Naval Combat Information Operator

Overview
As a member of the military, Naval Combat Information Operators are responsible for the operation of all shipboard surveillance radars and associated equipment of the shipboard intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.

As members of the ship’s Combat Information Organization, they assist and advise the ship’s leadership in navigation, anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. Their primary duties are to:

Configure and operate:
Command and control system

Ships’ radars

Intelligence, surveillance and recognizance systems

Multi-tactical data links

Global command and control system – maritime

Information processing systems

Ship‑borne integrated communication equipment and related sub‑systems

Analyse equipment and system performance on all combat information equipment

Perform basic on‑line fault diagnostic procedures

Collect, correlate, record, analyse, display, and disseminate all tactical information

Maintain classified logs and publications

Work Environment
At sea, Naval Combat Information Operators work mostly within the ship’s Operations Room with some of the most modern and sophisticated equipment at sea today. Onboard ship, they experience the unique adventures and challenges that come with working at sea.

They also perform out‑of‑occupation duties such as sentry duty, line handling for replenishment at sea, ship‑handing for harbour operations, and participation in search and rescue events and person‑over‑board emergencies. They act as members of the ship’s emergency response team for security watches, fire attack teams, and damage control. They may also serve as a member of a naval boarding party to inspect suspect vessels and detain personnel during inspections.

Entry Plans

Direct Entry Options – No previous work experience or career‑related skills are required.

The minimum required education to apply is the completion of provincial Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec (foreign education may be accepted).

CAF recruiters can help determine if a candidate’s interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

Training
The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification (Basic Training) at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec.

Naval Combat Information Operators then attend either the Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia or the Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for approximately 26 weeks to prepare for their role as the ship’s Anti‑Submarine Plotting Operator. Training includes:

Operate personal computers

Basic radar and radio theory

Radar systems operation/check

Internal and external communications technique

Tactical display preparation, set up and update

Tactical information correlation

Use of publications, ship’s logs, files and state boards

Evidence and intelligence gathering

Basic relative velocity

Conduct search and rescue procedures

Underwater Warfare Organization

Additional training is available for those who demonstrate the required ability and potential, including courses in tactical network planning, sensor and intelligence information correlation, personnel management, leadership, and specialized qualifications such as Information Management Director, Naval boarding party, and submarine qualifications.

Part‑Time Options
This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at locations across Canada. Reserve Force members typically serve part time at a CAF home port, may also serve in full‑time positions for fixed terms, and are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates of pay. Benefits include a reasonable benefits package and potential pension plan contributions.

Related Careers

Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator

Naval Electronic Sensor Operator

Sonar Operator

#J-18808-Ljbffr