Annex D: Autobiography Writing Guide
When writing your autobiography, make sure you follow these directives to the letter; otherwise you will have to redo it.
Use blue ink and 8.5’ x 14’’ in lined paper only.
Should be 300 to 400 words.
Shall be written neatly and clearly. (No scratching or scribble
The autobiography starts on the second page at one inch (2.5 cm) from the top.
Write your name, service number and sign your autobiography directly under the last line on the right end side of the sheet.
Shall include a cover page with the following information in the centre:
Autobiography
Rank, name, initials, service number, and platoon number
Family history:
last name and first name;
birth – date and place;
parents – father, mother (alive or deceased) – their profession;
children – how many in the family – where do you situate (oldest, etc.); and
family relation – your childhood and your life in your family.
Education: General summary of your education.
Previous work:
have you ever had an employment? (Any type); and
have you ever had a summer employment or a weekend employment? (If so, what kind and how long).
Did you ever join:
Cubs, Scouts, Cadets or Reserve (Marine, Army, Air);
how long?;
course taken;
rank; and
if not, what is the reason and previous military services?
Sports – Leisure – Social Activities:
sports: which sport did you play? Did you participate in team sport? (If so, with which team) and have you ever been the team captain?;
leisure: what do you do for leisure? (philately, reading, music, photography, etc.); and
social activities: did you ever take part in school or town organization and have you ever fulfilled the president position in those organizations?
Reasons to enrol: Why did you join the Canadian Forces?
What were your three trades choices?
Note: Your composition shall be 1 to 1½ pages long. Do not forget to sign your biography.
