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  | Signal Operators are members of the Communications and Electronics Branch of the Canadian Forces. Their job is to provide Army units with fast, reliable voice and data communications, and they do it by means of top-of-the-line satellite, digitized, fixed, airtransportable and mobile information and communications equipment.
A Signal Operator has the following primary duties:
 Install and operate satellite communication systems and digitized high-frequency, very high frequency, and ultra high frequency radios with all types of antennae;
Manage and administer local area networks (LANs) and local distribution networks;
Transmit and receive messages and data;
Operate cryptographic equipment and generate key material;
Co-ordinate circuit restoration in communications and information networks;
Plan communications services; and
Perform in land operations, when necessary, fight as infantry (includes use of personal weapons, reconnaissance and section level tactics)
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 | | Signal Operators should be physically robust good learners with good information-retention abilities and good manual dexterity. They must be loyal, discreet, dependable, versatile, psychologically stable, and interested in high technology electronic equipment, especially computer systems. |
 | Basic Military Qualification
The first stage of training for everyone is the 10-week Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course 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. It is also physically demanding. A primary goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits attain the CF physical fitness standard. BMQ covers the following topics:
Policies and regulations of the Canadian Forces;
CF drill, dress and deportment (the “three D’s”);
Basic safety;
First aid;
Personal survival in nuclear, biological and chemical conditions;
Handling and firing personal weapons;
Cross-country navigation; and
Personal survival in field conditions.
Soldier Qualification
On successful completion of BMQ, Signal Operators go to a Military Training Centre for the 10-week Soldier Qualification (SQ) course, which covers the following topics:
Army physical fitness;
dismounted offensive and defensive operations;
reconnaissance patrolling;
advanced weapons-handling (working with grenades, machine-guns and anti tank weapons); and
individual field-craft.
Basic Military Occupational Training
On completion of SQ, Basic Military Occupational (MOC) Training for Signal Operators takes about six months and is given at the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics (CFSCE) in Kingston, Ontario. Using a combination of theory instruction, demonstrations and practical work, it covers the following basic skills:
Typing on a standard keyboard;
Using long-range man-pack and vehicle-mounted radios;
Encrypting and decrypting messages;
Conducting communications by radio, telephone, switchboard, computer, microwave and satellite; and
Operating software typically used in personal computers, including office suites and various communication systems.
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 | | Qualified Signals Operators who are ambitious and capable enjoy excellent opportunities for Advanced MOC Training, specialty courses, interesting employment, and promotion. They serve at stations and bases across Canada and on deployed operations around the world. |
 | | On successful completion of MOC training, Signal Operators are usually posted to the Signals Squadron attached to the Headquarters of one of the Army’s three Mechanized Brigade Groups. They are located in Edmonton, Petawawa and Valcartier for a period of on-job training (OJT). During OJT, they practise and build on the material taught during MOC training. |
 | Upon completion of OJT, Signal Operators are eligible to attend further technical training at CFSCE. Those who display the ability and ambition required to excel may be selected for the following Advanced MOC Training:
Facility Controller
System Support Operator
Communications Equipment Management
Information System Design
Management of Personnel
The following specialty training may also be available:
Instructional Techniques
Parachutist
Military Aeronautical Communications
Tactical Facility Control Centre Operations
Long-Range Communications Operations
Small-System Support Specialist
Data Network Design Concepts
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 | | Signal Operators work in all climates and environments. When employed in the field in support of land or air operations, they work outdoors (often in isolated places) in single-person mobile radio detachments, vehicle-mounted shelters, or communications vehicles. Especially in the field, Signal Operators require physical strength to manipulate heavy components. When employed at a static unit in support of air and naval operations, Signal Operators work in office-like conditions in a high-security environment, typically a restricted-access, windowless communications facility. Normal levels of mental stress are encountered when employed at a static unit, but stress increases considerably when on exercise or deployed on operations. Appropriate training, environmental clothing and equipment are provided, and Signal Operators’ health, safety and morale are closely monitored. |
 | Computer Network Manager
Computer Network Operator
Systems Engineer
Communications Manager – Telecommunications
Facility Operations Manager
Information Systems Analyst – Computer Systems
Information Systems Manager
Terminal and Repeater Tester – Telecommunications
Cryptanalyst
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