Mishall RehmanIn line with the ongoing reconstitution priorities, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is ramping up its recruiting capabilities to meet strategic intake goals and fulfill operational needs.
Therefore, the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group (CFRG) is now actively seeking motivated CAF members to take on a key role in helping to attract top talent to the military, while also promoting diversity and inclusivity.
“Recruiting provides the opportunity to interact with local communities, future CAF members, and their families. It is challenging, professionally rewarding, and it offers recruiters the satisfaction of making a positive contribution to the institution while supporting CAF reconstitution efforts,” states CANFORGEN 168/24.
Meeting Operational Needs
As part of its broader mission, CFRG is tasked with developing a steady-state recruiting program that aligns with the CAF’s Annual Strategic Intake Plan (SIP). The overarching goal is to ensure that the CAF attracts the best and brightest individuals from across Canada, creating a force that not only meets operational requirements but reflects the diversity of the Canadian population.
“Successfully attracting and recruiting the best talent to the CAF requires that those selected to work in our recruiting teams exemplify professional excellence and embrace the importance of attracting a diversity of Canadians to the CAF,” states the CANFORGEN.
A Significant Role
To recognize the importance of recruiting within the CAF structure, the military intends to reward those applying for this position accordingly.
Personnel selected for recruiting assignments will receive the same career advancement points as those serving in operational deployments.
This move is intended to elevate the status of recruiting assignments, ensuring they are seen as equally valuable to one’s career progression as operational command or leadership tours.
Roles and Location
CFRG is seeking candidates from various environments and occupations to fill key roles in the recruiting process. These positions are available across a wide range of ranks and responsibilities, including:
- Military Career Counsellor (Capt/Lt(N) Rank)
- Recruiter (Sgt/PO2, MCpl/MS may be considered)
- Recruiting File Administrator (Cpl/LS to MCpl/MS)
- Various Command and Control Positions, Attractions Officers, and Social Media Managers (MCpl/MS to Maj/Lcdr)
Recruiting positions are available across Canada, with locations including major urban centers such as Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax, as well as smaller communities throughout the country. Additionally, CFRG’s headquarters in Borden, Ontario, is looking for individuals to fill two key advisor roles.
Key Advisor Roles
In a move designed to bolster diversity within the CAF, CFRG is also seeking candidates for two senior advisor roles focused on gender equality and Indigenous engagement. These roles are critical to ensuring the recruiting process remains inclusive and aligned with CAF’s broader diversity goals.
The first is the Indigenous Advisor. According to the CANFORGEN, “the ideal candidate will have experience as an Indigenous CAF member and active engagement with Indigenous communities and elders, and be motivated to enhance and promote CAF Indigenous Recruitment Efforts.”
The other role is Women’s Advisor (Capt./Lt.(N)).
“The ideal candidate will have lived experience as a woman in the CAF and be motivated to enhance and promote women’s recruiting efforts,” reads the CANFORGEN.
Selection Process and Training
All incoming recruiting personnel will undergo an initial screening process and specialized training before assuming their roles. Specialized recruiting training will take place in the spring, with the first courses scheduled for May 2025.
Candidates will be assessed on a variety of key attributes essential for success in recruiting, including, according to the CANFORGEN:
- Desire and ability to represent the CAF to potential applicants
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact positively with potential recruits
- Self-confidence in public speaking and effective communication skills
- Physical fitness and high levels of motivation, integrity, and pride in the profession of arms
- Technological proficiency, including knowledge of social media platforms and content creation
Bilingualism is also considered an asset, reflecting the CAF’s commitment to serving both official language communities.
How to Apply
CAF members interested in these recruiting roles are encouraged to submit their interest by emailing CFRG’s dedicated recruiting opportunities inbox CFRG Recruiting Opportunities@CFRG@Borden no later than December 15, 2024. It is essential that interested candidates also notify their chain of command and career manager to initiate the planning process for the 2025 postings.
After completing the initial screening and personnel file review, candidates will be invited to participate in a standardized selection board interview. Successful candidates will be assigned to a CFRG unit and nominated for specialized recruiting training.
For more information, CAF members can send their questions to the CFRG Liaison Officer at STG-CFRGRECRUITINGOPP(AT)FORCES.GC.CA [[email protected]].
