Communicator Research Operators are members of the Communications and Electronics Branch of the Canadian Forces. Serving in all three Environmental Commands (Army, Navy and Air), they use a wide variety of sophisticated electronic equipment to intercept and analyze electronic transmissions, including foreign communications.

Communicator Research Operators (COMM RSCH) are members of the Communications and Electronics Branch of the Canadian Forces. Serving in all three Environmental Commands (Army, Navy and Air), they use a wide variety of sophisticated electronic equipment to intercept and analyze electronic transmissions, including foreign communications. They also operate computer-assisted radio direction-finding equipment in support of search-and-rescue operations.

A COMM RSCH has the following primary duties:

• Collect, process, analyze and report on electromagnetic activity on radio frequencies, using highly sophisticated equipment
• Work in a computer network environment as a System Manager or System Administrator
• Apply security and communications knowledge in the information technology field
• Serve aboard ship and on overseas deployments
• Use and maintain records and publications

Communicator Research Operators must be able to work as part of a team with a minimum of supervision. They must be able to recognize and act on significant information. An excellent memory, curiosity and resourcefulness are essential qualities. They must also be loyal, discreet, dependable, versatile and psychologically stable. Superior speaking and writing skills are also necessary, and highly developed computer abilities are an asset. English is the working language of the trade.

Upon completion of the required training, COMM RSCHs are posted to Leitrim, near Ottawa, Ontario. Although most COMM RSCHs work in the Ottawa area, there are also employment opportunities across Canada and in the United States. Throughout their careers, COMM RSCHs have frequent opportunities to go to sea in both Canadian and allied warships, and to serve with Canadian Army and Air Force units.

As they progress in their career, COMM RSCHs who demonstrate the required ability and ambition will be offered advanced training through formal courses or on-job training. Specialty training may also be available.

Advanced Training Courses

• Signals Development Operator
• Linguistic Operator

Specialty Training Courses

• High-Frequency Direction-Finding Operator
• Mobile Research Operator
• Satellite communications
• Foreign languages
• Computer network support
• System administration

COMM RSCHs work with extremely sensitive information in a high-security environment that typically features modern office-like conditions in a restricted-access facility. For most of their careers, COMM RSCHs work rotating shifts that cover 24 hours per day and seven days per week; however, they also have frequent opportunities to work regular hours with weekends off. The work requires long periods of intense visual and aural concentration.