The lessons learned in South Africa would be useful. In particular, the experience would revive Canadians' interest in their militia and, for some, pride in their army. Canada itself would turn away from its focus on territorial defence to a gradual involvement in world affairs.

There was nothing to indicate that the conflict might be a prelude to Canadian participation in a European war, but in some respects it had been just that, including the opposition between French and English Canadians. In 1914-18 the leaders, and their arguments and political tactics, would be similar to those of 1899-1902.

The main shortcomings noted in the Canadian militia during that war had to do with planning and supply, particularly the replacement in units of men lost or concluding their contracts. There were also the improvised medical services. Some of these matters were corrected with the establishment of, in 1899, the Militia Medical Service and, in 1904, the Canadian Army Medical Corps. In 1903 the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers appeared under the aegis of a former RMC officer cadet, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Weatherbe. That same year saw the appearance of the supply service, the Canadian Army Service Corps and the Guides and Signals Corps. The Headquarters Corps of Military Staff Clerks appeared in 1905 and the Canadian Pay Corps in 1906, though the Pay Corps was not officially operating until 1 July 1907, with 33 members of all ranks. In 1913 the Canadian Officer Training Corps had its beginnings in various universities across the country.

During this period, budgets increased, as did maximum volunteer militia recruitment and daily pay for camp. Extensive properties were purchased for training, including Petawawa, and exercises were resumed. In 1899 new rifles and guns were purchased. Training standards and officer promotion criteria were reviewed, while the army adopted more practical field uniforms.

After 1902, pressure built up to make the militia an increasingly Canadian arm of the federal government. As early as January 1900 the minister responsible, Frederick Borden, was able to gain approval for the idea of a corps, which he described as provisional, of over 1,000 men, an eight-company battalion to be called the 3rd (Special Service) Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry, to relieve the British garrison in Halifax, which was needed in South Africa. In 1905 and 1906 the British garrisons in Halifax and Esquimalt were permanently replaced by Canadian men. In this process, the ceiling for the permanent force was raised first from 1,000 to 2,000 men and then, before 1914, to 4,000 men. Again in 1904, the Militia Council was formed and command of the militia passed to Canadians. This signalled the end of the precedence of British officers over Canadians of similar rank. Canadians' confidence in their military talents and abilities would encourage them to choose a different rifle and uniforms somewhat distinct from those of the imperial troops.

Head nurse in winter uniform, Canadian Nursing Service, circa 1908

Canadian military nurses served in South Africa, and the Nursing Service was formed in 1901. Initially dressed in khaki for service in South Africa, they were given more formal uniforms in 1907. This reconstruction by Ron Volstad shows a nurse's winter uniform. The painting is based on a photo of Georgina Fane Pope, a woman of exceptional talents who was the Service's first head. (Canadian Department of National Defence)