Communication Reserve

Contact

Communication Reserve Headquarters
613-993-6372

Recruiting

Serving Members

Intelligence Operator

What They Do

Communication Reserve Intelligence Operators are trained to collect, analyze, and disseminate information of interest to the military. That information is collected from various sources and agencies and is processed into intelligence for use by senior Department of National Defence (DND) officials. In the Communications Reserve, Intelligence Operators are specifically trained to produce Signals Intelligence. Use of computer software and various communications equipment is extensive. Applicants to this trade will be required to submit a very detailed security screening.

Determine target information to be collected;
coordinate tasks for information collection among various sources and agencies;
Analyze collected information, signal patterns, and military tactics to produce intelligence;
Disseminate intelligence to senior officials in written, graphic, and oral formats;
Plan reconnaissance missions;
Provide mission briefs and debriefs for combat operations (army, navy and air force);
Use cryptographic materials and equipment;
Operate communication equipment and computers;
Perform preventive maintenance routines and serviceability checks on all equipment and vehicles associated with the trade;
Drive military vehicles;
Maintain electronic and paper databases for all operations;
Work with classified information and implement appropriate security measures;
perform as a combat soldier in land operations, when needed (including the use of personal weapons, reconnaissance and tactics

Qualifications Requirements

Manual dexterity and an interest in working with computers and equipment are required in this military occupation. Good written and oral communication skills, and the ability to maintain accurate and complete records are also requirements. Intelligence Operators should have a good memory, be adaptable and accurate, have a good learning ability, and be self-motivating, discreet, dependable and vigilant.

Training

Basic Military Qualification

The first stage of training for all members of the Communication Reserve is a 4-week Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course. This course is conducted full-time during the summer at the Communication Reserve School in Shilo Manitoba. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades, and is physically demanding. This course covers the following topics:

Policies and regulations of the Canadian Forces;
Basic safety procedures;
First aid;
Survival under field conditions;
Drill, dress and deportment;
Weapon handling and firing;
Cross-country navigation; and
Survival under nuclear, biological and chemical conditions.

Soldier Qualification

On successful completion of BMQ, Communication Reserve soldiers must complete the 4-week Soldier Qualification (SQ) course held at the Communication Reserve School in Shilo Manitoba. This course covers the following topics:

Dismounted offensive and defensive operations;
Reconnaissance patrolling;
Advanced weapons handling (working with grenades and machine guns); and
Individual field craft.

Basic Military Occupation Training

On completion of SQ, Intelligence Operators attend basic military occupation training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Intelligence (CFSMI) in Kingston, Ontario. This training takes 4 weeks to complete, and covers the following material:
Use maps and military map symbols;
Knowledge of military organisations;
Knowledge of military equipment (Army, Navy and Air Force);
Knowledge of intelligence production procedures;
Dissemination of intelligence in written, graphic and verbal form;
Interpretation of military tactics;
Implementation of security policies;
Use computers on both classified and unclassified circuits
Maintenance of electronic databases.

Advanced and Specialty Training

Personnel who demonstrate the required ability and ambition will undertake advanced military occupation training through formal courses or on-the-job training as they progress in their careers. Specialty training may also be available. Below are examples of training related to this occupation:

Collection Control and Information Resource Management
Advanced Combat Intelligence
Aid to Civil Power
Interrogation
Managing of Personnel
Instructional Techniques
Electronic Warfare Specialist
Human Intelligence
Counter-Terrorism
Satellite/Air Photo Analysis
Tactical Fighter Intelligence

Working Environment

Communication Reserve Intelligence Operators work as Signal Intelligence Specialists. Depending on the geographical location, Reserve Intelligence Operators are employed in a wide variety of roles, such as an analyst in an Electronic Warfare Operation Center or in a Brigade Intelligence Cell. Members may serve as soldiers in a combat role, in support of United Nations missions and federal or provincial aid-to-civil power operations. When working in field environments, Intelligence Operators are often required to work long, irregular hours in any part of the world and in any type of weather. In large-scale operations and exercises, Intelligence Operators will work very closely with members of foreign countries and must work effectively in different linguistic and cultural environments.

Reserve Intelligence Operators work approximately one to two evenings a week and up to two weekends a month at their local unit. Shift work can be expected in all environments. Once trained, there are full-time opportunities for employment with the Canadian Forces, either in Canada or deployed overseas, such as with an United Nations operation.

Related Civilian Occupations

Strategic Analysis with the Communications Security Establishment (CSE)
Military Analysis within Civilian and Journalistic Companies
Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS)
RCMP
Police