What They Do
The primary function of the Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO) is to plan, coordinate and direct the tactical missions of their aircraft and crew in a highly dynamic environment in order to achieve military objectives. ACS Officers often direct and coordinate the tactical activities of other units to achieve operational objectives. They employ precision tactical navigation systems, sophisticated sensors, communication systems, electronic warfare equipment and weapon delivery systems.
Missions that ACS Officers may lead include:
- Search and Rescue
- Anti-Submarine Operations
- Maritime Surface Surveillance and Targeting
- Sovereignty and Fisheries Patrols
- Counter-Narcotics Operations
- Tactical Airlift
- Air-to-Air Refueling
- Humanitarian Relief
- Combined Operations with Foreign Militaries
- Electronic Warfare (EW) Training and Support
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operations
Qualification Requirements
You must meet Canadian Forces medical standards and go through a selection process that includes tests and interviews at the Aircrew Selection Centre (ASC) in Toronto, Ontario. An above average proficiency in mathematics and physics are required for this military occupation.
Working Environment
The Air Combat Systems Officer is primarily employed in the maritime or transport environment. You will normally operate from your home airfield but you may periodically be deployed to airfields around the world, exposing you to conditions ranging from arctic to tropical. You may also be employed at sea, flying from Canadian Navy destroyers and frigates, which entails the added challenges of a shipborne environment. Airborne duties can often be physically demanding, Officers in this military occupation are subject to rotating shift work and non-standard working hours.
PHASE I
Basic Officer Training is approximately 13 weeks long and is conducted at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. You will learn the principles of leadership, the regulations and customs of the service, basic weapons handling and first aid. You will also participate in a rigorous program of sports and fitness training.
PHASE II
Consists of orientation training at one of the three operational flying Wings that employ ACS Officers. This orientation training will provide you with exposure to Maritime Helicopter, Long-Range Patrol and Air Transport operations. You will be exposed to the roles of the Air Wing and the units that support the Wing’s flying operations. In addition, you will see first-hand the role of the ACS Officers as part of a crew by participating in crew briefings and flights on a variety of aircraft undertaking both training and operational missions.
PHASE III
During this phase you must complete three courses. The first course is Aeromedical Training (AMT) at the Canadian Forces School of Survival and Aeromedical Training (CFSSAT) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This course will acquaint you with the physiological effects of high altitude operations and the oxygen supply systems used on military aircraft. The second course is Basic Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape course also conducted by CFSSAT in Winnipeg. The last course is the Air Operations Sea Survival course at the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue in Comox, British Columbia.
PHASE IV
Phase IV consists of an 11-month Basic Air Navigation course held at the Canadian Forces School for Air Combat Systems Officers in Winnipeg. You will receive basic and advanced navigation training on the CT120A Grob and the CT-142 Dash 8 aircraft, for a total of 120 flying hours. Subjects include navigation, meteorology, electronics, communications, guidance and control systems, basic tactics and computers. After successful completion, you will receive your wings and proceed to an Operational Training Unit (OTU) for specialized training on a specific operational aircraft.
The Air Combat Systems Officer training facility and the OTUs actively encourage the development of the following key attributes within their personnel:
- Spatial Awareness
- Tactical Awareness
- Decisiveness
- Problem-Solving
- Risk Management
- Information Management
- Air Leadership
