Infantry Officer

Your Fit

Income

$87K

Preparation

Growth

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Infantry Officer?

An Infantry Officer is a commissioned officer in the military who leads and commands infantry troops in ground combat operations. They are responsible for the training, readiness, and welfare of their soldiers, as well as the execution of missions and strategies.

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Infantry Officer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Infantry Officer earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Infantry Officer.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$43K per year	$64K per year	$87K per year	$104K per year	$118K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $22K above the national average.

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What does an Infantry Officer do?

Work environment

Infantry Officers work in a variety of environments, ranging from military bases during training to field environments in domestic or overseas operations. The role often requires physical stamina, adaptability to challenging conditions, and the ability to lead under stressful and sometimes hazardous circumstances.

Quick task list

Leads and manages infantry soldiers and units.
Plans, organizes, and executes military operations and training exercises.
Makes tactical decisions and adapts strategies in response to changing conditions.
Ensures the welfare, morale, and professional development of soldiers.
Coordinates with other military units and branches.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Light Infantry: Specializing in operations that often involve rapid deployment and maneuvering on foot.
Mechanized Infantry: Commanding units equipped with armored vehicles like APCs (Armored Personnel Carriers).
Airborne and Air Assault Infantry: Leading paratroopers and units specializing in air assault operations.
Ranger and Special Operations: Serving in specialized units with rigorous training and high-intensity missions.
Urban Warfare and Counter-Terrorism: Specializing in operations in urban environments and counter-terrorism scenarios.

Description

Infantry Officers are the backbone of ground combat forces in the military. They play a critical role in planning and executing a wide range of military operations, from conventional warfare to peacekeeping and counter-insurgency. An essential part of their role is developing and implementing tactical strategies, which requires a deep understanding of military tactics, enemy capabilities, and the operational environment. Officers must be able to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations, often with significant consequences.

Leadership is at the core of being an Infantry Officer. They are responsible for the training, readiness, morale, and welfare of their soldiers. This involves not only tactical and combat training but also leadership development, physical fitness, and personal growth of their troops. Good communication, empathy, and the ability to inspire trust and confidence are crucial.

The career of an Infantry Officer is dynamic and challenging, with opportunities for continuous learning and advancement. It involves a commitment to service, a willingness to face adversity, and the drive to lead by example. Officers often form strong bonds with their soldiers and take pride in their unit's achievements and cohesion.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The honor and responsibility of leading soldiers.
The challenge and variety of military operations.
Opportunities for personal and professional growth.

You might make a good Infantry Officer if you are...

A natural leader with strong decision-making skills.
Physically fit and capable of handling demanding situations.
Adaptable, resilient, and able to think strategically under pressure.
Committed to serving your country and leading others.
Interested in a career that combines leadership, strategy, and physical challenge.

Pros:

Leadership experience and the opportunity to make a significant impact.
Diverse experiences and skill development.
Strong camaraderie and sense of purpose.

Cons:

Potential for deployment in high-risk areas.
Physical and emotional demands of military life.
Long periods away from home and family.

How to become an Infantry Officer

Typical education

Becoming an Infantry Officer in Canada typically requires a bachelor's degree. Officers are commissioned through the Canadian Armed Forces via either the Direct Entry Officer (DEO) route after completing a civilian university degree, or the Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP), which includes studying at a civilian university or the Royal Military College of Canada. All candidates must also complete military officer training and infantry-specific officer qualification programs.

High school preparation

Courses:

Canadian Cadet Organizations (preferably Army Cadets)
Physical Education to build stamina and physical fitness.
History and Government to understand military structure and history.
Psychology for insight into leadership and human behavior.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participate in team sports for physical conditioning and teamwork skills.
Take leadership roles in clubs or organizations.
Volunteer for community service to develop a sense of responsibility and service.

Preparation after high school

Complete a bachelor's degree, either through a civilian university (Direct Entry Officer route) or via the Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP) at a civilian university or the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC).
Join the Canadian Armed Forces as an officer candidate, applying for the Infantry Officer occupation.
Develop leadership and physical fitness skills through sports, outdoor leadership programs, cadets, or similar structured activities.
Complete Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ) followed by infantry-specific officer training, including field leadership, tactics, and command instruction.

More resources

GoArmy - Infantry Officer - Official Army site for Infantry Officer careers.
United States Military Academy at West Point - Premier service academy for Army officers.
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) - Offers college-based officer training programs.
Military.com - Officer Candidate School - Provides information on the Officer Candidate School for various military branches.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.