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Naval Communicator
OVERVIEW
You will be responsible for establishing and managing all external voice, radio-teletype and data circuits, and provide real-time tactical information in support of operations.
WHAT THEY DO
Naval Communicators (NAV COMM) are responsible for establishing and managing all external voice, radio-teletype and data circuits, and provide real-time tactical information in support of operations. When employed in shore establishments, NAV COMMs may work in a wider variety of duties such as providing communications support to ships and shore establishments, performing duties to assist in the communications flow in Naval Radio Stations, or employed as instructors in Recruit, Leadership or Communication Schools.
NAV COMMs are trained in all areas of naval communications:
Radio teletype
Computer networking
Satellite, tactical voice and visual communications
Classified and unclassified computer networks
Computer-based message processing network
Radio communication control systems
Cryptographic and satellite equipment in support of high speed data and imagery exchanges
In addition, NAV COMMs establish and maintain communications with national and allied networks over radio frequencies required for mission coordination, utilizing tactical line-of-sight, long-range and satellite communications. They perform and advise on shipboard flag ceremonial procedures. It is also their responsibility to advise Command on tactical signalling and ship manoeuvring, encoding/decoding of signals and dissemination of tactical and manoeuvring signals.
NAV COMMs are trained in all areas of naval communications:
In addition, NAV COMMs establish and maintain communications with national and allied networks over radio frequencies required for mission coordination, utilizing tactical line-of-sight, long-range and satellite communications. They perform and advise on shipboard flag ceremonial procedures. It is also their responsibility to advise Command on tactical signalling and ship manoeuvring, encoding/decoding of signals and dissemination of tactical and manoeuvring signals.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Naval Communicators must be able to concentrate under stressful conditions and possess good reasoning ability as well as a good memory for detail. Adaptability, accuracy and most importantly, dependability and discretion are essential due to exposure to classified and personnel information. Naval Communicators must be willing to accept responsibility and be able to work independently and function both as a leader and a team member. You must meet Canadian Forces medical standards and successfully complete a selection process that includes interviews and a wide range of examinations.
TRAINING
Basic Military Qualification
The first stage of training for a successful applicant is the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all occupations. An important goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Forces (CF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.
Basic Occupational Qualification Training
On completion of the BMQ, NAV COMMs attend Naval Environmental Training at the Canadian Forces Fleet School in either Esquimalt, British Columbia, or Halifax, Nova Scotia. Training takes approximately five weeks and includes:
Naval history and organization
Shipboard firefighting and damage control
Watchkeeping duties
Seamanship
The second phase of training is the Naval Communicators Course offered at the Canadian Forces Fleet School in Esquimalt, British Columbia. Training takes approximately 29 weeks and includes the following topics:
Communications security
Information Systems Security
Basic communication procedures, such as: - Basic radio theory and computer skills - A Plus and Network Plus Curriculum - Keyboarding and Message processing - Frequency Management - Operating Radio Communication Equipment - Fleet Manoeuvring
The first stage of training for a successful applicant is the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all occupations. An important goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Forces (CF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.
Basic Occupational Qualification Training
On completion of the BMQ, NAV COMMs attend Naval Environmental Training at the Canadian Forces Fleet School in either Esquimalt, British Columbia, or Halifax, Nova Scotia. Training takes approximately five weeks and includes:
The second phase of training is the Naval Communicators Course offered at the Canadian Forces Fleet School in Esquimalt, British Columbia. Training takes approximately 29 weeks and includes the following topics:
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Naval Communicators usually serve at sea until they reach the rank of Leading Seaman. They then divide their service career between sea positions and employment ashore in radio stations, fleet training schools, and in various staff positions at Headquarters and Naval Reserve Divisions throughout Canada. Opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced training are available for those who demonstrate ability and potential. Advanced training in radio/telecommunications, computer networking, cryptographic equipment, management and leadership are available.
SPECIALTY TRAINING
Individuals who demonstrate the required ability and ambition may have the opportunity to undertake advanced Military Occupational training through formal courses or on-the-job training as they progress in their career. Specialty training may also be available.
Advanced Training Courses
Computer Operation (message handling)
Local Area Network Administrator
Advanced Cryptography
Communications Policy Directive Planning and Implementation
Tactical Communication Plan Preparation and Execution
Communications Security
Information Systems Security
Frequency Management
Advanced Fleet Tactical Manoeuvring
Leadership and Management Courses
Specialty Training Courses
Maritime Semi-automatic Exchange Basic Operator
Military Aeronautical Communications
Naval Boarding Party
Basic Submarine Qualification
Ship's Diver
Instructional Techniques
Ship's Coxswain
Advanced Training Courses
Specialty Training Courses
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Upon completion of occupation training, NAV COMMs are posted to their first ship stationed either in Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Esquimalt, British Columbia, where they are employed in the Communications Control Room, Operations Room, on the bridge and the flag deck. While onboard ships, NAV COMMs have limited living space, lack of privacy, and irregular meals and rest periods associated with duties at sea. When employed ashore, NAV COMMs work in office-like conditions in a high-security environment, typically a restricted-access communications facility. Stress may be experienced due to the high degree of concentration and attention to detail required. As with all sea-going personnel,
NAV COMMs work as a team with their fellow shipmates in out-of-occupation duties such as watchkeeper or sentry, act as a line handler for replenishment at sea, and as a ship-hand for entering and leaving harbour. They participate in Search and Rescue events and man-overboard emergencies. They also act as a member of the ship's emergency response team for both Home and Foreign Port security watches. As per any other crewmember, they will be required to routinely perform ship's husbandry. During Maritime Interdiction Operations, a NAV COMM may serve as a member of the Naval Boarding Party in order to inspect the cargo of suspect vessels and detain the vessel's crew during inspections, if necessary.
NAV COMMs work as a team with their fellow shipmates in out-of-occupation duties such as watchkeeper or sentry, act as a line handler for replenishment at sea, and as a ship-hand for entering and leaving harbour. They participate in Search and Rescue events and man-overboard emergencies. They also act as a member of the ship's emergency response team for both Home and Foreign Port security watches. As per any other crewmember, they will be required to routinely perform ship's husbandry. During Maritime Interdiction Operations, a NAV COMM may serve as a member of the Naval Boarding Party in order to inspect the cargo of suspect vessels and detain the vessel's crew during inspections, if necessary.
RELATED CIVILIAN OCCUPATIONS
<Computer Network or Systems Administrator
Cryptographer
Radio Operator
Marine Traffic Controller
