Gunner

Role overview

Gunners are military specialists who support combat operations by finding targets, observing the battlefield, and delivering indirect fire against opposing forces.

In this role, you would be responsible for using, caring for, and operating artillery-related equipment such as howitzers, mortars, radar equipment, acoustic detection tools, uncrewed aerial systems, and armoured vehicles. The job involves working alongside Armoured, Infantry, Combat Engineer, and other support units both in the field and in support roles.

Core duties

• Handle and maintain 105mm and 155mm howitzers.
• Operate and service future Ground Based Air Defense systems.
• Use and maintain surveillance and target acquisition tools, including radar, acoustic sensors, and uncrewed aerial systems.
• Drive and maintain a range of military vehicles, including quarter-ton to 7-ton trucks, Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles, and Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV 6.0).
• Use advanced command-post computing tools, laser range-finders, and fire-control computers.

Work setting

This position may require service in very different environments, including arctic terrain, jungles, deserts, mountains, and towns or cities. Gunners may be deployed on overseas missions or tasked within Canada to support civil authorities during national emergencies.

Regular Force members are first assigned to a base after they finish all required training. Postings can change over time and relocation may be necessary, although placement flexibility is not always possible.

Primary Reserve members serve through a specific reserve unit, usually within their community. Outside of training, the role is typically part-time and does not require relocation. Reserve service generally includes one night each week and some weekends, with opportunities for full-time periods as needed.

Entry route

This is a direct-entry role, so no prior job experience or trade-specific background is required. Recruiters can assess whether your interests and personal qualities suit the occupation.

Training

Training begins with Basic Military Qualification (BMQ), a 9-week program at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. It covers the essential military skills shared across all trades and is physically demanding because recruits must meet CAF fitness standards.

After BMQ, trainees complete another 9-week course (DP1) at The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery School in Gagetown, New Brunswick. This phase covers individual soldier skills, more advanced weapons handling, radio communication, vehicle operation, and core artillery knowledge.

Following DP1, Gunners are posted to one of the artillery regiments across Canada and continue building specialist capability through formal instruction and hands-on experience. Specialization pathways include Gun Area, Observation Post, Surveillance and Target Acquisition, and Ground Based Air Defence.

Reserve Force details

This role is also available on a part-time basis in the Primary Reserve at selected locations across Canada. Reserve members can serve while attending school or holding a civilian job. They are paid during training, are not posted or required to move for work, and may volunteer for domestic or international deployment.

Reserve members train to the same standard as Regular Force members and usually start with their home unit. If extra specialization training is needed, the home unit arranges it. Reserve service is generally scheduled around evenings and weekends, though some units may offer fixed-term full-time positions.

Reserve Force members are paid at 92.8% of Regular Force pay, receive a reasonable benefits package, and may be eligible to contribute to a pension plan.

Education

The minimum education requirement is completion of Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec. Foreign education may also be accepted.

Related careers

Armour Soldier, Combat Engineer, and Infanteer are listed as related careers with priority application processing.