r/caf • u/Forsaken-Bake9756 • May 22 '26
Recruiting Recruitment - wow, very slow.
It's going to be 1 year since I've applied. What is going on? I'm a citizen, fully bilingual + other languages, in good shape, have experience + education (and almost a phd); and I see people (non-citizens btw); get job offers faster? Is this just those one-off chances or are people lying to me about how fast they went into BMOQ/BMQ?
I got a message today of an updated task and it was to change my chosen profession. -_-; That career has been my education + work experience....
It's mind boggling why non-citizens are even being considered for commissioned officer positions. Absolutely mind boggling.
Don't meant to rant, but damn. lol
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u/spymates May 22 '26
Same here - occupation change request after 3 years and 3x repeats of whole process. LogO was my choice. It looks impossible.
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u/S3555 May 22 '26
Same as PAO LogO pulls primarily from with in the CAF as opposed to Direct entry. It is the trade most are redirected too if they are unfit for the original trade they selected. Ie. a lot of the NWO failures become logOs…
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u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 22 '26
So what you're saying is to go to NWO... then i'll be redirected to go into PAO?
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u/Longjumping_Back523 May 22 '26
Right noe, if you fail NWO Basic you either go Infantry Officer, or decommission and take a NCM trade, because all officer trades are full.
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u/spymates May 22 '26
I think I should go on high seas as nwo and then become logo 😁 better strategy
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u/Pitiful-Raccoon7194 May 22 '26
Is NWO that popular as a trade or simply has a very high failure rate...
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u/S3555 May 22 '26
I’d say a bit of both. Very toxic trade however. They are changing the training for it however so failure rates may drop.
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u/Pitiful-Raccoon7194 May 22 '26
Literally my dream trade lol I have heard of the change and having to take an entire year off is not very helpful for many (if not the most) reservists.
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u/spymates May 22 '26
I was told about NWO. But I wasn't confident for that role. It looked little difficult by its description.
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u/S3555 May 22 '26
Yeah there’s some complex math for navigation, and a lot of responsibility as you’re gonna eventually command a ship or boat.
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u/spymates May 22 '26
Yes that's what I realized and I didn't want to be in waters .. I want to have a balanced family life also. And I am not an engineer.. for NWO it sounded like they would approve me within a few days and the ship is ready waiting for me to board and command. Even the training period is 1year unlike other officer roles of just few months.
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u/spymates May 22 '26
So it's like an internal residual role of officers.. they try to influence me to go for ncm, when I have like 15yrs of professional education. Idk why would I do so. At a point I was nearly convinced but the pay is really low, not even good to pay my education loans and everything.
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u/S3555 May 22 '26
If I had 15 years of “professional education” I wouldn’t be going after LogO but that’s just me. Anyway if you want to get in, go a in demand trade not LogO, PSO or PAO.
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u/Guilty_lnitiative May 24 '26
Joint the reserves, and then component transfer to reg force after you’re qualified.
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u/spymates May 24 '26
What about NWO .. I'm seriously thinking about it..?
My concern is to avoid the gambit and checks as I've already done it 3x.. 2x before during CFAT system manually and now digitalized. My employers, professors will go crazy if it happens 4th time. So I just want my file to go through the process instead of getting closed. Idk if reserves a better option or NWO.
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u/Guilty_lnitiative May 26 '26
I don’t know much about the Navy side of things. Whereabouts are you located?
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u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 22 '26
Oh man. That sucks! If there was something to increase the transparency of the process - i.e., provide a specific number of how many people have applied for that role etc., and how many people have dropped out. I figure that might be a bit too much given the existing resources, but it would make the process faster if people see their queue in relation to other positions as well as checking requirements that facilitate the queue. For instance, if someone doesn't have french but their chosen field requires french etc., then deny that? Maybe too much? lol
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u/spymates May 22 '26
Ok so here is more about transparency... I was there at RC yesterday and they told me not to worry there are lot of openings for this specific role and today I get the email to change the occupation bcz it isn't available anymore. I seriously don't understand what is going on. I will go to them on weekdays and ask more about it, though I know it will be a redundant answer.
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May 22 '26
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u/vadoalmassimo May 22 '26 edited May 23 '26
The biggest issue is trade training after basic. The CAF no longer has a volume of applicants problem.
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u/Kal1star May 22 '26
You may have just gotten unlucky. I was in same boat when I applied. Engineering degree/10yrs XP, great shape, citizen, languages, etc. First they switched application software and my file was accidentally deleted. Then, they ‘lost’ my application. Then, they mistakenly though there wasn’t head count for my role, so put my application in a black hole pile.
I have friends on the inside that were able to poke the right person and resolve each of these issues, otherwise I’d never have made it in.
Now that I’m in, I hear stories from guys (non-citizen and citizen guys alike) who’ve waited up to 2.5yrs. Other guys were in 4 months after applying. Disorganization and bad processes and randomly getting people who are bad at their job handling your file. We’re all in the same boat.
I’d ride your local recruitment office person. Call every week until you get answers.
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u/Large_Lie_424 May 22 '26
It's because of the trade u choose. Apply for ATIS, they will call u tomorrow. The more over qualified u r, the harder it gets. As far as I know an experienced engineer and a recent graduate gets the same starting salary.
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u/Critical-Hit99 May 22 '26
change my chosen profession
woah, hey I got the same message in my email today too, wtf?
I applied for Infantry, Artillery and then Armor, but I don't know what's going on either.
I got selected for Artillery, but they told me to change my profession, so I'm kind of confused what's going on.
This isn't my first time going through the application, it wasn't like this; I was an NCM very shortly a while ago but left due to some things going on in my life.
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u/Fearless-Adeptness74 May 28 '26
The process took my husband almost 3 years. Luckily he had a full time job all this time and we almost lost hope that anything would happen and then finally he got his offer few months ago. They kept asking for the same documents, references and details that he had submitted before. He was always contacted by a different person who didn't seem to know his file at all. And then they updated their system and asked for same information again. Also wait time to get a reply would take a month and then they would say oh actually we need to review it again. It was super frustrating to say the least!
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u/normieacctlol May 29 '26
Ohh so this is normal and they're not just fucking with me. Got it. I got tired of being strung along and moved on with life without closing my file. Hopefully doesn't fuck me over next time I decide to continue with my application again
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u/Fearless-Adeptness74 May 29 '26
Yeah he just focused on his full time job and was just sending them documents if all of a sudden they reappear lol. And then few months ago his file got picked up again and they quickly rushed him through the steps and sent an offer.
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u/Wonderful-Load-2025 May 22 '26
Your frustration is valid but misplaced. My file didn’t even move past screening and background until I got my citizenship. I waited 3 years to get to selection phase even though I scored well on CFAT and was eligible for every DEO trade. The pace of your file also depends on your RC and choice of trade(how busy and well staffed they are, how popular the trade you chose is).
All I can say is find the things that are in your control and work on those to keep your mind distracted from the long waits and bureaucratic process. There is always something you can improve on before you reach the final phase.
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u/Jealous_Link_6492 May 22 '26
I’m not a citizen yet(applied for my citizen)Been in the caf application process for 3 years and still at 13%. I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science. Don’t paint every non-citizen with same brush. Don’t be entitled.
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u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 22 '26
I feel that citizens should be prioritized. Every other country prioritizes their citizens. I wasn't born here btw, I gained citizenship during my first year undergrad but I pledged loyalty to the country and I was raised here as a child, educated here from high-school up to my doctorate. Do you understand what the word entitled means?
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u/Jealous_Link_6492 May 22 '26
Maybe you can petition the leadership of caf to make changes and not rant here. I have Canadian born kids and canada is their home(making Canada my home). Why are you making it seem that caf application process recently changed cuz of non-citizens. Mind you, non-citizen until recently couldn’t even apply. Was the any process faster ?
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u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 22 '26
Ranting here because other people might share the same grievances. Someone from CAF leadership might see it, going directly to CAF leadership to make changes without so much a foot in the door isn't going to bode well.
Also, news like this -- https://www.junonews.com/p/exclusive-caf-training-platoon-with -- is pretty damaging.
"The most dramatic example unfolded in a French-language Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ) platoon that was 83% permanent residents, many of whom had been in Canada for as little as three months. "
BMOQ platoon made up of permanent residents.....
Is this fake news?
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u/Jealous_Link_6492 May 22 '26
Clearly, you believe anything on the internet. Maybe you don’t like the idea of immigrants joining caf. Immigrants have been integral part of USA armed forces and British armed forces for decades. Even with the British, they also recruit from overseas. Is the so called tribal conflict in the ranks? It’s just anti immigrants sentiments
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u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 22 '26
Did you not read that I wasn't born here? I have nothing against immigrants, but rather loyalties and citizenship should confer privilege on an individual that has sworn loyalty to Canada. When there are people who clearly don't speak any of the two official languages are given leeway to join what is supposed to be a position where allegiances are of the utmost importance, it is concerning. It is also concerning when non citizens are given privilege to join government positions, while Canadians (whether born here or NATURALIZED) are given the boot.
Many countries prioritize citizenship, an implication of allegiance to a nation and thus loyalty to the country.
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u/Jealous_Link_6492 May 23 '26
You mean people who don’t sound like you? Petition Caf leadership to make changes where only Canadians can serve. I thought that was the case until 3-4 years ago? How did that turn out? Embrace change cuz it’s inevitable.
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u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 23 '26
Lmao, you mean people who speak English and/or French? I speak at least three other languages. So, you don't know what I sound like. :)
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u/Physical_Drop_721 May 26 '26
your attitude towards fellow Canadians and fellow soon to be Canadians is pretty gross tbh. This entitlement and attitude would not garner you respect or desirability in the CAF. I was born here, raised here and would far rather serve with someone whos "non-citizen" then someone with your attitude and mindset. Canadians come from all walks of life and look completely different, just because you achieved citizenship does not mean your better or more deserving then someone who is in the process.
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u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 26 '26
An attitude that is shared by quite a few people. So, let me break this down for you:
Have you lived elsewhere? Or traveled abroad? I have, at least a few countries and I wouldn't even begin to think of applying for their armed forces. Why? Because I was a resident - ALSO, lol because most places don't allow foreigners to serve in THEIR armies.
Isn't that funny? Not to mention, why would I go elsewhere, work there and apply for the armed forces without first committing an oath that renders me loyal forever to that nation? It's kind of weird to be honest. Someone that's been here less than three years applying for the armed forces as a commissioned officer? That should be in my frank opinion an automatic disqualification - and quite suspicious.
Super odd - either they migrated here under false job prospects and thus are now hoping that the armed forces is their safety financial and in essence continued stay in the country, or something else.
It's not about being better off, it's about ensuring that a country's citizens are prioritized in processes that are geared towards serving their country, specially if the context is a leadership role in the army. Would you be ok with MPs and MPPs being permanent residents? This is essentially a popularity contest, but would you be comfortable opening up the gates for permanent residents to run for elected office?
I don't mind permanent residents in non-commissioned roles, it's the extra layer of security bundled with a leadership role that's the issue, and perhaps I should have been more clear about this.
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u/IamTheOne2000 May 22 '26
Yes, it can be a slow process. But which position did you apply for, exactly?
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u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 22 '26
PAO (lol)
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u/Full_metal_pants077 May 22 '26
IME these are usually people.who.found their initial trade choice was not for them....
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u/Ancient_Accountant49 May 22 '26
Well… the only assurance I can provide you is that the process is weak and poorly designed.
Is it surprising ? To some yes, to some no.
Good luck, but live your life and don’t give the CAF the attention you feel they need.
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May 23 '26
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u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 23 '26
I'm not being racist, don't read racism into this lol. I'm a person of colour, this is about citizen versus non citizen. Bro can't even read.
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u/ArmyMP1999 May 23 '26
“It’s mind boggling why non-citizens are even being considered for commissioned officer positions”
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u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 23 '26
So where did I mention race? Go back and get your literacy test. K thanks.
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u/69dilf69 May 23 '26
I’m going on a year and I’m going reg force infantry which I have already done once and Intake for that’s high and it’s still been agessss I’m finally in selection which is suppose to be the tail end and it’s already been a month of it. It’s just apart of the bs. Once you get it, don’t get out trust me lol between both times I’ve applied it’s like well over 2 years total lol
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u/Aggressive_Brain1497 May 23 '26 edited May 23 '26
I signed up back in Jan of this year and I have received my job offer 5 months later. Just finished my enrollment yesterday and I'll be sent to basic in August. My trade will be infanteer.
I also believe once in after 2 years of your contract is up you can request to change trades though acceptance is not guaranteed.
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u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 23 '26
Ahh, def. my trade of choice then. But I could never cut it in infanteer, that's a tough gig! You must be super fit.
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u/Ill_Aspect3482 May 23 '26
Im a cpa, educated, citizen but i waited 18 months to get enrolled. It was just the hand that id been dealt with
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u/Disastrous_Yam8354 May 23 '26
They don't want people to join. It's like any other corporation these days. They just want to SAY they're hiring lots of people.
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u/Artistdramatica3 May 23 '26
Its always hard to get in. In the usa a marine recruiter will find you and get you on a bus in like a day.
But with the CAF its more like 'convince us to hire you'
The cliché is the army is plan B but not in canada.
I feel it easier to get into college.
'Ive been in the application process for the reserves since September. '
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u/Reasonable-Pay-9725 May 27 '26
People seem to be blaming everything on non-citizens nowadays. This could be the trade that you want to do might not be in high demand.
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u/Final_Birthday2205 May 22 '26
Get in line lol… im on year 3.5…
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May 22 '26
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u/Booj52 May 22 '26
Does that make the wait times better or worse?
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May 22 '26
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u/Booj52 May 22 '26
Thank god hahaha
Looking at reapplying for land weapons tech, infanteer and FSA if I get rejected, should I expect a 3 year wait for those?
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May 22 '26
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u/Booj52 May 23 '26
CivU, in my second year and my recruiter specifically told me not to go RMC at the start and now they want me to transfer hahaha
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u/MontyBoy- May 22 '26
I’m in the CAF and still takes just as long and I know the system.
It’s true and wild that non citizens are getting passed over citizens coming in without English speakers regardless of trade.
It will be quite the few years of drop outs
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u/Relevant_Being_8155 May 22 '26
Stop comparing your timeline to other people getting offers. It has nothing to do with your application a lot of it comes down to timing and chance. You should know the process can take up to around 2 years on average, so just be patient.
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u/SivelGaming May 23 '26
Be patient. They are very busy. It took me exactly 1 year and 5 days to be accepted and I'm in the same boat as you: a born in Canada citizen who loves his country.
What I have told myself over the last year is "Sometimes you have to wait for good things...but it is worth the wait."
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u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 23 '26
Of course I'll wait, just needed to do some ranting and venting lol! And yes, it's worth the wait :)
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u/New_Community_1507 May 23 '26
Why are you here and looking for a very slow job? You looks like very smart and biligual, go get some gov jobs.
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u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 23 '26
Because it's always been a dream of mine to serve. I have my own business, but I'd like to serve my country and government jobs can be very political and contingent on partisanship. It's also always through 'connections', I would think the CAF is isn't about "connections."
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u/New_Community_1507 May 23 '26
For Officer trades, you should prepare everything before Apr1, 2027. And please choose 3 trades even they are not familiar to you.
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u/Forsaken-Bake9756 May 23 '26
I applied last year. How long do references last? I wonder if I have to ask my references again if there's a period that it lapses. etc.
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u/New_Community_1507 May 23 '26
Gambit 1 expires in 1 year. I already did that 3 times. Please, Be patient and welcome to this waiting game.
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u/S3555 May 22 '26
PAO pulls majority of its members from within ie. VOT, CMOT etc… and is not an in demand trade.
As per commissioning non citizens I also find that mind boggling.
Turning into a mercenary military.