Signals Intelligence Specialist

Opportunity

Are you passionate about communications technologies and thrilled by the idea of intercepting messages? As a Signals Intelligence Specialist in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), you’ll become a go-to expert in communications.

Overview
Signals Intelligence Specialists intercept and analyze electronic transmissions, including foreign communications. They also protect the Government of Canada’s computer networks.

This includes the following responsibilities:

• Collecting, processing, analyzing and reporting on electromagnetic activity on radio frequencies using highly sophisticated equipment
• Managing and protecting computer networks
• Securing information technology
• Using and maintaining classified publications

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
• Have completed at least Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Quebec (some jobs need higher levels of education)

Work Environment

Signals Intelligence Specialists work with extremely sensitive information in a high-security, restricted-access facility. They typically work in shifts; however, they also have frequent opportunities to work regular business hours and can be deployed around the world.

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

Signals Intelligence Specialist

Signals Intelligence Specialists attend the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics in Kingston, Ontario, for 45 weeks. Using a combination of theory instruction, demonstration, practical work and simulation exercises, it covers the following topics:

• Signals Intelligence Mathematics
• Communications Rules and Procedures
• Radio Direction-Finding
• Communications Data Systems
• Operation of Auxiliary Equipment

Available Specialty Training

Signals Intelligence Specialists may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training for topics like:

• High-Frequency Direction-Finding Operator Training
• Mobile Research Operator Training
• Satellite Communications
• Foreign Languages
• Computer Network Support
• System Administration
• Morse Code Operator

Available Advanced Training

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

• Signals Development Operator Training
• Linguistic Operator Training

Required Education

Direct Entry 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 Signals Intelligence Specialist, 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.