Canadian Armed Forces See Surge in Recruits Amid Renewed Commitment

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are experiencing a notable increase in recruitment, with a recent graduation ceremony for 204 new recruits at the Leadership and Recruit School in St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This marks a significant shift after years of struggling to meet recruitment goals. The recruits, including soldiers, sailors, aviators, and officers, completed eight weeks of rigorous training, culminating in a parade attended by family and friends.

Commandant Marc Kieley highlighted the progress, stating, “This year, we put on 7,600 basic training seats, which is the most we’ve ever run in the post-Cold War history of the Canadian Forces.” This increase follows a focused effort to attract a more diverse pool of candidates and to enhance the military’s public image. Among the graduates was Private Erica Jerome-Valdez, who noted, “I think the Canadian Forces worked really hard to improve their image and also diversity. I think it has become a more welcoming environment for different people.”

Despite these advancements, there remains a disparity in gender representation within the military, with only 18 percent of applicants being women. Nevertheless, recruitment initiatives are gaining traction, supported by a recent announcement from Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding pay raises for military personnel, including a retroactive 20 percent wage increase for privates in the Regular Force. “Every member of the CAF works really hard,” Jerome-Valdez added. “I think it’s fair that we are getting that improvement in conditions and salary. I think that is also helping to bring more people in.”

The recruitment process has also been streamlined to better meet operational needs. An October report from the Auditor General assessed recruitment from 2022 to 2025, noting that the military had fallen short of its targets. Although there is still a gap, the trend is beginning to shift.

Changing Demographics of New Recruits

Captain David White, an instructor at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, explained, “There is a common misconception that most people joining are between the ages of 18 and 22. We do skew towards a younger side; however, a lot of candidates that we see coming through are in their late 20s, late 30s, and even in their 40s.”

Geopolitical tensions have intensified the focus on national security, with an emphasis on defending Canadian sovereignty, particularly in the North. The federal government is also planning a significant financial investment in the military over the next four years, which is expected to further enhance recruitment efforts and diversify the makeup of the armed forces.

Traditionally, military recruits have often come from families with a history of service. Private Logan McMackin, from New Brunswick, followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, who served in the Second World War. “My middle name is Thomas too,” he said, reflecting on his family’s military legacy. “I really looked up to him. My dad always told me stories about him and how strong he was. It is super inspiring to chase that kind of life.”

Contrastingly, many of the current recruits have no prior military connections. “It’s wonderful to have second and third and fourth generation CAF members,” Kieley remarked. “But having Canadians and new Canadians with no family history of the military suddenly showing up in greater numbers, saying they know there is a need to defend the country, is great. They are coming in as the very first person in their family or friend group to serve. It is a definite change.”

The mission of the Leadership and Recruit School now is to sustain this upward trend in enlistment and adapt to the evolving landscape of Canadian military service. As the CAF continues to enhance its recruitment strategies and address underlying issues, it aims to build a force that reflects the diverse fabric of Canadian society while meeting operational demands effectively.