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.

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:

Entry Requirements

Basic Eligibility

• Citizenship: Must be a Newfoundland citizen or Commonwealth citizen with 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

Life in the NAF

Career Progression

The NAF offers clear promotion pathways based on merit, experience, and qualifications. Regular career development reviews ensure opportunities for advancement and specialization.

Work-Life Balance

While operational commitments vary by role, the NAF recognizes the importance of family life and personal time. Personnel receive:

• 30 days paid annual leave
• Additional leave for operational deployments
• Flexible accommodation options
• Family support services
• Welfare and counseling services

Locations

Personnel may serve at bases across Newfoundland and Labrador, with opportunities for exchange postings with allied forces and deployment on NATO operations.

Reserve Forces

Can’t commit to full-time service? The Newfoundland Reserve Forces offer part-time opportunities to serve while maintaining civilian careers. Reservists train evenings and weekends, with annual training camps and voluntary deployments.

• Same training standards as Regular Forces
• Paid training and deployments
• Career development opportunities
• Transferable skills for civilian employment

Apply Now

Ready to start your NAF career? Complete the form below and a recruitment advisor will contact you within 48 hours to discuss opportunities and next steps.

Contact Recruitment Team

Have questions? Our recruitment team is here to help.

Armed Forces Careers Office
Fort Hadow, St. John’s, Newfoundland

Phone: +1-709-555-6423 (Mon-Fri, 08:00-16:00)
Email: recruitment@republicofnewfoundland.com

Walk-in Hours: Monday-Friday, 09:00-15:00
No appointment necessary for initial inquiries