Kenyans seeking to build a military career abroad now have the opportunity to join the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), which offers starting salaries as high as Ksh467,000 per month for new recruits.
This initiative is part of Canada’s broader effort to strengthen its military capacity by opening up recruitment to qualified individuals from around the world, including foreign nationals who are willing to become Canadian citizens once eligible.
The CAF is recruiting both commissioned officers and non-commissioned members (NCMs) to serve in various operational and support roles.
Non-commissioned members are skilled personnel who contribute to the daily running of military operations while upholding the safety, discipline, and morale of their units.
Officers, on the other hand, are trained to lead and make strategic decisions, with responsibilities ranging from commanding troops in combat to overseeing intelligence and logistics.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants Joining Canadian Armed Forces
To join the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), an applicant must either:
- Be a Canadian citizen,
or - Be a foreign national with permanent resident status under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and:
- Commit to becoming a Canadian citizen as soon as they are eligible,
- Meet a specific or special operational need, and
- Be deemed eligible for enrolment by the Commander of the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group (CFRG), with the assurance that their admission does not compromise national interest.
To qualify as a non-commissioned member, applicants must be at least 17 years old and have completed Grade 10 or the equivalent of 24 credits of Secondary IV in Quebec.
Those applying as officers must have completed Grade 12 and hold a Bachelor’s degree or be willing to pursue a military-funded education through one of CAF’s officer training programs.
Foreign applicants, including those from Kenya, are required to complete Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for both high school and post-secondary education before submitting their applications.
Also Read: How Kenyans Can Join British Military with Salary of Ksh 363K
Application Process
There are 5 primary steps in the application process. Each step requires your input and dedication. Make sure you are prepared and provide all required documents in a timely manner.
Enrolment into the Canadian military begins with an online application, where candidates are required to upload original copies of their birth certificates, academic transcripts, and national identification cards.
Once an application is accepted, applicants undergo a series of evaluations including a background check, a personality test known as the Trait Self Descriptor – Personality Inventory, and a scored employment application form that helps determine their suitability for specific roles.
A comprehensive medical exam follows, assessing vision, hearing, and overall physical health.
Those who pass the assessments are then invited for an interview with a military career counselor before final enrolment, which includes taking the oath or affirmation of service.
Recruits can choose between the Regular Force, which involves full-time service; the Reserve Force, which offers part-time opportunities; and the Special Force, which is activated under unique conditions such as national emergencies.
Also Read: How to Join KDF Military Police: Requirements, Process and Salary
Salary and Benefits
As a new direct entry recruit in the Regular Force, you could earn anywhere from $3,614 to $5,304 per month, while you complete basic training.
Salaries increase with promotions, additional qualifications, and years of service.
Once you are fully trained for your chosen occupation, your salary will continue to increase based on your time in the military, rank, and acquired skills.
Starting salaries are based on equivalent careers for entry-level positions within the private sector.
Beyond paycheck, the CAF provides comprehensive benefits, including free medical, dental, and vision care, an annual leave package that starts at 20 paid vacation days, and a robust retirement pension plan.
Annual leaves increase to 25 days per year after five years of service and reach 30 days of paid annual leave per year after 25 years of service.
Additionally, the CAF also offers other types of paid leave, such as special, short, and compassionate, which are designed to support its members professionally and personally throughout their careers.
Parental leave is also covered, with mothers and fathers entitled to up to 93 percent of their salary while on leave.
More information on eligibility and the application process can be found on the official CAF website: forces.ca.
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