Joining Instructions for Naval and Officer Cadets

Introduction

1. This document provides instructions and advice to prepare for the Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP) that you will begin at Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMC Saint-Jean).

2. As a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member, you will first report to the Canadian Forces Leadership & Recruit School (CFLRS) for five weeks of basic training before starting your studies under the ROTP at RMC Saint-Jean.

3. Basic training will take place from 29 June 2026 to 31 July 2026. Following basic training, you will be transported to RMC Saint-Jean. If you are using your personal vehicle, you will be able to use the parking available at CFLRS. Parking at RMC Saint-Jean will be assigned after your arrival at the College.

4. Military values and expected behaviour: During your training, adhering to the core military values of duty, loyalty, integrity and courage is a requirement. You will need to demonstrate these values at all times. In addition, you will have to adhere to the core values of RMC Saint-Jean, which are also the College motto: truth, duty and valour.

Harassment and sexist, racist or discriminatory behaviour are contrary to CAF values and will not be tolerated. Offenders will be subject to disciplinary and/or administrative action, up to and including release from the CAF.

5. Food and accommodation: During your stay at RMC Saint-Jean, an amount from your pay for your food and accommodation will be automatically deducted, depending on your military and marital status. You will usually reside in a double or triple occupancy room (non-mixed). Learning to live and work as a team is an essential part of your education. You will be responsible for the cleanliness of your area, with each person being responsible for their individual room and personal equipment as well as the maintenance of common areas.

6. Policy on alcohol, cannabis and illicit drugs: Alcohol is prohibited in the quarters, but it may be purchased and consumed in certain locations on the RMC Saint-Jean campus by those who have reached legal age. Cannabis is authorized and may be consumed in certain locations on the RMC Saint-Jean campus by those who have reached legal age. Any activity related to illicit drugs (possession, consumption, trade, etc.) is not tolerated. Offenders are subject to disciplinary and/or administrative action, up to and including release from the CAF. More details on the acceptable use of alcohol and cannabis will be provided in the first few days of your training.

7. Prohibited items:

  • Firearms;
  • Sexual articles (magazine, photo, DVD, accessories, etc.) are always prohibited in the workplace in accordance with CAF policy.

8. Restricted items:

  • Knives are permitted on the RMC Saint-Jean campus in accordance with the criminal code of Canada;
  • Food and beverages may only be stored in the RMC Saint-Jean residences if they are non-perishable items.

9. Equipment and documents: You must bring these items and documents with you to RMC Saint-Jean. Upon your arrival, you will also have the opportunity to purchase certain additional items from the local CANEX (CAF retail shop). You will not have access to any civilian retailers during the first few weeks of your training.

Civilian clothing:

  • 1 x seasonal jacket
  • 2 x casual dress pants or clean jeans without holes
  • 3 x casual dress shirts or polo shirts
  • 2 x casual sweaters
  • 1 x pair of casual dress shoes (comfortable)
  • 6 x underwear
  • 4 x sports socks
  • 1-2 x pairs of running shoes
  • 2 x athletic t-shirts
  • 2 x athletic shorts
  • 2 x bath towels
  • 1 x swimsuit
  • 3 x sports bras (if applicable)
  • 1 x 2-piece suit or evening dress (suggested)

Other items:

  • 1 x backpack (plain coloured)
  • 1 x water-resistant watch
  • 2 x blue pens
  • 1 x pair of shower sandals
  • 1 x soap case
  • 1 x toothbrush case
  • 1 x toothbrush
  • 1 x toothpaste tube
  • 1 x soap bar
  • 1 x dental floss
  • 1 x shaving cream (if applicable)
  • 1 x non-disposable razor with blades (if applicable)
  • 1 x nail clippers
  • 1 x deodorant
  • 1 x shampoo
  • 1 x water bottle
  • 1 x laundry detergent
  • 1 x hair brush (if required)
  • personal medication (if prescribed)
  • hair nets and pins (if applicable)
  • hygiene products (tampons and/or pads, etc.) in sufficient quantity (if applicable)
  • nicotine replacement products (smokers only)
  • a computer with an up-to-date operating system:
    • you must bring your personal computer. All naval and officer cadets' rooms are equipped with an Internet connection; or:
    • CANEX offers you the opportunity of buying a desktop computer or laptop on a 12, 24 or 36 month credit plan without interest. Naval and officer cadets under 18 years of age wishing to purchase a computer with a credit plan will be required to provide a credit authorization form;
    • Note : See Annex A – Computer equipment (technical specifications required).

Documents:

  • Naval and officer cadets born in Canada: you must provide your birth Certificate. Birth certificate cards issued by some provincial authorities are not accepted; you must provide our staff with the long-form version of the birth certificate (or birth extract) with parents' names.
  • Naval and officer cadets born outside of Canada: Canadian citizenship certificate or permanent resident card. Additionally, the birth certificate from the originating country including parents' names (translated into French or English) must also be provided.
  • Last official high school transcript. If applicable, last official post-secondary transcript.
  • High school and post-secondary diplomas, if applicable.
  • Canadian Passport (if you have it)
  • Vaccination booklet.
  • Completed Security clearance form (obtain from Recruiting Center)
  • CF 100 – Leave Request Authorization provided by Recruiting Center
  • CF 742 – Emergency Contact Notification and DND 2587 – Next of Kin Identification from Recruiting Center
  • Social Insurance (SIN) card
  • Void cheque (for pay purposes)

Documents required only if applicable:

  • Medical prescriptions
  • Your lease with a recent proof of ongoing payment or proof of mortgage
  • Eyeglass prescriptions (prescribed within the last year). It is strongly recommended to bring two (2) pairs of glasses
  • Birth certificates for any dependents (certified true copy)
  • Marriage certificate (certified true copy)
  • Affidavit of common-law relationship (original)
  • Certificate of divorce (certified true copy)
  • Proof of name change (certified true copy)
  • Proof of change in medical status
  • CF-100 for post-course leave from your home unit
  • Route Letter (Reservist)

10. Luggage: If you travel by a commercial flight, please keep your receipts as some excess baggage is permitted under the Canadian Forces Temporary Duty Travel Instructions. Alternatively, some airlines offer free baggage for military members. Ask your recruiting centre for the necessary proof of military identification.

Training at RMC Saint-Jean

11. Orientation Program. The orientation program will begin on Saturday 1 August at 6 a.m. and end on Saturday 22 August at approximately 5 p.m. The goal of this program is to provide you with the basic knowledge that will enable you to progress effectively within RMC Saint-Jean. During the orientation program, access to phones may be limited. However, it is important that you communicate with your friends and family as much as possible. RMC Saint-Jean staff are not permitted to divulge your personal information or activities to anyone. The only time RMC Saint-Jean staff will communicate directly with family members is in case of an emergency, and only to those that are listed as next of kin.

12. The goal of the orientation program is to offer you a multidisciplinary training program that will allow you develop your basic military skills in a positive environment and allow you to push yourself out of your comfort zone. The program will promote cohesion, team spirit, resilience, and a sense of belonging to your squadron and to RMC Saint-Jean.

13. The school year begins on the 13 August 2026 and is divided into two semesters; the first semester ends 4 December, followed by exams from 6 to 10 December. The second semester begins 5 January 2027, and ends on 3 May, also followed by exams from 5 to 10 May . Spring break is planned from 1 to 5 March 2027.

14. Throughout the school year, certain days or weekends will be identified and dedicated to military training, sporting events or other activities. Participation in these days or weekends may be considered part of your duty, meaning a personal leave of absence may not be authorized.

General information

15. RMC Saint-Jean is located on the west bank of the Richelieu River, about 35 km south of Montreal. You will be staying on the site with your peers. Garrison town - YouTube

16. The weather in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu fluctuates with the seasons. Temperatures range from -30 degrees Celsius in the winter to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer.

Addresses and phone numbers

17. The following addresses can be used to receive mail after you arrive at RMC Saint-Jean.

Packages and courier services:

Rank, name and surname (example: Officer Cadet Beau Jean)
Officer Cadet Wing, Squadron Name (to be received upon arrival)
Royal Military College Saint-Jean
De Léry Pavilion, Wing E, room 1071
15 Jacques-Cartier Nord
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec J3B 8R8

Letters:

Rank, name and surname (example: Officer Cadet Beau Jean)
Officer Cadet Wing, Squadron Name (to be received upon arrival)
Royal Military College Saint-Jean
Saint-Jean Garrison
C.P. 100, Succ Bureau-chef
Richelain, Quebec J0J 1R0

18. In case of emergencies, the phone number of the administrative staff of the Officer Cadet Wing during business hours is (450) 358-6777 extension 668-5898. In case of emergencies outside business hours, a person on duty can be reached at (514) 912-3022.

Facilities

19. At RMC Saint-Jean, you will have the following amenities.

  • Cafeteria;
  • Officer Cadet’s Mess, Le Saint-Maurice;
  • Sports complex (arena, swimming pool, gymnasium, 400m exterior track, weight room and dumbbells);
  • Library;
  • Academic complex;
  • Accommodation units;
  • Sports fields;
  • A small store (CANEX) and an ATM.

Other facilities

20. There are also other military facilities located at the Saint-Jean Garrison located about four kilometres from RMC Saint-Jean, where you can find:

  • A chapel (Protestant and Roman Catholic with shared schedule);
  • A snack bar;
  • A CANEX store with dry-cleaning service;
  • A barber;
  • Banking (Desjardins and a BMO ATM);
  • A library;
  • A movie theatre;
  • A medical clinic;
  • An outdoor and indoor pool;
  • Many sports fields.

21. In the city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, there are shopping malls, pharmacies, restaurants, a cinema (close to RMC Saint-Jean) and several other small businesses.

Bank Information

22. Your pay will be deposited in a bank account in the financial institution of your choice. For this purpose, it is essential that you provide a void cheque. This will be completed either by your recruiting centre or upon your arrival at the CFLRS.

Sports

23. The sports program is twofold: elite and competitive sports and recreational sports. Participation in one of the two is mandatory but more information about the sports program will be announced during the orientation period. Those who wish to practice a sport other than those offered can apply in writing (exceptional athlete policy).

The following elite and competitive sports are offered at RMC Saint-Jean: Judo, Taekwondo, Soccer, Ice Hockey, Cross-Country running, Track and Field and Triathlon.

The following elite and competitive sports are offered through a partnership with the Cégep Saint-Jean sur Richelieu; men’s Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Ultimate and women’ss Flag Football.

Please bring your sports equipment if you are interested in participating in one of these sports. Sports equipment may include full hockey gear, soccer/football cleats, soccer shin pads, track shoes/running spikes, football receiver gloves, volleyball knee pads, ball hockey gloves and shin pads. Your sports equipment can prove useful regardless of whether you participate in a competitive sport or recreational sport at RMC Saint-Jean.

Transportation will be arranged to pick up your sports equipment at the Saint-Jean Garrison upon your arrival for BMOQ this summer. Your equipment will be safely stored at RMC Saint-Jean.

For all questions, feel free to communicate with the two Sports Coordinator's.

Victor Caron-Clément: Victor.Caron-Clement@cmrsj-rmcsj.ca
Patrick Levesque: Patrick.Levesque@cmrsj-rmcsj.ca

Leave

24. You should be able to take leave during the following periods (a presentation of the Canadian Armed Forces Leave Policy will be given during the summer):

  • Labour Day;
  • Thanksgiving;
  • Holiday period;
  • Spring break;
  • Easter;
  • Summer leave (depending on your training and your trade).

Miscellaneous

25. We recommend that you have general insurance against theft and damage, especially if you own a computer or other valuables.

26. RMC Saint-Jean will be offering an information session in French on 2 June, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and in English on 3 June, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. We will have representatives from the Military, Academic and Sports wings to answer any of your questions. The MS Teams ID and password will be sent to you in your welcome letter from the commandant RMC Saint-Jean.

Annex A – Computer equipment (technical specifications required)

In preparation for the start of the Fall term, it is recommended you have in your possession the following IT equipment.

  • Laptop \ Computer: Windows 11: Home or Pro version updated to version 23H2 or later,
  • CPU 1.6 GHz minimum: Intel 8th generation i3 or higher or AMD Ryzen,
  • Screen: 14 in with a 1280 x 768 minimum, 1920 x 1080 resolution recommended,
  • Memory: 8 GB of RAM minimum, 16 GB recommended,
  • Storage: 250 GB of storage minimum, recommended SSD type storage,
  • Camera: 720p,
  • Headphones and microphone: (microphone can be integrated into camera or computer),
  • For engineering programs, a discrete graphics card (Nvidia or AMD) is strongly recommended.

If you do not have appropriate computer equipment, it is strongly recommended that you obtain a laptop computer before your arrival.

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