Aerospace Control Officer

Overview
As a member of the military, Aerospace Control Officers contribute to air operations by providing air traffic control services and air weapons control. Aerospace Control Officers are responsible for the conduct of aerospace surveillance, warning, and control of airborne objects throughout Canadian airspace. As an integral part of the Canadian Air Navigation System, they also provide control to civilian and military aircraft during combat and training operations worldwide.

Aircrew Selection Centre
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) requires that all Pilots, Aerospace Controllers and Air Combat Systems Officers attend and successfully complete the Aircrew Selection. The selection centre is located in Trenton, Ontario where candidates are tested over a two‑day period with computer‑based scenarios designed to validate the skills and aptitudes required by the RCAF. Success at Aircrew Selection is a necessary step in order to continue to be processed for these three occupations.

Work environment
Aerospace Control Officers may be deployed to a ship, aircraft, or in the field throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. Initially, they are employed as either air traffic controllers at Canadian military airbases, or in the air defence realm, controlling fighter aircraft at the Canadian Air Defence Sector.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. There is some flexibility with regards to postings; however accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. If you join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so 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. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum, with possibilities of full‑time employment.

Entry plans

Direct Entry Options

Paid Education Options

If you already have a university degree, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on‑the‑job training program following basic training. Basic training and military officer qualification training are required before being assigned.

Regular Officer Training Plan

Due to the requirement for CAF officers to obtain a university degree, the CAF will pay successful recruits to complete a bachelor’s degree program in the Royal Military College System. Recruits will receive a full‑time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for working in the CAF for a period of time.

Typically, candidates enter the Canadian Military College System as an Officer Cadet where they study subjects relevant to both their military and academic career. In rare instances, based on the needs of the CAF, candidates may be approved to attend another Canadian University. A determination will be made on a case‑by‑case basis. If you are applying for this program, you must apply to the CAF and it is recommended to apply to other Canadian universities of your choice should you not be accepted for ROTP.

Training
After enrolment, you start basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), basic weapons handling, and first aid. Opportunities will also be provided to apply such newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership.

A rigorous physical fitness program is also a vital part of basic training. Basic officer training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training.

Following basic officer training, official second language training may be offered to you. Training could take from two to nine months to complete depending on your ability in your second…