Communication Reserve

Contact

Communication Reserve Headquarters
613-993-6372

Recruiting

Serving Members

Signal Operator

What They Do

Communication Reserve Signal Operators provide fast, reliable voice and data communications to Army Units. Technologies include satellite, digitized, fixed, air-transportable and mobile information and communication equipment. Signal Operators have the following duties:

Perform in land operations and are familiar with military weapons;
Install and operate satellite communication systems;
Install and operate digitized high-frequency and very high frequency radios;
Use fibre optic cable in transmitting information;
Generate cryptographic keying and operate cryptographic equipment;
Co-ordinate circuit restoration in communications and information networks;
Manage and administer local area networks and local distribution networks;
Perform information system administration duties;
Plan communications services; and
Sites and erect all types of antennae.

Qualification Requirements

Signal Operators should have an interest in computer systems with an ability to learn fast and retain key information. Self-motivation, dependability, and vigilance are considered assets. Manual dexterity and interest in working with high technology electronic equipment are required. Physical strength, resourcefulness and the ability to keep clerical records are also desirable.

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; the 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, Signal Operators attend basic military occupation (MOC) training at the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics (CFSCE) in Kingston, Ontario. Training takes approx 43 days, and includes:

Using long-range man-pack and vehicle-mounted radios;
Encrypting and decrypting messages;
Conducting communications using radio, telephone, switchboard, computer, microwave and satellite;
Construct antenna systems;
Operating standard military pattern vehicles and equipment;
Operating power generating units (commonly known as generators); and
Operating software typically used in personal computers, including office suites and various communication systems.

Advanced MOC and Specialty Training

Personnel who demonstrate the required ability and ambition will undertake advanced Signal Operators training through formal courses or on-the-job training as they progress in their careers. Speciality training is also available to qualified Signal Operators. Below are examples of Specialty and Advanced training available to Signal Operators:

Facility Controller;
System Support Operator;
Communications Equipment Management;
Management of Personnel; and
Instructional Techniques;

Working Environment

Communication Reserve Signal Operators work in all climates and environments. On field and operational employments, they work outdoors, often in isolated locations, or in single mobile radio detachments, vehicle-mounted shelters or communications vehicles in support of land operations. They may serve as soldiers in combat where they will be exposed to all associated hazards of the battlefield. When employed in permanent communication facilities on bases, Signal Operators operate high power communications equipment in support of land operations and may work in office-like surroundings. The work is mentally and physically demanding. It requires physical strength to handle heavy equipment.

Communication Reserve Signal Operators work approximately one to two evenings a week and up to two weekends a month at their local unit. 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

Computer Network Operator
Computer Network Manager
Systems Engineer
Communications Manager
Information Systems Analyst
Information Systems Manager
Terminal and Repeater Tester
Cryptanalyst