Surge in Military Recruits Boosts Canadian Armed Forces Numbers

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are experiencing a notable increase in the number of recruits graduating from basic training at the Leadership and Recruit School located in St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This development comes as a significant shift following years of struggling to meet recruitment targets and finding effective ways to attract more Canadians to military service. Recently, five platoons celebrated their graduation after eight weeks of intensive training, with a total of 204 recruits—comprising future soldiers, sailors, aviators, and officers—completing the program.

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. This is the most we have ever run in the post-Cold War history of the Canadian Forces.” The graduation parade was well-attended, with hundreds of family members and friends present to support the new service members.

Among the graduates was Private Erica Jerome-Valdez, who reflected on the positive changes within the CAF. She 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 efforts, the military still faces challenges, as only 18 percent of applicants are women. Nonetheless, various recent initiatives, including increased funding, are contributing to a more robust recruitment process.

In August, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced substantial pay raises, effective retroactively from April 1, 2025. These include a 20 percent wage increase for privates in the Regular Force, along with a new Military Service Pay benefit. “Every member of the CAF works really hard,” said Jerome-Valdez, emphasizing the fairness of improved salary and conditions, which she believes are attracting more individuals to join the military.

The recruitment process has also undergone significant changes, with a recent report from the Auditor General evaluating recruitment from 2022 to 2025. The report concluded that while the military has not yet met its operational needs, the gap is beginning to close. “There is a common misconception that most people joining are between the ages of 18 and 22,” explained Captain David White, an instructor at the Leadership and Recruit School. “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 heightened the focus on Canada’s sovereignty, particularly regarding defense strategies for the North. In response, the federal government is planning a significant cash infusion into the military over the next four years, which aims to bolster both recruitment numbers and the diversity of those enlisting. Traditionally, many recruits have come from military families, such as Private Logan McMackin from New Brunswick, who follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, a Second World War veteran. “My middle name is Thomas too,” he shared, expressing admiration for his grandfather’s legacy.

Despite the ongoing recruitment challenges, Kieley noted the importance of welcoming individuals with no military background. “It is wonderful to have second and third and fourth generation CAF members,” Kieley said. “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 Leadership and Recruit School remains committed to maintaining this upward trend in recruitment, positioning the Canadian Armed Forces to better meet both current and future operational demands. As the military evolves, the hope is that more Canadians will see service as a viable and honorable path, contributing to the safety and security of the nation.