Joining instructions for basic training

Dress

When you arrive at CFLRS, you must wear appropriate attire to be able to walk long distances when conducting your arrival procedures. Collared shirts and comfortable pants (or equivalent for females) are recommended. Do not report in beach-style sandals.

CFLRS respects the instructions on dress in the Canadian Forces in their entirety, including spiritual and religious accommodations, as defined in Canadian Forces Dress Instructions, Chapter 2, Section 3.

Indoctrination period

Candidates will have restricted free time for the first three weekends, with training scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays. After this initial period, requests for leave on the weekend will be granted depending upon your training performance. This period helps to develop basic skills, facilitates the integration to the military life, and develops team spirit among the members.

Military values and expected behaviour

During your training, you will be required to adhere to the fundamental military values of Loyalty, Integrity, Courage, Excellence, Inclusion and Accountability. You will be expected to demonstrate these values at all times.

Harassing, sexist, racist, or discriminatory behaviour contradicts CAF values and will not be tolerated. Violators may face disciplinary and/or administrative measures up to release from the CAF.

Rations and quarters

During your stay at the school, the cost of your rations and quarters will be deducted directly from your pay at varying rates depending on your position and marital status.

The fee will be deducted automatically each month from your pay and will then be refunded as a taxable benefit at the end of each month.

Accommodations

The green sector has dormitories while the blue sector has individual bedrooms. Washrooms in both sectors come as follows:

• Men
• Women
• Universal

Our gymnasiums have locker rooms as follows:

• Men
• Women
• Universal

Photos available here.

Policy on Learning Disability Accommodation

Learning disability accommodations may be requested in accordance with Defence Administrative Orders and Directives (DAOD) 5516-5 Learning Disability Accommodation during Recruiting, Training and Education. All accommodations must be approved by Director Personnel General Requirements (DPGR) and shall be based on a Psycho-Educational Assessment completed by a qualified professional

Policy on alcohol, cannabis and drug consumption

Upon your arrival at CFLRS, possession and consumption of alcohol and cannabis is prohibited. Additionally, any activities linked to illegal drugs (possession, consumption, commerce, etc.) are not tolerated. Violators may face disciplinary and/or administrative measures up to release from the CAF. More details regarding the acceptable use of alcohol and cannabis will be provided during the first days of your course.

Prohibited articles and restricted materials

The following articles are prohibited:

• firearms or edged weapons (i.e. knives with a blade longer than 4 inches);
• food and drinks (in the barracks);
• any form of stimulant, such as energy drinks, pre-workout supplements, ephedrine, or caffeine pills; and
• materials with sexual connotation (magazines, photos, DVD, accessories, etc.).

All electronic devices (cellular phones, MP3 players, tablets, laptops, etc.) are considered restricted materials in the following manner:

• no devices can be used/carried during training hours;
• Your platoon staff will give you specific guidelines on when electronic devices can be used.

Note that you are responsible for any damage to your electronic devices if you choose to bring them.

Personal vehicle: access will be restricted to weekend use when leave has been granted.

Kit list

You’re required to bring certain items and documents to training. There are also other items that you should wait to purchase at the CANEX store when you arrive. For the full list of required items, see the kit list.

Baggage

Extra baggage is authorized as outlined in the Canadian Forces Temporary Duty Travel Instructions.

Unaccompanied baggage must be authorized by the member’s home unit. All unaccompanied baggage must be shipped 4 weeks before the start of the course to ensure it’s availabile when you arrive.

Services available

You will have access to the following services at the St-Jean Garrison:

• chapel (Protestant and Roman Catholic) and Inter-faith Room
• internet (limited access)
• public telephones
• a general store (CANEX) with dry cleaning service
• barber
• banking facilities (ATMs for BMO and Caisse populaire Desjardins)
• post office
• physical training and recreation facilities

Mailing address

You’re required to inform your family and friends of your service and course number. The mailing address for a CFLRS candidate is as follows:

Service number
Rank, surname, initials
Course number
Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School
Saint-Jean Garrison
PO Box 100 Station Bureau-Chef
Richelain QC  J0J 1R0

In case of emergency, candidates can be reached through the School Coordination Center at: 450-358-7099 ext. 7229.