Cyber Operator

Overview

As a member of the military, Cyber Operators conduct defensive cyber operations, and when required and where feasible, active cyber operations. They liaise and work collaboratively with other government departments and agencies, as well as with Canada’s allies to enhance the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) ability to provide a secure cyber environment. They monitor CAF communication networks to detect and respond to unauthorized network access attempts and provide cyber support to meet the operational requirements of the Navy, Army, Air Force, and joint enablers.

A Cyber Operator has the following responsibilities :

Collect, process and analyze network data

Identify network vulnerabilities

Manage a computer network environment

Conduct defensive and active cyber operations

Apply security and communications knowledge in the field of information technology

Use and maintain classified and unclassified records and publications

To be eligible to apply to the CAF, you must :

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada;

Be at least 18 years old (17 years old with parental consent), except :

Have completed at least Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Québec (some jobs need higher levels of education).

Work Environment

Cyber Operators work with extremely sensitive information in a high-security environment, within restricted-access facilities. Cyber Operators are required to work shift work throughout their careers however, they have frequent opportunities for employment in positions that work regular business hours. Cyber Operators serve in the sea, land or air environment, and on deployed operations around the world. They can also be employed in exchange positions as part of the personnel exchange program with United States armed forces or other allied nations.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Basic Military Qualification

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, Québec, or through various training establishments across Canada from Esquimalt, British Columbia, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. One main goal of this course is to ensure all recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding but achievable.

Basic Occupational Qualification Training

After your BMQ, Cyber Operators will attend a CAF-approved college program on computer network security at Willis College in Ottawa, Ontario. You will receive instruction from civilian instructors on the following topics :

Software development

Network Situational Awareness

How to respond to and report on cyber events

How to conduct analyses

After successful completion of the college program, or if you already have a diploma from an approved institution, you will attend the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics (CFSCE) in Kingston, Ontario, for approximately 16 weeks. Using a combination of theory, demonstrations, practical work and simulation exercises, the CFSCE course will cover :

Cyber Operations

Data capture and statistical analysis

Communications and data security

Operation of auxiliary equipment

Available Specialty Training

Cyber Operators may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including :

Network vulnerability evaluations and assessments

Digital forensics

Threat intelligence analysis

Active cyber tasks

Malware identification and analysis

Cyber event mitigation

Cyber Operators who demonstrate the required ability, dedication and potential may be selected for career progression opportunities, advanced training, and promotion.

Required Education

The minimum required education to apply for this position is Secondary high school graduation diploma, Secondary 5 in Quebec, or equivalency including :

Gr 12 Applied Math or Math 526 / SN 5 / TS 5 in Quebec, or,

Gr 12, or Secondary 5 with Computer Studies, Computer Science or Programming

Future Entry Plan

As part of a phased approach to filling Cyber Operator positions within the CAF, we will soon accept applications from individuals who have already completed a CAF-endorsed college program (see the CAF-ACE website for information at or contact your nearest recruiting centre).

Join the CAF

To learn more about becoming a Cyber Operator, visit talk to a recruiter at a centre near you or call 1-800-856-8488.

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