Born in Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec, Benoit was educated at Laval University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950, and a Medical Doctorate in 1958.
[2] Upon entering medical school in 1952, Benny, as Benoit was called by his colleagues, joined the Canadian Officer Training Corps (COTC).
Having completed his specialty training he was appointed chief of anesthesiology at Canadian Forces Hospital in Oromocto, New Brunswick.
"[5] Benoit was promoted to colonel and appointed commandant of the Canadian Forces Hospital Valcartier, in Quebec, well as the chief of anesthesiology in 1974.
Four years later, he "assumed command of the newly formed Canadian Forces Hospital and Medical Supply System with headquarters in Ottawa".