How to become an operations member of the Canadian Armed Forces
Official title: Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces
Also called: Sonar operator, Assault pioneer, Combat engineer, Mortarman/woman, Naval acoustics operator, Reconnaissance patrolman, Naval combat information operator, Airborne electronic sensor operator
Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces provide operational support to soldiers including the proper functioning and testing of military equipment such as vehicles, ships and weapons. They follow the military and strategic policies established by the leadership of the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Airforce and the Royal Canadian Navy.
Main tasks
- Analyze equipment and system performance on all combat information equipment
- Maintain and operate engineering equipment, including weapons, vehicles, heavy equipment and supplies
- Inspect motors in operation, road test motor vehicles, and test automotive systems and components using computerized diagnostic and other testing devices to diagnose and isolate faults
- Configure and operate intelligence, surveillance and recognizance systems
- Oversee the construction of tools and devices to enable infantry soldiers to cross natural and man-made obstacles and break through enemy defenses
- Operate weapons and missile related equipment for defense
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. Three months of basic military training is required and provided. Occupational qualification training of at least six months is required. Specialized training in the operation and maintenance of military equipment and systems is provided.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 27% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Criminal justice and corrections; Vehicle maintenance and repair technologies/technicians; Electrical/electronic engineering technologies/technicians.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $66,983 a year
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Questions people ask
How do I become an operations member of the Canadian Armed Forces?
Completion of secondary school is required. Three months of basic military training is required and provided. Occupational qualification training of at least six months is required. Specialized training in the operation and maintenance of military equipment and systems is provided.
How much does an operations member of the Canadian Armed Forces earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $66,983 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)).
Do you need a degree to become an operations member of the Canadian Armed Forces?
Usually not. Only 11% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03