By Kevin Smith
With just over $20 billion in military spending annually, the Canadian Armed Forces rank 14th globally. Canada has less than 1% of the world’s population but is among the top 10 most significant spenders on military equipment. Canada also has one of the world’s highest per capita military budgets. As of 2020, the Canadian Armed Forces include 67,492 Regular Force personnel (full-time) and 36,381 Reserve Force personnel (part-time). In addition, the Canadian Army comprises roughly 60% English and 40% English speakers (Canada’s two official languages).
1. An estimated 1.4% of Canada’s GDP (gross domestic product) goes towards military spending. So even though Canada has a small force compared to other countries, they are very well equipped.
2. In the past, Canadian army members were called the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps. It consists of men and women who speak English and French.
3. The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery is the main artillery unit for the infantry. These men are responsible for firing cannons and mortars on the battlefield. The Artillery Regiment is described as “supporting arms”, which means that they shoot their weapons from behind trees, buildings and other covers to protect themselves from enemy fire! Also, they fire their guns at targets from far away to avoid as much damage as possible to people or property nearby.
4. The 2nd Regiment of Royal Canadian Horse Artillery provides fire support to the front-line infantry. The 3rd Regiment of Royal Canadian Horse Artillery is a reserve unit that trains to help with local needs and emergencies.
5. The first armoured unit is Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians). It was created in 1885 and is still fighting today. The name comes from Lord Strathcona, a former Governor-General of Canada, and it was nicknamed The Horse because of its excellent service during the Boer War in South Africa.
6. The Canadian Rangers are small units sent into remote areas for short periods to gather information about possible security threats or activities like illegal hunting or fishing.
7. The Navy comprises the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the Maritime Naval Reserve (MN). The Royal Canadian Navy was created in 1910.
8. The Canadian Armed Forces has been involved in over 90 military missions in 50 countries since its creation.
9. The Princess Louise Fusiliers (1st Battalion) is an infantry battalion in the Canadian Army. As a result of the 1867 uprising in Canada, it was formed in 1867.
10. The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada is a reserve armoured regiment, which means they are trained to fight tanks during battle. Scottish immigrants created it in Montreal in 1862 to protect Canada against Americans during the American Civil War!
11. On a list of 139 ranked countries by military strength, Canada is ranked number 21 by Globalfirepower.com.
12. The Canadian Armed Forces are known for many things, but the most famous is Canada’s involvement in World War 2. Canada is also credited for driving Nazi Germany out of the Netherlands.
13. Canada’s Army has men and women as young as 16 and as old as 60, so 35 years old or any age between 16 and 60 is acceptable. However, Canada has relaxed their standards over the years.
14. If you are the new guy, expect to earn between $35,820 – $62,424 per year, which will increase based on your experience and years in service. And yes, soldiers in Canada pay taxes like everyone else.