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.

• 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 online fault diagnostic procedures
• Collect, correlate, record, analyse, display, and disseminate all tactical information
• Maintain classified logs and publications

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 work at sea.

As with all sea-going personnel, they work with fellow shipmates in out-of-occupation duties such as sentry or lookout duty, line handler for replenishment at sea, and as ship hand for entering and leaving harbour. They participate in search and rescue events and person-overboard emergencies, act as a member of the ship’s emergency response team for security watches, and routinely perform ship maintenance and repairs.

During emergency procedures, they fight fires as members of a fire attack team, and provide damage control in the case of a breach to the hull. If necessary, they may serve as a member of the naval boarding party to inspect the cargo of suspect vessels and detain the vessel’s crew during inspections.

No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help decide if personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec. Foreign education may be accepted.

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, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades.

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 in tactical network planning and procedures, sensor and intelligence information correlation as well as personnel management and leadership are available to those who demonstrate the required ability and potential. Available courses include:

• Instructional techniques
• Ship’s team diver
• Ship’s team diving supervisor
• Naval boarding party
• Naval combat information operator Iroquois class classification
• Basic submarine qualification
• Naval combat information operator submarine qualification
• Submarine control room watch supervisor
• Global command control systems – maritime instructor

Those who demonstrate the aptitude may have the opportunity to specialize as an Information Management Director, responsible to Command for the management of information networking and the dissemination of all-source information. Required courses include:

• Operations and exercise…