State of the Canadian Armed Forces
The State of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) tool is designed to provide regular updates and awareness of the current strength of the CAF. The information provided on this webpage is based on the most current data available from live systems at the time of reporting. As these systems are continuously updated, historical data may be adjusted to reflect new information, leading to minor variances.
CAF Recruitment
Our North, Strong and Free commits to modernizing the CAF recruitment process and rebuilding the military to an authorized strength of 71,500 Regular Force and 38,800Footnote 2 Reserve Force members prior to March 31, 2032.
On April 20, 2026, the CAF announced that it met its Regular Force recruiting objective for the second consecutive year, while highlighting an increased objective for fiscal year 2026/27.
The CAF recruits people interested in making a difference as part of a dynamic, exciting, and diverse team to protect Canadian values and interests at home and abroad. To help achieve this, the CAF recently changed its recruitment process.
These modernization efforts include the implementation of a probationary period, streamlining the security clearance process, implementation of the Scored Employment Application Form, re-evaluating common enrolment medical standards, and the creation of a new Online Applicant Portal.
Probationary Period
Applicants can train while the administrative work takes place. During this process, if the recruit does not meet the required security clearance, right personality, medical or any other aspect of being a suitable CAF member, they will be released from the CAF in an expedited manner.
Streamlining Security Clearance Process
Most applicants can now start their basic training upon receiving Reliability Status clearance, with elevated security clearance processed in parallel. A reliability Status includes a check on a candidate’s citizenship, residency, travel, education, and foreign ties.
This change speeds up enrolment while maintaining rigorous security standards. New recruits must still obtain the appropriate clearance for their occupation after their basic training. If it is not provided at that time, they will be offered an occupational transfer or an option to release.
Scored Employment Application Form
The Scored Employment Application Form (SEAF) evaluates and examines an array of essential qualities for personal and organizational success. The SEAF evaluates candidates based on education, experience, leadership, and other life achievements, providing a broader, barrier-free assessment.
The implementation of the SEAF assessment tool enhances the overall applicant experience and provides a faster path to enrolment without compromising standards.
Modernized Common Enrolment Medical Standards
The CAF reviews medical standards for CAF applicants on a case-by-case basis and ensures that applications are individually assessed to determine whether any specific medical employment limitations should be considered for the applicant, and to ensure their eligibility for enrolment and likelihood of success during basic training.
Online Applicant Portal
The Online Applicant Portal (OAP) launched in March 2025 and was designed primarily to ease the application process for prospects. While the application steps remained the same, the OAP now saves applicants time by supporting electronic document submission. The electronic upload capabilities help reduce the number of visits to a recruiting detachment, thereby providing more flexibility to applicants from isolated communities.
CAF Population
Last updated: July 31, 2026
CAF Population summary
| N/A | Actual | Authorized / Target |
|---|---|---|
| Regular ForceFootnote 1 | 68,473 |
71,500 |
| Primary ReserveFootnote 2 | 33,315 |
38,800 |
State of Regular Force Recruitment
Enrolment and Component Transfers
| N/A | Target | Actual | Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExternalFootnote 3 | 8,200 | 2,527 | 31% |
| InternalFootnote 4 | 900 | 192 | 21% |
| Total | 9,100 | 2,719 | 30% |
Enrolment by fiscal year
| Fiscal year | EnrolmentFootnote 5 |
|---|---|
| 2024–2025 | 6,710 |
| 2023–2024 | 4,334 |
| 2022–2023 | 3,924 |
| 2021–2022 | 4,782 |
| 2020–2021 | 2,011 |
Intake Achieved by Occupation Authority
| N/A | Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) | Canadian Army (CA) | Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) | Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TargetFootnote 6 | 1,426 | 3,882 | 1,610 | 9,100 |
| Intake | 334 | 984 | 522 | 2,719 |
| Achieved | 23% | 25% | 32% | 30% |
| Total StrengthFootnote 7 | 8,093 | 22,522 | 14,892 | 68,473 |