NAF Recruitment & Careers
Newfoundland Armed Forces
Recruitment & Careers
Join the Newfoundland Armed Forces — serve your country, develop your skills, and build a rewarding career.
Why Join the NAF?
The Newfoundland Armed Forces offer more than just a job — they provide a career with purpose, training, and opportunities that few other organizations can match. Whether you’re interested in technical trades, leadership roles, or specialized operations, the NAF offers diverse career paths across all branches.
Benefits of Service:
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- World-class training and professional development
- Educational opportunities and qualifications recognized nationally and internationally
- Travel and deployment opportunities across Newfoundland and Labrador and with NATO allies
- Pension scheme and long-term career security
- Housing support and relocation assistance
- Sports, fitness, and adventure training
Career Paths
Officer Careers
Officers provide leadership, management, and specialist expertise across all branches. Entry routes include:
- Direct Entry Officer: For university graduates and professionals
- Officer Cadet Entry: Sponsored university degree with NAF bursary
- Ranks to Officer: Promotion pathway for experienced personnel
Other Ranks Careers
Other Ranks (enlisted personnel) form the operational backbone of the NAF, with over 100 specialist trades including:
Combat Roles
Infantry soldier, armoured crew member, gunner, combat engineer, special operations
Technical Trades
Aircraft technician, marine engineer, weapons technician, electronics specialist, cyber operator
Logistics & Support
Supply specialist, chef, driver, medical assistant, physical training instructor
Intelligence & Communications
Intelligence analyst, communications specialist, cyber defence operator, linguist
Entry Requirements
Basic Eligibility
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the Republic of Newfoundland or a citizen of a friendly state with permanent right of residence
- Age: 18+ (some roles 16-17 with parental consent for junior entry schemes)
- Education: Minimum secondary school completion (specific roles require higher qualifications)
- Fitness: Must pass medical examination and fitness assessment
- Character: Security clearance and background checks required
Officer Entry Requirements
- University degree (or studying toward one) for most officer roles
- Strong leadership potential and communication skills
- Pass Officer Selection Board assessment
Training
Basic Training
All recruits complete initial military training covering:
- Military skills, drill, and discipline
- Physical fitness and fieldcraft
- Weapon handling and marksmanship
- First aid and survival skills
- Military values and ethos
Duration: 14 weeks for Other Ranks, 28 weeks for Officers (including phase 1 and 2)
Specialist Training
Following basic training, personnel proceed to trade-specific training at specialist schools:
- Royal Newfoundland Military Academy, St. John’s — Officer training
- Army Training Centre, Fort Forbes-Robertson — Infantry and combat arms
- Naval Training Centre, HMNB Argentia — Maritime trades
- Air Force Technical Training School, Goose Bay — Aviation trades
- Cyber Defence School, Argentia — Information warfare and cyber operations