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Communication Reserve Headquarters
613-993-6372
Communication Reserve Signals Officers deliver telecommunication services to the Canadian Forces (CF) and command units that specialize in command, control, information systems, and communications.
Signals Officers plan and manage communications systems for CF units and headquarters deployed in Canada and around the world, and are responsible for the operation and maintenance of all land based CF communication systems.
As a Signals Officer, you will be extensively involved in systems engineering and network operations, working with Army command and support equipment such as
To perform well in this career, you will require training on the conduct of land operations.
Service as a Signals Officer calls for selfless leadership and the highest dedication to the chain of command, to your peers and, especially, to your subordinates. Signals Officers must be able to lead troops in close support of combat units, and are frequently required to perform many physical and mental tasks at once in adverse circumstances. Signals Officers must lead by personal example and assume responsibility for the morale, discipline, effectiveness and efficiency of their personnel. Emphasis is given to communication skills and abilities.
Signals Officers require an operational orientation and must be prepared to assume considerable leadership and administrative responsibilities.
To succeed in this career, you must have physical and mental strength and stamina; methodical, efficient thought processes; cool, mature judgement; resourcefulness and flexibility to adapt to different situations; and the ability to perform steadily under stress.
You must meet CF medical standards, and successfully complete a selection process that includes interviews and a wide range of examinations, including tests of physical fitness.
The preferred degree for those wishing to become Signals Officers is a Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science from an accredited Canadian University. Other degrees will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Direct Entry Officer (DEO) - To qualify for direct entry, you must have a University degree or have successfully completed not less than two years of a University course leading to a degree. All applicants are recruited into DEO as Second Lieutenants.
Reserve Entry Scheme Officer (RESO) – To be eligible, an applicant must be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student at a Canadian post secondary educational institution in a degree programme with a minimum of two years remaining until graduation. The applicant must be available for full time military training during the summer training period and have a satisfactory academic record. All applicants are recruited into RESO as Officer Cadets.
Everyone joining the CF must complete basic training. During Basic Officer Training, you will learn about the regulations and rank structure of the CF, leadership techniques, military dress and deportment, and general knowledge about the CF. You will also participate in physical fitness training and sports programmes. This training takes 11 weeks to complete, and consists of Basic Officer Training Plan (5 weeks) and Common Army Phase training (6 weeks). This training is normally done during the first summer of enrolment.
Upon successful completion of basic Officer training, you will proceed to basic military occupation training. This is normally done during your second and third summers. The training is designed to train future Signals Officers to fulfil their initial assignment as Troop Commanders. This training is broken down into two courses: Phase III and Phase IV. Phase III is made up of three block courses each two weeks long on communication equipment, detachment operations, and section operations. Phase IV is made up of three blocks on Troop operations (3 weeks), Reconnaissance and Squadron Operations (2 weeks) and Information Management Support (2 weeks). This training is done at the CF School of Communications and Electronics (CFSCE), in Kingston, Ontario. The topics covered in this training relate to the strategic, operational and tactical communications systems employed in larger combat formations.
You will be exposed to a wide range of work to complement your training and prepare you for your first leadership appointment. At this early stage of your career, you will perform the tasks of a Signals Officer under supervision. Signals Officers gain experience by progressing through command, operation, training, and project staff assignments that complement the formal courses and training they receive. Advancement is recognized by higher rank and additional responsibilities.
Signals Officers work in all climates, environments and circumstances, from the office-like setting of a base or garrison to the discomforts and risks of service with an operational Army unit, both on exercise in Canada and on overseas deployments that may involve combat. The major source of stress for Signals Officers is the requirement to meet operational deadlines while supervising large numbers of personnel, and make critical decisions in circumstances where the consequences of error could result, either directly or indirectly, in unsuccessful missions, failure by the supported forces to meet operational commitments, loss or damage to equipment, personal injury, or loss of life.
Communication Reserve Signals Officers work approximately one to two evenings a week and two weekends a month at their local units. Once trained there are full time opportunities for employment with the CF, either in Canada or deployed overseas, such as with a United Nations operation.