Gunner

As a Gunner, you are responsible for surveillance and target acquisition and indirect fire to engage the enemy. You operate, maintain and use artillery systems, including howitzers, mortars, radars, acoustic systems, uncrewed aerial systems, and armoured fighting vehicles. Gunners work closely with the other members of the combat arms (Armoured, Infantry and Combat Engineers) along with all other support arms on and off the battlefield.

You are a member of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery; the primary responsibilities of Gunners are to:

• Operate and maintain 105mm and 155mm howitzers
• Operate and maintain future Ground Based Air Defense Systems
• Operate and maintain surveillance and target acquisition systems, including radars, acoustic systems and uncrewed aerial systems
• Operate and maintain a variety of vehicles including but not limited to ¼ ton – 7 ton trucks, Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV), and Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV 6.0)
• Operate technically advanced command-post computers, laser range-finders and fire control computers

A Gunner can be deployed in a range of terrain from Arctic tundra to tropical jungle, desert, mountains or urban areas. They may be deployed overseas on operational missions and in Canada in support of civil authorities in cases of national emergency. Initially, they are posted to one of five artillery regiments:

• 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Shilo, Manitoba
• 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Petawawa, Ontario
• The Royal Canadian Artillery School, Combat Training Centre, Gagetown, New Brunswick
• 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support) Royal Canadian Artillery, Gagetown, New Brunswick
• 5th Canadian Light Artillery Regiment, 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Valcartier, Quebec

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, after completing all required training you will be assigned to your first base. Posting flexibility varies and accommodations can’t always be made, so you may move during your career. If you join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit and your workplace will be the Reserve unit on a part-time basis.

You will not be obligated to relocate to a different base, and you typically work one night per week and some weekends, with possibilities of full-time employment.

• Direct Entry Options

No previous work experience or career-related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you determine if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation. The minimum education requirement is the completion of provincial Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec. Foreign education may be accepted.

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course, which is 9 weeks, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades and ensures recruits meet the CAF physical fitness standards; the training is physically demanding.

Upon completion of BMQ, Gunners attend The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery School in Gagetown, New Brunswick for another 9-week course (DP1) covering individual soldier skills, more advanced weapons handling, radio communications, vehicle driving and common artillery knowledge.

After completing DP1, gunners are posted to one of the five artillery regiments across Canada, where you develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training. Gunners can specialize in Gun Area, Observation Post, Surveillance and Target Acquisition, and Ground Based Air Defence.

This position is available for part-time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part-time with a military unit in their community and may serve while going to school or working a civilian job. They are paid during training. They are not posted or required to move, but they can volunteer to move to another base.

They may also volunteer for…