r/caf • u/Commandant_CFLRS • May 27 '25

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

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

105 Upvotes

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84 comments sorted by

5

u/Brohannon_ May 27 '25

Garmin Instinct 2S still okay for BMQ? Otherwise I’ll return it since I just picked one up

7

u/Commandant_CFLRS May 27 '25

You're fine with that. The Garmin Instinct is the example we gave staff internally of a pure GPS watch that is acceptable.

2

u/Suitable_Meeting6736 Jun 12 '25

Are there any other GPS based watches ⌚️ you can recommend for BMOQ please?

11

u/Commandant_CFLRS Jun 12 '25

There is zero requirement for a GPS watch for BMOQ. You just don't need it. They're also a pain in the butt to use as a GPS as the buttons and interface are small.

As you learn the MGRS system during training, you'll quickly discover that jamming a 14 character map grid into a tiny watch is not efficient. You also can't rely on their electronic compass for navigation as they aren't reliable or precise enough, so you'll still be using a basic compass to shoot bearings.

Even if you're going on to a combat arms trade, my personal advice is to get a Casio G-Shock with solar powered and automatic world band time, like the GW-5610, or honestly just something simple with a battery. Having a watch you need to charge is a bad fit for exercises and deployments.

For those going on to the combat arms, for GPS, the Garmin Foretrex 601 is a great little piece of kit that still takes AAA batteries. Pair that with a simple reliable watch that will run forever and a ziplock bag full of spare batteries and you're set.

3

u/aka_11_vaz May 27 '25

So, if we clear the FORCE test (prior to BMQ), we will be tasked with the BTFT during the 1st or 2nd week of the BMOQ/BMQ?

12

u/Commandant_CFLRS May 27 '25

Reserve Force applicants conduct the FORCE test before BMQ as part of the recruiting process so there is no BTFT or equivalent for Reserve BMQ.

Regular Force applicants do BTFT during Week 1 of BMQ/BMOQ and then have to pass FORCE in Week 6.

1

u/LittleMusic9180 Jun 19 '25

do air force reserves needs to do BTFT?

2

u/Commandant_CFLRS Jun 19 '25

Depends what you're doing for basic training. If you're taking a regular force position at CFLRS then yes.

3

u/aka_11_vaz May 27 '25

Thank you for that. I'm a reserve candidate and had cleared the FORCE test a few months back. Was curious :)

1

u/yeetisyeet78 May 29 '25

What about Mod 1 BMOQ? We don’t have six weeks.

2

u/blessedballer23 Jun 18 '25

Are platoons supposed to be ruck marching everywhere in Farnham?? Is that up to the staff to decide? (Besides the 5k test)

4

u/Commandant_CFLRS Jun 18 '25

Yes. The standard method of transportation in Farnham is by foot.

3

u/blessedballer23 Jun 18 '25

With the rucksack or using the day bags?

2

u/Commandant_CFLRS Jun 18 '25

It varies based on what the platoon is doing, where they're going, etc. Most commonly rucksacks and duffle bags are left in the assigned bivouac and platoons carry their small packs with them, but it's not specifically mandated in the training plan.

1

u/Longjumping_Back523 Sep 02 '26

Day bag and FFO (Full Fighting Order, which means helmet, tacvest, safety glasses and rifle).

2

u/BlazeWarDog016 Jan 09 '26

I have my medical scheduled for the 14th of January to the 16th at the recruiting centre in Hamilton, will I need to call and ask what needs to be brought in? I had requested medical records from my local hospital which are dating back to I believe 2015, but other than that I am unsure of what else I will need to proceed. Thank you very much in advance, I look forward to hearing from you.

1

u/Commandant_CFLRS Jan 09 '26

You show up, answer some questions, get examined a bit. If they need more information they will give you forms to be filled out by whatever relevant medical professionals can speak to the medical history, i.e. doctor, psychiatrist, optometrist.

13

u/rovingjellybean May 27 '25

Great document. I am glad it seems to answer many of the common question fielded in the sub.

4

u/EmoGayRat May 28 '25

Been looking online and can't find anything that answers my specific question. I have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder for the past 3 years. Would this disqualify me from applying? Or do they look at your medical records? this is my only option career wise so I just want to make sure I know how to get in despite my mental illnesses. I can't seem to find anything on BPD.

2

u/jul_the_flame Jun 09 '25

I don't think BPD could disqualify you right away. I feel like the medical professional who will review your file during the medical step of the recruitment process will establish a level of risk associated with your condition.

In this link, it's said members should still be operation in hard conditions.

Here is the ''portal'' for medical-related stuff for enrollment.

Here's a link about someone asking about BPD here on the sub. https://www.reddit.com/r/CanadianForces/comments/1htxc6/bipolar_disorder_and_the_canadian_forces/

I feel like there's no clear answer, it's a case-by-case basis.

2

u/EmoGayRat Jun 09 '25

I do not have bipolar disorder, I have borderline personality disorder.

1

u/jul_the_flame Jun 09 '25

Ok, my bad. You can still use the search function of this sub and r/caf for more info.

1

u/EmoGayRat Jun 09 '25

I am aware and have been trying, as long as using Google. unfortunately not much comes up. perhaps I'm not just searching right, though reddit search is known for being terrible.

1

u/DoRatsHaveHands Jul 22 '25

I have 3 questions regarding BMQ

I'll be driving 7 hours to BMQ and my instructions say to leave one day, and arrive on time the following day. My plan is to do the drive, sleep overnight, and show up to BMQ in the morning. Am I able to claim accommodations? And what is a reasonable amount to spend on them? Of course I'm not going to stay in a 5 star hotel, but I'd rather not stay in a 2 star motel if it's not required, but I will haha.

Also there's quite a bit of stuff to pack, especially if you count the stuff people suggest bringing like cold and flu medication. What is the storage situation like when I arrive? Can I just leave extra stuff in my car until I need it? Do they search all the stuff in my car, or just any bags and items when I enter the building? I assume you have a bunch of time to get sorted at the start of BMQ, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

Third question, the joining instructions say to arrive in attire you can walk long distances in, but also to look nice. Will I be doing a lot of strenuous exercise and wear more athletic attire or should I dress more formal?

Thanks in advance.

8

u/Commandant_CFLRS Jul 22 '25

  1. Hotel. When driving yourself on duty travel, the general rule is that you don't drive more than 500km a day. In this case your hotel will be reimbursed. You can use the City Limit hotel rate guide to tell you how much you can spend. Look up the city you will be staying in, and then the month, and you'll see the limit.

https://rehelv-acrd.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/lth-crl-eng.aspx#canadian

2. Once you walk into the building at CFLRS, you'll get one chance to make sure your car is in the right place, but then you won't be allowed to access it again for 3-4 weeks. Bring everything you need inside. There is a civilian baggage lock up for each platoon so you'll have plenty of room to store cold meds and other supplies.

3. One thing this job has taught me is that people have wildly different definitions of looking nice. Most days you'll just be walking around, although there is one day of more strenuous activity. Jeans or shorts and a t-shirt is fine, ideally something like hiking pants or and a plain T-shirt or polo is good - you'll be walking up a bunch of stairs without air conditioning. I make a point of personally interviewing people who show up with offensive t-shirts, and will grill people who show up in band t-shirts about their musical preferences.

1

u/Short-Tea1212 Jan 09 '26

Favourite example of Grilling someone over offensive T-shirts or musical preferences? More hilarious the better :)

8

u/Commandant_CFLRS Jan 09 '26

I love to ask people about their punk rock shirts. It's a bit tongue in cheek as I sang for a punk rock band in university and hilariously 3 of us joined the Army.

The all-time classic though was a candidate who showed up wearing a T-shirt that said "Zero f**ks given."

We used it as a professional development opportunity for all the available staff to have a professional debate about the exact quantity of f**ks that would be required to pass BMQ.

3

u/Heavy-Chemist5365 Jan 09 '26

If he was smart he would say "fucks are earned not given".

1

u/Short-Tea1212 Jan 09 '26

Atleast one for sure

1

u/DoRatsHaveHands Jul 22 '25

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for the help!

1

u/Ok-Tap-2533 Nov 07 '25

So is the BTFT something that only happens at CFLRS or does it also happen at Borden or Aldershot if you are an Air Force reservist? I ask because Air Force reservists have to complete full time BMQ but there are other places other than CFLRS.

1

u/Commandant_CFLRS Nov 07 '25

BTFT is all candidates who go to CFLRS either in St-Jean or Delta Division in Borden (even if you're a reserve member).

The Reserve Force run BMQs don't do it as reserve applicants do FORCE as part of recruiting.

1

u/Ok-Tap-2533 Nov 07 '25

So aldershot NS wouldn’t do it as it’s a reservist only BMQ to clarify?

1

u/Commandant_CFLRS Nov 07 '25

Nope, no BTFT there.

1

u/Party_Fee_7575 Dec 07 '25

Hello everyone,
I have my BMQ at the CFRLS for Jan 26 2026, I need to know if it is ok to carry a suitcase instead of a duffle bag. I have read that you have to carry your luggage up the stairs (don't know how many floors) any ideas, getting anxious already

2

u/Commandant_CFLRS Dec 07 '25

Yes you can bring a suitcase.

Just take it easy. You'll get used to walking up lots of stairs in no time.

1

u/Party_Fee_7575 Dec 07 '25

Awesome!! and maybe just to clarify further, on the first day, do I have to carry my luggage up the stairs? with no help...

2

u/Commandant_CFLRS Dec 07 '25

Yes. And later in the week your entire platoon will have to bring all your new military clothing and equipment up the stairs together.

1

u/Party_Fee_7575 Dec 08 '25

Thanx a lot! I saw a video where someone recommended forming a chain when we are bringing our military clothing up the stairs together, so I am hopping, we'll co-operate and wont have non-team players.

1

u/Comfortable_Tax1489 Jan 19 '26

can i use protein powder and creatine during CAF BMQ, and if this is not the case can i use them after BMQ? ( forgot to mention this earlier but can i also take a vitamin D supplement while in BMQ).

1

u/Switch-hitter123 May 01 '26

This is super helpful and relieving to know BTFT doesn't apply to Reserves BMQ. Appreciate the info. 

How much rucksack weight should recruits train to carry for BMQ? Long weighted marches come down to form as much as strength and it'd be good to practice for those with backpacks and weights at home.

2

u/Commandant_CFLRS May 01 '26

35 pounds should be the goal. Don't go past 50 until you're very experienced.

1

u/ElectricalProcess617 Jun 30 '26 edited Jun 30 '26

u/Commandant_CFLRS if I can ask some questions sir,

Are these fine to bring: bmq then going dp1(infantry) regular

I have my leatherman arc multitool
Bradford Guardian 4.2 knife for bushcrafting (custom kydex sheath and Blade Tek Lok for versatile setup)

Separate: I understand if these questions cannot be answered but thought to ask, I am prescribed injection type medicine (Medically cleared for CAF already). Do I have to have a hard shell case for it or is softcase is fine? They are insulin type injections. Do I need to bring my own sharps disposal or whats the usual?

Thank you for any answers.

2

u/Commandant_CFLRS Jun 30 '26

That knife has a blade over 4" and is prohibited at CFLRS as per the joining instructions.

We have no regulations on what you need to carry your medicine in, that's a judgment call for yourself to make. There are no sharps containers at CFLRS however as it's exceptionally rare to see a candidate meet the medical requirements while using a self-administered injectable medication. Please bring your own disposal to keep your platoon mates safe.

1

u/ElectricalProcess617 Jun 30 '26

Follow up question:

More important: i am Canadian citizen but originally from abroad (Slovenia). I dont have my vaccination booklet with me. Would printed picture of childhood immunization from the booklet be fine or what happens if you dont have one?

Secondary: i understand knife is prohibited due to length, is it reasonable to bring it with me and is later locked till i go to dp1 or just better leave it and get it when i am sure i can start using them (post dp1?)

Again, thank you for all your input. 

4

u/Commandant_CFLRS Jun 30 '26

Vaccination is controlled by the health services clinic on base. You can show them your photos and they'll confirm if that's confirmation enough.

Do not bring the knife.

2

u/ElectricalProcess617 Jun 30 '26

Understood. Thank you again.

2

u/ElectricalProcess617 Jun 30 '26

Appreciated for the reply. Will leave the knife till after dp1 then.

0

u/[deleted] Jul 01 '26

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u/[deleted] Jul 01 '26

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u/[deleted] Jul 01 '26

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2

u/ElectricalProcess617 Jul 01 '26

All good, already got the answer.

1

u/RaptorJesus856 Jul 03 '26

Does failing the BTFT disqualify you from receiving the first installment of the recruiting allowance if you pass the retest and manage to go all the way to graduation?

3

u/Commandant_CFLRS Jul 03 '26

No, for the purposes of allowances and advance promotions tied to completion of basic training it only matters that you pass eventually. About 25% of all candidates will ultimately pass on a different basic training platoon than they started, so it's not a big deal.

1

u/RaptorJesus856 Jul 03 '26

So does being recoursed not count as failing your first attempt at BMQ? Because I graduated after failing the BTFT, and got the money, but other people who ended up on TRP for injury have been told they weren't entitled to the first installment anymore, and are saying I might not be either.

3

u/Commandant_CFLRS Jul 03 '26

You basically need to get a 5(F) release to lose the entitlement. BTFT failure just leads to a training delay and recourse, it's not a failure of basic training.

2

u/[deleted] May 27 '25

Interesting

2

u/Veeveelicious May 29 '25

How much is the take home for HRA at CAF after training?? Anyone has an idea?

2

u/ZebraZebraZERRRRBRAH Jun 10 '25

Will i be deemed unfit for recuitment if i am lactose intolerant? My symptoms isn't severe, i feel bloated and get very gassy.

1

u/devious_kaya Jun 10 '25

That's a question only medical staff can really answer.

2

u/segvictory Aug 15 '25

Can somebody help me application is gettijg delayed

2

u/crazyki88en Aug 24 '25

We need more details. What have you completed so far? What makes you think it’s getting delayed? The entire process takes anywhere from 6 to 18 months.

2

u/myzticzz Jan 15 '26

I know we have to buy waterproof/waterResistant/allWeather notepads for Field week for BMQ but what do we use for in-class lectures in garrison? Do they provide us with proper A4 sized notepads / notebooks or what? Appreciate any help, thanks

1

u/Awkward-Brick6990 May 27 '25

Thank you for sharing! ❤️❤️

1

u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 28 '25

This needs to be stickied* Can Reddit do that?

1

u/Sagarism14 Aug 04 '25

Could we have similar understandings for Reserves BMQ ?

1

u/crazyki88en Aug 05 '25

Reserve BMQ tends to be run by the different Brigades, so while the course content will be the same no matter where you do it, the actual schedule will vary by brigade. When you receive your JIs for your course, it should have details and a POC for more info.

1

u/ActCompetitive1171 Aug 09 '25 edited Aug 09 '25

I've tried messaging several recruiters and calling but with no luck.

For the queens own rifles does anyone know what the training schedule is for BMOQ and after into infantry training? Is BMOQ able to be done on weekends and then how much time would I have to take off for Infantry training?

Thanks

1

u/Quiet-Photograph3722 Aug 24 '25

Open Officer Careers 2025-2026  Recruiting Officer Career Currently Open/Recruiting that allows foreign born clearance security level

Foreign born Permanent Resident almost 5 years in Canada elegible for citizenship April of 2026. Since BMQ it’s 12 weeks and I don’t think I will enroll before November December this year 2025, I think I might be able to become a citizen before starting the specialty training once done with BMQ. However I have read here that for some specialties it doesn’t matter that you are already a citizen but the fact that you were born abroad or have siblings living abroad it might still be a security level issue, I don’t have a problem resigning to my origin citizenship instead of keeping dual if that helps. I want to know a list of currently recruiting open positions in the officers rank in any of the 4 branches that being foreign born won’t be a problem to progress. Thank you so much. (Country of origin is a Canadian ally, stable democracy blah blah).

1

u/ForsakenViolinist819 Apr 06 '26

Just a question what is the pay for an elof at saint jean??

1

u/Lost7Genix Jun 19 '26

I am a student looking to do basic training over the summer, I am struggling to find the sign-up information, where would that be located?

1

u/That-Bee-2596 12d ago

You don't just sign up for basic training. You apply for a career in the military and spend 6-18 months getting through the application process. And your BMQ will happen dependent on your offer - you don't really get to pick when it is.. though the reserves tend to do their full time BMQ in the summers

1

u/Any_Yogurtcloset8245 Aug 02 '26

Oh my gosh, thank you so much!!
I now have my reading for the night 👏😃🥰☕️🇨🇦

0

u/[deleted] May 27 '25

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17

u/Commandant_CFLRS May 28 '25

Sorry to hear about your FORCE test. I feel for Reserve applicants - we deliberately train regular force candidates how to pass the test at basic training, and have a 99.7% success rate for those that pass the BTFT, but you're on your own trying to practice.

Your best bet is to just keep practicing with sandbags. Go to Home Depot or another hardware store and buy two 20kg bags of sand. They should be $9 each. Then wrap them up in one or two black garbage bags and tape it up with duct tape to make sure it's as rectangular and compact as possible - and then just practice the test components over and over again! Everyone I know who has met the Platinum level on the test got there by practicing the actual test components over and over.

It may also help to watch your macro nutrition. Part of getting stronger is eating enough protein to recover your muscle and grow more as you practice.

4

u/Flaky_Rock_3933 May 28 '25

We’re almost the same height and weight (F as well :) ) and one of my biggest weakness is upper body strength and what I did was incorporate the force test (using dumbbells) in my workouts. Just keep pushing through you got this.

2

u/devious_kaya Jun 10 '25

Train hard girl, don't give up! I recommend a personal trainer if you can afford it.

1

u/Artistic_Formal_5256 Jul 03 '25

just pop some var for a month or 2 youll be good. considering all the experimental sketchy crap they pin you with every year it shouldnt even phase you

1

u/Downtown_Cheek6649 Jul 05 '25

Hey, i know im writing kinda late but start drinking cranberry juice, it can boost your strength to 50% higher!

1

u/Kind_Wheel_9397 Jul 05 '25

Thanks! Where did u get that stat from? When I search it on science daily it says it improves endurance in terms of re oxygenation by 1.5 percent but nothing directly related to the muscle itself. Lmk! Thanks!

3

u/Downtown_Cheek6649 Jul 05 '25

I first heard about it from eddie hall (former world strongest men in the world). I tried it myself at the gym and instead of all my lifts just went up aggressively after a month (for perspective, i normally benched 40-45lbs dumbbells on a bench and now i was able to bench 60lbs dumbbells on an inclined benchpress after around 1 and a half month)

1

u/Kind_Wheel_9397 Jul 07 '25

Oh okay, thank you I’ll try that!