Canadian Rangers

“Serving Canada since 1947“

The Canadian Rangers are a part of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Reserves working in remote, isolated and coastal regions of Canada. They provide lightly-equipped, self-sufficient mobile forces to support CAF national security and public safety operations within Canada. They regularly train alongside other CAF members to remain prepared.

Their motto is ‘Vigilans,’ meaning ‘The Watchers.’

Some of the ways they protect Canada include:

  • Conducting patrols;
  • Reporting unusual activities or sightings;
  • Collecting local data for the CAF;
  • Performing sovereignty or national security duties;
  • Assisting in search and rescue efforts;
  • Assisting with natural disasters such as forest fires and floods.
  • Current number of Canadian Rangers: about 5,000
  • Canadian Rangers live in more than 220 communities;
  • Rangers speak 26 different languages and dialects, many Indigenous.

The Canadian Rangers are divided into five Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups (CRPGs), each based in different remote, isolated and coastal communities across Canada.

For information on how to join, contact the Canadian Ranger patrol sergeant in your community. Information is available on each CRPG's page.

To become a Canadian Ranger, you must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen of at least 18 years of age.
  • Be physically and mentally fit to perform Canadian Ranger duties as determined by the Commanding Officer of the CRPG. A medical examination is not required.
  • Be capable of obtaining an Enhanced Reliability Check (have not been convicted of a serious offence without a pardon).
  • Not be a member of any other sub-component of the Canadian Armed Forces or a member of any other organization that would conflict with your duties as a Canadian Ranger.

Prospective Canadian Rangers must:

  • Be intimately familiar with the local population, terrain, weather and other conditions within their area.
  • Be able to recognize, observe and report on any unusual ships, aircraft or incidents within their area.
  • In the opinion of the Commanding Officer of the CRPG, possess useful skills for Canadian Ranger duties in their area.

Canadian Rangers are provided:

  • Distinctive Canadian Ranger Uniforms.
  • Individual in-service equipment.
  • Communication and navigation equipment.
  • A C-19 Rifle with up to 200 cartridges of ammunition annually.
  • First Aid equipment.
  • An annual allocation of rations.

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