Basic Military Qualification

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Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) is the initial training for non-commissioned recruits and reservists entering the Canadian Forces. Regular Force courses run nine weeks at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Reservists complete the program in two months during the summer, or over 9 to 12 weekends in fall or winter at a base with the necessary resources.

BMQ is part of Developmental Period 1 (DP1), which covers entry‑level skills and knowledge and may include environmental and occupational qualifications and required second language training. After finishing DP1, non‑commissioned members are considered employable at an introductory level. Progress to Developmental Period 2 (DP2) happens once a recruit joins a unit and leaves the Basic Training List.

The course provides the knowledge common to all trades in the Canadian Forces and aims to develop a military mindset, mental and physical endurance, and basic combat skills. It is physically, mentally, and morally demanding and is grounded in the core values of the Canadian Armed Forces: Duty, Loyalty, Integrity and Courage. BMQ is the same for all non‑commissioned recruits in the Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Royal Canadian Navy, regardless of trade. It teaches the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a military environment, builds teamwork and cohesion, instills good working habits, tenacity, confidence, military skills, and discipline. Adapting to military life can be the most challenging part of recruit training.

There is a strong focus on workplace safety, with instruction in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), fire safety, first aid, and the safe use of equipment and weapons. Recruits also learn fieldcraft skills such as survival, map reading, locating targets, and camouflage.

Training typically runs in a platoon of about 60 for Regular Force BMQs, led by a warrant officer or petty officer first class. In the Primary Reserve, a platoon is usually led by a commissioned officer (captain or lieutenant) with a warrant officer as the second in command. The platoon staff includes four section commanders, a sergeant or petty officer second class, a master corporal or master sailor, plus a Swing NCO who can back up staff and teach when needed, and an admin NCO who handles administrative duties. Physical training is conducted by civilian staff from the Personnel Support Programs (PSP), who teach the physical program and grade the FORCE fitness test; the course staff supervise PT to ensure safety.

After BMQ, DP1 training continues in the member’s service environment (Navy, Army, or Air Force) or in their occupation. In the Primary Reserve, officer candidates (Cadets/Second Lieutenants) also undertake BMQ as Module 1 of the Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ).

A typical weekend for reservists begins Friday evening with a half‑day of instruction, followed by full days on Saturday and Sunday.