Joining Instructions – Orientation and Integration For 1st Years

June 2026

The Royal Military College of Canada

The Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) is located in Kingston, Ontario, on the site of one of the most strategically important sites of the War of 1812, the Kingston Naval Dockyard. Here, as they have since 1876, Naval/Officer Cadets (N/OCdts) receive military, academic, physical fitness, and bilingualism training and education over four years, leading to a commission as a Second Lieutenant/Acting Sub-Lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and an undergraduate degree in one of the three academic fields of study: Social Sciences and Humanities, Science, or Engineering.

Arrival

With some exceptions, Cadets will attend Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ) Mod 1 at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) in St Jean prior to arriving at RMC. For those ending BMOQ Mod 1 on 07 August or earlier, CFLRS will manage your leave and organize a bus service from St-Jean to RMC on 22 August. N/OCdts finishing BMOQ Mod 1 on 21 August will be provided transport by bus to RMC on 22 August.  You will then report to the Kingston Military Community Sports Centre (KMCSC/CFB Kingston base gym) 11 Navy Way, Kingston, ON K7K 7B4, between 1000-1200 on 22 August 2026 and participate in Orientation and Integration for 1^st Years (OI1) and begin your first academic year. First year N/OCdts are not permitted to bring personal vehicles as they will not be able to register their vehicles and park at RMC/CFB Kingston for the entirety of their first year.

The Memorial Arch Parade

RMC training commences with the Memorial Arch Parade. As N/OCdts march through the Memorial Arch, it ceremonially marks their entrance into RMC. Upon successful completion of the Regular Officer Training Program (ROTP), the graduating junior officers will march out through the Memorial Arch, signifying their completion of the ROTP and their entrance into the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, or Royal Canadian Air Force.

This parade will commence at the KMCSC at 1430 on 22 August. Friends and family are invited to watch as the Class of 2030 passes under the RMC Memorial Arch. They will not be allowed to proceed further than the Arch and will not be granted access to the campus to witness the parade on the parade square.

Linked here is a detailed schedule for 22 August which includes a breakdown for drill practice, family time, and the march through the arch ceremony.

Orientation and Integration for 1st Years (OI1)

OI1 is your introduction to life as a N/OCdt at RMC and is a demanding and memorable experience. From 22 August to 19 September 2026, you will learn everything you need to know to function as a cadet while at RMC, develop teamwork skills and esprit de corps, and hone your leadership abilities.

During this period, you will be confined to the peninsula and your ability to maintain constant and regular contact with your friends and family will be limited. If you are married and joining RMC as a first year cadet, keep in mind that living off campus is not an option. During OI1, you will be required to reside 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the RMC Campus. You must have any personal or administrative issues dealt with and a family care plan in place before you depart for training at RMC.

Component Transfers (CT)/Previous Military Service

If you are an incoming N/OCdt with previous CAF Regular or Primary Reserve Force service, you will be posted by Enrolment or Transfer Posting (ETP) Instruction to RMC. You will report with all other Candidates on 22 August 2026 in accordance with the arrival procedures.

You will participate in the Memorial Arch parade and OI1. It is imperative that you clear out of your Reserve Unit well in advance of arriving at RMC. You are advised to order anything you need from your Logistik Unicorp account as soon as possible to ensure that you have it in hand prior to your arrival. You are required to retain your uniforms, particularly CADPAT operational dress, as it will be required throughout ROTP at RMC. Members posted by ETP will not be permitted to bring their personal vehicles for the entirety of their first year.

Preparing for Training

Your recruiting center or your current unit should have given you an overview of the training you are about to start. It is essential that you be ready, focused, and motivated. Before you start:

• Avoid any major financial or contractual commitments that may require your attention during OI1. Ensure that your personal and family administration is in good hands before your departure and for the entire duration of OI1;
• Prepare yourself physically and adopt a healthy lifestyle with a regular physical training program.
• If your medical condition changes, advise your recruiting center or your unit, as soon as possible.
• Should you have any outstanding legal obligations or commitments, you need to resolve and identify these to your recruiting center or your unit as soon as possible and prior to arriving at RMC.

Arrival Procedures

All ROTP N/OCdts will arrive at the KMCSC between 1000 - 1200 on 22 August 2026. If travelling from CFLRS by means other than a bus, it is essential that you organize your transport to meet this timing. Friends and family are invited to return from 1300 - 1400 to say goodbye and listen to the RMC Commandant’s address from 1400 – 1415 in the SAM gym (located inside the KMCSC). The Memorial Arch Parade will begin at at 1430.

A box lunch will be provided to you upon your arrival.

UTPNCM

Members will be met at the KMCSC at CFB Kingston at 1200 on 22 August 2026. Family and friends will be allowed to meet with members at KMCSC from 1300 - 1400.

Dress

You will travel to Kingston in civilian clothing and change into uniform after arriving at the KMCSC (not applicable to members coming directly from CFLRS). You must have the following pieces of uniform/equipment in your possession upon arrival in Kingston:

• CADPAT combat uniform including N/OCdt rank badge, belt and element t-shirt
• Issued boots or purchased if eligible and boot bands
• Beret, UTPNCM personnel to bring with tri-force (CAF) cap badge; ROTP will be issued the tri-force cap badge during OI1
• CADPAT rain jacket
• Backpack

Policy on Alcohol, Cannabis and Drug Consumption

Consumption of alcohol and cannabis are not permitted until after the completion of OI1. Alcohol is not permitted to be kept in dormitories. Additionally, any activities linked to illegal drugs (possession, consumption, commerce, etc.) are not tolerated. Violators may face disciplinary and/or administrative measures up to release from the CAF. More details regarding the acceptable use of alcohol and cannabis within the CAF will be provided during OI1.

Prohibited Articles

The following articles are prohibited:

• Personal firearms and ammunition cannot be stored on RMC or CFB Kingston property. Alternate arrangements must be made prior to arrival at RMC for storage.

Restricted Materials

All electronic devices (cellular phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) are considered restricted materials throughout OI1 in the following manner:

• No devices can be used/carried during training hours unless directed by your staff.

Parking

RMC first-year cadets are not allocated parking spots on campus and are not authorized to bring their vehicles to RMC. Members shall make arrangements to store their vehicles elsewhere before coming to RMC.

Services Available

You will have access to the following while at RMC:

• Chapel (Protestant and Roman Catholic) and Inter-faith Room;
• ILOY – Indigenous Elder and Lodge
• Internet (Wifi)
• A general store (CANEX) with dry cleaning service;
• Barber
• Banking facilities (ATMs for BMO); and
• Post Office.

RMC Mailing Address

N/OCdt (first and last name)
Student Number: __________
SQN: __________
RMC 15 Valour Dr
Kingston, ON K7K 7B4

Emergency Contacts

In case of an incident warranting the attention of the CAF prior to your arrival at RMC, contact your current unit (CFRC, CFLRS or PRes unit) chain of command or duty personnel. If the incident may affect your ability to arrive at RMC on time on 22 August 2026, contact the Training Wing Duty Officer at 613-541-7697.

Visitors

Visitors will not be permitted on campus during OI1.

Kit List

RMC will become your primary residence, and you will need to come with enough clothing to be comfortable through all four seasons. The dress code at RMC is strictly enforced and specific clothing will be required depending upon the activity. A personal kit list is provided in Annex A as an example only. You may choose to bring more clothing as required, keeping in mind that storage at RMC is limited. Those who have already been issued military kit must arrive with military equipment listed in Annex A to this document.

Baggage

Your unaccompanied baggage shipped from CFLRS Saint-Jean will be available on your first day at RMC.

Individuals travelling to RMC directly from recruiting centres or PRes units must use their entire baggage allotment on their method of travel before seeking reimbursement for excess baggage. N/OCdts travelling from PRes units or recruiting centers may request commercial shipping from their unit.

Rations and Quarters

RMC Cadets will be living on campus throughout their time at RMC. The costs associated with quarters vary depending on the building you live in. Rates can be found in the College Orderly Room (COR) when clearing in and are deducted from your pay automatically. All RMC ROTP cadets are required to be on full rations and pay associated costs with quarters.

Required Documents and Items

The following documents and items are required upon arrival:

• Certified copies of Diplomas. Cadets must bring final official transcripts that indicate they have graduated from high school. You cannot start academic classes without submitting an official transcript to the Registrar;
• Birth Certificate and Certificate of Canadian Citizenship or a Certificate of Naturalization if you were born outside of Canada. You must also have at least one official document with your photo (driver's license, health card, passport);
• Vaccination booklet;
• CF 100 – Leave Request Authorization provided by Recruiting Center or previous unit;
• CF 742 – Emergency Contact Notification and
  DND 2587 – Next of Kin Identification from Recruiting Center;
• Social Insurance Number (SIN) card;
• Void cheque (for pay purposes);
• Personal Computers: Desktop/ Laptops may be brought for use in the dorm rooms. Wifi is available in all campus buildings.

The following documents are required only if applicable:

• medical prescriptions;
• eyeglass prescriptions (prescribed within last year);
• birth certificates for any dependents (certified true copy);
• marriage certificate (certified true copy);
• affidavit respecting your common-law relationship (original);
• certificate of divorce (certified true copy);
• proof of name change (certified true copy);
• proof of a change in medical status;
• reimbursement of moving expenses (DND 1654), provided by your recruiting center or PRes unit; and
• Driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
• Medical documents indicating diagnosis of a learning disability (or other medical condition as applicable)

Parking and Entrances

Annex A

Civilian clothing

RMC has a strict dress code where all Cadets are required to wear specific designated attire when leaving the campus. RMC will become your new primary residence and as such you will need to bring appropriate attire for all four seasons. A kit list is provided below as an example only (see table 1 and 2).

Military Kit List

Component Transfers must bring all military kit you have been issued. For those attending BMOQ Mod 1 at CFLRS prior to arrival at RMC, the kit list below is to be used as a reference and RMC staff are aware that a significant portion of the kit issued to you at CFLRS will be returned prior to your arrival to RMC (see table 3 and 4).