Basic Military Qualification Basic Military Qualification is the recruit training that is undergone to produce non - commissioned members of the Canadian Forces ( CF ) . It is designed to introduce ordinary citizens of Canada to the CF way of life by indoctrination of CF values , weapons training , first aid , fieldcraft , etc . BMQ is common to all non - commissioned recruits of the Army , Air Force and Navy - regardless of trade . For regular force members , it is 13 weeks in length and is usually conducted at Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint - Jean . For reservists , it is condensed to two months , and can be conducted on any base or military installation that has the necessary resources . It is a highly difficult course , designed to put recruits through great physical and mental strain . Its goal is to instill teamwork and cohesion , good working habits , physical and mental tenacity , confidence , military skills , and most obviously , discipline in recruits . The course is designed to teach recruits the core skills and necessary knowledge to succeed in a military environment . Apart from physical demands , the adjustment to the military discipline and lifestyle is often the most difficult aspect of recruit training and may be the most demanding experience recruits have ever faced . Courses are normally a platoon ' s size ( 60 candidates ) , under command of a Warrant Officer ( usually that rank ) , and carried out by section commanders ( ICs , usually a Sergeant or a Master Corporal ) . BMQ is often staffed by combat arms soldiers , but can be taught by NCOs of any trade and element . Overview . Daily schedule . The typical day in BMQ is as follows : 5 : 00 am – " Wake up " 5 : 15 am – 8 : 10 am " Physical fitness training , breakfast and morning inspections " 8 : 20 am – noon " Instruction " Noon – 1 : 00 pm " Lunch " 1 : 00 pm – 4 : 30 pm " Instruction " 4 : 30 pm – 6 : 00 pm " Dinner " 6 : 00 pm – 11 : 00pm " Homework , prepare for morning inspection , personal time , extra instruction . Staff will discuss any matter that they believe needs attention . " 11 : 00 pm – " Lights out " Course content . Recruits begin with a crash - course in military bearing . From the first day onward , recruits are expected to display a high standard of hygiene , dress , deportment , conduct , effort etc . This encompasses everything including the proper means of wearing a uniform , marching / drill , exerting maximum effort in PT sessions , and the correct addressing of superiors . The recruit is immersed in the stereotypical " boot camp " atmosphere , complete with pushups , sleep deprivation , shouting instructors , and other means to simulate the stress and fatigue that can be expected in a military environment . Apart from developing a recruit ' s ability to function under stress , the training aims to instill discipline in Canada ' s future troops . It is not uncommon for recruits to be confined to barracks for misbehaviour or even unsatisfactory performance . Physical fitness is stressed throughout the course . Every other morning begins with runs up to 5 kilometres in length , as well as various other PT activities . Although the minimum fitness standard is 2 . 4K under 12 minutes ( with varying lengths for different ages and genders ) , recruits can expect to be pushed far beyond that threshold . Instructors often lead recruits to perform 25 + pushups at a time . There is often an obstacle course which will be completed 2 - 3 times throughout the course to show improvement , and a swim test . Course staff can ( and often do ) use physical exercise to correct recruits ' deficient behaviour , by ordering them to do pushups , run up and down sandhills , and other means such as marking time ( stationary marching in a rigid fashion ) or the dreaded " thinking position " . A large emphasis is placed on safety , especially the correct handling of weapons . Recruits are taught how to conduct a safe workplace , which includes Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System , fire safety , first aid , and principles that guide the use of workplace equipment . When on the range firing a live weapon , recruits will wear their helmet and earplugs , as well as eye protection if readily available and instructed to do so . Wherever a recruit goes ( aside from eating and PT ) , the rifle goes as well , from the instant it is issued to the instant it is returned . Recruits will always check the state of the rifle to ensure that is safe to use . The course concludes with fieldcraft , which encompasses survival , map reading , target indication , camouflage techniques , and other field skills . After the course is complete , recruits carry on to environmental training or occupation - specific training . Many recruits remember their BMQ as a challenging , yet rewarding , experience , and often make lifelong bonds with other coursemates in the process .