Artillery Officer

Overview
As a member of the military, an Artillery Officer coordinates and executes indirect fire support, ground‑based air defence, surveillance, target acquisition, and provides tactical advice as part of the combat arms team. The Officer works closely with members of the Armoured, Infantry and Combat Engineering regiments as well as all other support arms on and off the battlefield.

Specialised Areas
Field Artillery Officer Expertise

Howitzers and mortars

Battlefield surveillance radars

Observation and fire‑control systems

Coordination and integration of indirect fire and close air support

Air Defence Officer Expertise

Air surveillance radars

Tactical data‑link systems

Future ground‑based air defence systems

Target Acquisition Officer Expertise

Uncrewed aerial systems

Acoustic weapons locating systems

Weapons locating radars

Artillery intelligence and counter‑battery fires

Work Environment
An Artillery Officer may be called upon to serve in any terrain—Arctic tundra, tropical jungle, desert, mountains, or urban town and cities. Officers are deployed overseas on operational missions and in Canada in support of civil authorities during national emergencies.

Initially, Officers 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

Entry Plans

Direct Entry Options

Paid Education Options

If you already have a university degree, the CAF will determine if your academic program meets the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on‑the‑job training program following basic training.

Training
After enrolment, training proceeds through the Following stages:

Basic Officer Training (BMOQ) – 12 weeks at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School.

Infantry School at the Combat Training Centre – 12 weeks to complete Basic Military Officer Qualification Army (BMOQA).

Further courses at the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery School – training in duties of an Artillery Troop Commander across all specialties.

Specialised coaching (Fire Support Officer, Ground‑Based Air Defence Officer, Forward Observation Officer, Target Acquisition Officer, Joint Terminal Attack Controller).

Part‑time Options
This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Officers serve part time at an Army Base or armoury while possibly pursuing education or a civilian career. They are paid during training and may volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Recruiting Centre
Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts. They begin training with their home unit and receive additional training for specialised skills as needed.

Related Careers

Engineer Officer

Infantry Officer

Armour Officer

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