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

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.

Entry plans

Required Education
Direct Entry Options

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

Part-Time Entry Plan: We accept applications from individuals with specialized skills, or those who have completed or are currently enrolled in a cybersecurity college program. Please reach out to recruiting.cyber@ecn.forces.gc.ca to determine your eligibility.

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. For more information, contact your nearest recruiting centre .

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the core skills and knowledge common to all military occupations. Another objective for the course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard. As a result, the training is physically demanding.

After your BMQ, Cyber Operators will attend a CAF-approved college program on computer network security. 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

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.

Part time options

This position is available for part-time employment within the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part time at an Air Force Wing, Naval Reserve unit, or Army Reserve unit in their community, and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during their training and employment. 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.

Cyber Operators may serve with the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army or the Royal Canadian Air Force. They conduct defensive cyber operations on CAF communication networks and provide cyber support to operations. When employed on a part-time or casual full-time basis they usually serve at CAF unit locations within Canada.

Find a Recruiting Centre

Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts. Initially joining as semi-skilled individuals, they commence training with their home unit to achieve the required basic professional military standards. After completing basic training, the home unit arranges for occupational training at the Cyber Training Unit in Kingston, Ontario. This training can be divided into modules to accommodate those with civilian jobs or full-time studies. Cyber Operators may undergo further training to specialize in areas such as network monitoring, vulnerability assessment, malware analysis, digital forensics, and several other highly specialized fields.

Reserve Force members usually serve part-time with their home unit for scheduled evenings and weekends, although they may also serve in full-time positions at some units for fixed terms, depending on the type of work that they do. They are paid 92.8 percent of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.

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