Gunner

Overview
As a member of the military, Gunners are responsible for surveillance and target acquisition, and indirect fire to engage the enemy. As a Gunner you are responsible for the operation, maintenance and use of artillery systems, to include howitzers, mortars, radars, acoustic systems, uncrewed aerial systems, and armoured fighting vehicles. Gunners work closely with other members of the combat arms such as Armoured, Infantry and Combat Engineers, along with all other support arms on and off the battlefield.

The primary responsibilities of Gunners are to:

Operate and maintain 105mm and 155mm howitzers

Operate and maintain future Ground Based Air Defense Systems

Operate and maintain surveillance and target acquisition systems, to include radars, acoustic systems, and uncrewed aerial systems

Operate and maintain a variety of vehicles including but not limited to ¼ ton – 7 ton trucks, Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV), and Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV 6.0)

Operate technically advanced command‑post computers, laser range‑finders and fire control computers

Work environment
A Gunner can be called upon to serve in any kind of terrain – from Arctic tundra to tropical jungle, desert, mountains, or urban towns and cities. They are deployed overseas on operational missions and in Canada in support of civil authorities in cases of national emergency. Initially, they are posted to one of five Artillery regiments:

1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Shilo, Manitoba

2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Petawawa, Ontario

The Royal Canadian Artillery School, Combat Training Centre, Gagetown, New Brunswick

4th Artillery Regiment (General Support) Royal Canadian Artillery, Gagetown, New Brunswick

5th Canadian Light Artillery Regiment, 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Valcartier, Quebec

Career in the Regular Force follows completion of all required training, with assignments and occasional relocations. A Primary Reserve Force member attends a specific Reserve unit, working part‑time with an average of one night per week and some weekends, without mandatory relocation, but may volunteer for deployment or a move to another base.

Entry Plans
No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation. The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec. Foreign education may be accepted.

Training
The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course, which lasts 9 weeks and is held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades and ensures recruits meet the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard, making it physically demanding. Upon completion of BMQ, Gunners attend the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery School in Gagetown, New Brunswick for a second 9‑week course (DP1) covering individual soldiers’ skills, advanced weapons handling, radio communications, vehicle driving, and common artillery knowledge.
After completing DP1, gunners are posted to one of the five artillery regiments across Canada, where they develop specialized skills through formal courses and on‑the‑job training. Gunners can specialize in one of four streams:
Gun Area, Observation Post, Surveillance and Target Acquisition, and Ground Based Air Defence.

Part‑Time Options
This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part‑time with a military unit in their community, and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during their training and are not required to relocate; however, they may volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Reserve members receive 92.8 % of Regular Force rates of pay, a reasonable benefits package, and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.

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