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What They Do
Intelligence Operators provide military intelligence in support of operations, planning and decision-making.
Intelligence Operators are responsible for the following:
- Collecting, processing and disseminating intelligence
- Identifying and analyzing information which is likely to affect military operations, national policies and objectives
- Managing resources in an intelligence unit, section or team
- Operating and managing information technology systems
- Advising on the employment of intelligence collection and surveillance systems
- Providing intelligence support to commanders at the tactical, operational and strategic levels
Career Development
The starting salary for a fully-trained Intelligence Operator is $49,400 per year; however, depending on previous experience and training the starting salary may be higher. Intelligence Operators who demonstrate the required ability, dedication and potential are selected for opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced training.
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. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Forces physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.
After Basic Training, Army recruits go to a Military Training centre for the Soldier Qualification course for approximately one month, which covers the following topics:
- Army Physical Fitness
- Dismounted Offensive and Defensive Operations
- Reconnaissance Patrolling
- Advanced Weapons Handling
- Individual Field Craft
Intelligence Operators attend the Canadian Forces School of Military Intelligence, in Kingston, Ontario. Intelligence Operators will be trained in the unique requirements of providing intelligence services to the Royal Canadian Navy, the Army or the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Intelligence Operators may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:
- Imagery Intelligence
- Counter Intelligence
- Strategic Defence Intelligence Analysis
Intelligence Operators are employed in a specific area that can include, Imagery Intelligence, Counter Intelligence, Electronic Warfare Intelligence, among others.
As they progress in their career, Intelligence Operators who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:
Training for promotion to Sergeant/Petty Officer 2nd Class.
The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Canada. Foreign education may be accepted.
This position is available for part-time employment through the Reserves. Reservists generally work part-time for a Reserve unit in their community. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.
Reservists train with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required professional standards of the job. If additional training is required in order to specialize skills, arrangements will be made by the home unit.
Typically, Reservists work or train with their home unit for at least four evenings and one weekend per month, from September to May of each year. They are paid 85% of Regular Force rates of pay and receive a reasonable benefits package.
