Basic Military Officer Qualification

Basic Military Officer Qualification(BMOQ) refers to both the basic training course, and the graduation qualification, received by individuals seeking entry as officers to the Canadian Forces. The course is conducted at Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean, Quebec. The course is 14 weeks long for candidates in the Direct Entry Officer (DEO) Plan, and 2 courses of 7 weeks long (modules 1 and 2) for candidates in the Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP), with an extra week in module 2 for those from civilian universities.

In the training regime of the Canadian Forces BMOQ falls within Developmental Period 1 (DP1), which focuses on the skills and knowledge required for entry level employment and further training. In addition to BMOQ, DP1 includes environmental and occupational qualifications, and second language training as required. After completing DP1, officers are deemed occupationally employable at an introductory level. Progression to DP 2 occurs when the candidate joins a unit and leaves the Basic Training List. This course is designed to prepare future officers to effectively lead small teams in simple operations in both garrison and austere field conditions.

Basic training provides the knowledge that is common to all military occupations and fields of the Canadian Forces, and "develops a military state of mind and behaviour, the mental and physical endurance and the combat skills necessary for the profession of arms." The training is considered physically, mentally and morally demanding and founded on the fundamental values of the Canadian Forces: Duty, Loyalty, Integrity and Courage. BMOQ is common to all officer candidates of the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Navy - regardless of military occupation.

The course is designed to teach the core skills and necessary knowledge to succeed in a military environment. It puts officer candidates through significant physical and mental strain, with the goal of instilling a sense of teamwork and cohesion, good working habits, physical and mental tenacity, confidence, military skills, and discipline. Apart from the physical demands, the adjustment to military discipline and lifestyle is often the most difficult aspect of recruit training and may be the most demanding experience for many candidates.

Training is usually conducted with 60 candidates in a platoon, under a Warrant Officer, and reporting to a Platoon Commander. The platoon commander will not normally have much contact with the candidates except for instruction on leadership and battle procedure. Courses are delivered in 4 sections, commanded by a Sergeant or a Master Corporal. The course is often staffed by combat arms soldiers, but can be taught by NCOs of any trade or field.

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