Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces

Example job titles

• admiral
• artillery officer
• brigadier general
• colonel
• commodore
• lieutenant commander
• major
• naval cadet
• officer cadet
• search and rescue captain

Main duties

• This group performs some or all of the following duties:
• Allocate material, human and financial resources to implement military policies and programs, establish administrative controls, and approve overall personnel planning
• Plan, organize and command the activities of the Canadian Armed Forces combat units and military strategic units in the Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Royal Canadian Navy at home and when deployed overseas during operations in conflict territory
• Plan, organize and command units engaged in non-military disaster relief, humanitarian and peacekeeping operations at the national and international level
• Set objectives of the organization in accordance with legislation and government policy, formulate or approve and evaluate programs and procedures, alone or in collaboration with senior government committees
• Coordinate the work of various military strategic units employing appropriate levels of military force for specific tasks
• Develop and implement military procedures and policies that are geared to the capabilities and performance of each unit.

Employment requirements

• A university degree is usually required.
• Completion of military training is required.
• Experience as a non-commissioned member of the armed forces and demonstrated leadership ability may substitute for a university degree.
• Senior ranks, such as colonel, require several years of experience.

Approved positions by year