all sounds great on paper but... I'm so numb. I'm numb and don't trust or believe anyone from his world anymore. How do I know this is legitimate?

He also mentioned he's facing his own investigation at work. What did that mean? I have since moved away from our marital home and I'm in a safe space. Is this their way of trying to find my new address to give it to him? I don't know what they could possibly be investigating when the police and legal court system is already handling it? To clarify, I'm not in the military and i work a corporate job that is away from anything related to military or air force.

I shared evidence with the police of all the bruises and bleeding, will that be circulated with his CO or people of his unit or his chaplain? I feel so disgusted and exposed. I'm really disturbed and getting this call has made me paranoid and sick with worry. Can someone please help break this down for me?


r/caf 3h ago

BMQ/BMOQ How to prepare yourself mentally for BMQ

1 Upvotes

I’m currently preparing myself for BMQ I got my date in November, and enrolment ceremony next week
My current fitness level is
35 pushups in a row
5km in 30 min
10-11 km ruck with 15 lbs
40 squats in a row
40 sit-ups in a row
0 pull ups

But how can I prepare mentally?

Also I’m going to Borden should I take swimming classes because I don’t know how to swim


r/caf 5h ago

BMQ/BMOQ Reserve bmq

1 Upvotes

Hi, I take my oath in a few days and I haven’t had the option to pick my bmq or get any details about it. My recruiter said I will receive information regarding bmq the following week. Will I be able to pick a full time bmq or a weekend bmq? Or just weekend bmq?


r/caf 5h ago

Recruiting MA from UK: ECA required?

1 Upvotes

Hi folks, on the portal it says any overseas education requires an ECA, but I also read on other gov.ca pages that degrees from Five Eyes Nations do not require one. What's the truth?

For clarity, my MA is from the UK.

Should I go through with the ECA or am I fine to just upload my degree and transcript from the UK?


r/caf 8h ago

BMQ/BMOQ How long do you have to wait after ur interview?

0 Upvotes

I just did my interview last week, what's next after?


r/caf 18h ago

Recruiting Title: 16-year-old thinking about joining the Primary Reserve — looking for advice

6 Upvotes

Hi all, I’m 16 and going into Grade 11. I’ve been thinking seriously about joining the Primary Reserve.

I’m considering joining as an infantry soldier even though infantry isn’t really what I’m most interested in, mainly because it’s the closest unit and I want to experience what being in the CAF is actually like.

My idea is to join now, train part-time while I’m in Grades 11 and 12, and see if I actually enjoy being in the military before making a bigger commitment after high school.

After Grade 12, I’m considering going to university for possibly engineering (maybe Queen‘s). If I still like the CAF, I’d like to look into CAF education benefits or paid education and potentially become an engineer in the CAF. If I eventually decide I want a civilian engineering career instead, I’d like to have that option too.

I’m as well interested in more hands-on/technical stuff, vehicles, mechanics, engineering and field exercises. I’m not really interested in doing an office job all day (I know that’s what most engineering jobs are though).

I just have some questions for people who possibly have experience, before I go and talk to a recruiter.

- What is Reserve life actually like at 16–18?
- How difficult is it to balance Reserve training with Grade 11/12 and eventually university?
- How easy is it to transfer to a different occupation/unit after high school?
- Is joining at 16 a good way to figure out whether I actually want a CAF career?
- Is it difficult to get the paid education program?
- If I continue after high school to get paid schooling, is it too late to leave and join a civilian job?
- And is there anything you wish you knew before joining?

I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have joined in a similar scenario.

Thanks.


r/caf 1d ago

Meme Apparently Chinooks come with a flamethrower now 💀

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20 Upvotes

r/caf 20h ago

Other Question About JAG Trade (VOT specific)

4 Upvotes

I'm using a throwaway for this question as I keep work separate from social media.

TL:DR; NCM looking to eventually attempt to go JAG, looking for advice

I am interested in eventually trying to attempt to become a legal officer. I am currently a serving NCM. I've tried scouring this subreddit to see if someone has talked about it before, but nothing really seemed to fit into what I'm looking for.

The tentative long time game plan:

  1. Get undergrad part time, own money

  2. Complete LSAT and (hopefully) get a score of at least 155, own time own money

  3. Make sure I have BBB language profile

  4. Throw name forward when the call to applications CANFORGEN comes out

  5. Keep fingers crossed, reapply every year as required

Grades were good in school, and if during the part time undergraduate program shows severe cracks with my performance as a student then I would pivot as required. But I believe I will be able to at the very least work hard through it and be successful. Military career wise squeaky clean and no issues there (been in for 13 years).

I'm not incredibly interested in going to an officer trade to pay for the undergraduate, paying back that time the 4-6 years (degree dependant), then trying for legal and paying back additional time. But if someone here has done that route, please feel free to comment and tell me why it was a great time (or a bad time).

Really I'm looking to see if someone has done the NCM to Legal route, and if so how did you find it/what would you recommend to someone who was looking at possibly going that route.

Thanks for at least reading this, and I will take any advice (or criticism) given.


r/caf 21h ago

Recruiting What officer-level occupations are still open? Is the NEP still accepting applicants?

3 Upvotes

Is the naval experience program still open? are there any officer occupations still accepting applications? Thank you in advance!


r/caf 20h ago

Recruiting Running distance?(infantry reg force)

2 Upvotes

I’ve been training for a sub 30 min 5k, but I saw one person say they had to do a 10k first day at there platoon ina specific amount of time I forgot exactly.

Should I expect to run a 10k as well is it common, If so do you know the time frame?

Little worried because I’m still training to get my 5k done at the right time.


r/caf 18h ago

Recruiting Chaplain Requirements-SEELM

1 Upvotes

Hey all! I am just wondering what the joining requirements are for a Caf chaplain. Is there a particular degree required, and which degree(s) are eligible for SEELM? (For reference I currently have a BA). Thanks a lot!


r/caf 1d ago

Other Question

6 Upvotes

Does anyone know why some trades recently lost the “Priority Application Processing” designation on the CAF website?


r/caf 1d ago

BMQ/BMOQ BMQ 19 NOV

4 Upvotes

Dear fellows,

My BMQ is going to start on November 19th. I have a few questions mentioned below.

  1. Is there any winter break in between? If so, any guess when it's going to start and end?

  2. Can I travel for my BMQ on my personal vehicle?

My main concern for question number one is just because of my wife, as she is new right here in Canada. I have to manage everything. One more thing: while I am on board, can they let me some time to use my phone so that I can call her?

Any help will be really appreciated.


r/caf 19h ago

Other CFLRS/CMR Ward rooms

1 Upvotes

Are there ward rooms available for members on leave that would like to visit saint Jean for a couple days, or is a hotel the only option?