Signal Operator

Opportunity

Do you like knowing that your work is directly helping your team? As a Signal Operator, you’ll be responsible for connecting Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members through communication systems in a variety of locations and scenarios.

Overview

Signal Operators use cutting-edge voice and data systems to provide wired and wireless communications and information services to the CAF throughout Canada and around the world.

Signal Operators expertly install, remove, troubleshoot and operate technology such as:

• Wired and Wireless Communications and Information Systems
• Radio, Satellite and Microwave Broadband Systems
• Fibre Optic and Copper Wire Broadband Technology
• Voice and Data Systems

To be eligible to apply to the CAF, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada;
• Be at least 18 years old (17 years old with parental consent), except:
  • For the paid education programs you may be 16 years old (with parental consent)
  • For the Primary Reserve you may be 16 years old (with parental consent) and must be enrolled as a full-time student; and
• Have completed at least Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Quebec (some jobs need higher levels of education).

Work Environment

Signal Operators experience the unique adventures and challenges that come with working outdoors, in military vehicles and in temporary shelters (e.g., tents). Signal Operators work across the country on Army bases and around the world wherever the CAF has a footprint.

Basic Military Qualification

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec, or through various training establishments across Canada from Esquimalt, British Columbia, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. One main goal of this course is to ensure all recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding but achievable.

After Basic Training, Army recruits go to a military training centre for the Basic Military Qualification – Land Course for approximately one month, which covers the following topics:

• Army Physical Fitness
• Dismounted Offensive and Defensive Operations
• Reconnaissance Patrolling
• Individual Field Craft

Signal Operator Training

Signal Operators attend the Canadian Forces School of Communication and Electronics in Kingston, Ontario. Training takes approximately 19 weeks and includes:

• Communications Security Policies and Procedures
• Tactical Line Communications Systems
• Portable Power-Generating Systems
• VHF and HF Radio Communications Systems
• Satellite Communications Systems
• Service Desk Analyst

Available Specialty Training

Signal Operators may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training in the following areas:

• Cryptographic Equipment
• Advanced Satellite Communications Systems
• Line-of-Sight Microwave Communications Systems
• Instructional Techniques

Available Advanced Training

As they progress in their career, Signal Operators who demonstrate the required ability and potential may be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Advanced Military Vehicle Operation (Driver Training)
• Advanced Telecommunications Systems
• Instructional Design
• Leadership and Management

Required Education

Foreign education may be accepted.

Direct Entry Officer Plan

No previous work experience or career-related skills are required. A recruiter can help you decide if your interests and attributes fit. If you already have a university or college diploma, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the necessary on-the-job training program following Basic Training. Basic Training is required before being assigned.

Please note that, if successful in the application process, you will be entering service in either the Regular Force (full-time employment) or Primary Reserve Force (part-time employment) of the Canadian Armed Forces as a military member.

• Regular Force: Upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career.

• Primary Reserve Force: You will be joining the Primary Reserve Force through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends with possibilities of full-time employment.

To learn more about the various ways to join the Canadian Armed Forces, visit: https://forces.ca/en/how-to-join/#wj

Join the CAF

To learn more about becoming a Signal Operator, visit www.forces.ca, talk to a recruiter at a centre near you or call 1-800-856-8488.

Explore over 100 different career opportunities at www.forces.ca/en/careers.