44200 – Primary combat members of the Canadian Armed Forces

Lead statement

Primary combat members of the Canadian Armed Forces provide collective defence measures to protect Canadian waters, land, air space and other interests. They conduct raids and ambushes in combat missions and conduct patrols and escorts in security and stability missions. They also follow the military and strategic policies established by the leadership of the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Airforce and the Royal Canadian Navy.

Main duties

• Provide assistance in emergency situations, such as civil disorder, natural disasters and major accidents
• Operate armoured vehicles, artillery, hand-held weapons and other military combat equipment and defense systems
• Engage in non-combat operations for humanitarian efforts
• Participate in drills and other training in preparation for peacekeeping, combat and natural disaster relief
• Maintain weapon systems, vehicles, survival gear and personal defensive equipment
• Perform underwater search and recovery operations
• Use tactics of camouflage and concealment, patrol, attack, defense, and evasion when engaged in combat missions.

Employment requirements

• Completion of secondary school is usually required.
• Three months of basic military training are provided.
• Specialized training in the operation and maintenance of military equipment and systems is provided.

Example job titles

able seaman - Royal Canadian Navy · armour defence gunner · armoured soldier - Canadian Army · artillery soldier · infantry soldier · infanteer · ordinary seaman - Royal Canadian Navy · soldier - Canadian Army · private - Canadian Army · private recruit - Canadian Army · aviator - Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

Wages (per hour)

Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.