Naval Warfare Officer
Canadian Armed Forces
Opportunity
Do you pride yourself on discipline, leadership and decision making? Naval Warfare Officers are the only officers in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with command of the Navy’s ships and submarines. This is a critical role for those who rise to the challenge.
Overview
Naval Warfare Officers manage and direct the maritime strategy, tactics and procedures in the operation of ships, submarines and aircraft, maritime sensors, combat information and weapons systems. Their primary responsibilities include:
- Commanding, controlling and coordinating Maritime Military operations
- Leading and making decisions that will affect the general conduct of operations and security
- Providing expertise in a wide range of activities relating to the exercise of sea power
- Directing and conducting strategies, tactics and procedures in the operation of ships, submarines, aircraft, maritime sensors, combat information and weapons systems
- Providing input into the design, procurement and evaluation of ships or systems
- Performing staff, training and administrative duties
To be eligible to apply to the CAF, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada;
- Be at least 18 years old (17 years old with parental consent), except:
- For the Paid Education programs—you may be 16 years old (with parental consent);
- For the Primary Reserves—you may be 16 years old (with parental consent) and must be enrolled as a full-time student;
- Have completed at least Grade 12 or Secondaire V in Québec (some jobs need higher levels of education); and
- Have a Bachelor’s Degree or be working towards one;
- Ideal candidates will already have a diploma or Red Seal for a related civilian trade.
Paid Education
Regular Officer Training Plan
Due to the requirement for Regular Force CAF officers to obtain a university degree, the CAF will pay successful recruits to complete a bachelor’s program in the Royal Military College System. Recruits will receive full-time salaries, including medical, dental and vacation time, with full pay in exchange for working in the CAF for a period of time. Typically, candidates enter the Canadian Military College System as Officer Cadets, where they study subjects relevant to both their military and academic careers. In rare instances, based on the needs of the CAF, candidates may be approved to attend another Canadian university, determined on a case-by-case basis. If you want to apply for this program, you must apply to the CAF. It is highly recommended to apply to other Canadian universities of your choice should you not be accepted for a Regular Officer Training Plan option.
Work Environment
Naval Warfare Officers have two distinct working environments: at sea and ashore. As with all seagoing personnel, Naval Warfare Officers experience the unique challenges and adventures that come with working at sea. When ashore, Naval Warfare Officers work a standard workday in an office environment.
Basic Military Officer Qualification
After enrolment, you will start basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics covered include:
- General Military Knowledge
- The Principles of Leadership
- Regulations and Customs of the Forces
- Basic Weapons Handling
- First Aid
Opportunities will also be provided to apply such newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness program is a vital part of basic training to ensure all recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding but achievable.
Following basic officer training, official second language training may be offered to you. Training could take from two to nine months to complete depending on your ability in your second language.
Naval Warfare Officer Training
Naval Warfare Officers attend the Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia, for 12 months. The training consists of classroom instruction, simulators, and practical training at sea to gain expertise and hands-on experience in the following:
- Navigation
- Bridgemanship
- Communications
- Relative Motion
- Ship Safety
- Emergency Procedures
- Seamanship
- Rules of the Road
Upon successful completion of this formal training, Officers are posted to their first operational ship where, in approximately 24 months, they will complete at-sea requirements and on-the-job training leading to a Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate and Naval Warfare Officer Professional Qualification.
Available Specialty Training
After six months of practical application of your professional training, you will specialize for four to six months in any of the following areas:
- Ship Navigation
- Above or Under-Water Weapons Direction
- Management of Information and Communication Systems
- Submarine Service
- Clearance Diving
Direct Entry Plan
If you already have a university or college diploma, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the necessary on-the-job training program following basic training. Basic training is required before being assigned.
Please note that, if successful in the application process, you will be entering service in either the Regular Force (full-time employment) or Primary Reserve Force (part-time employment) of the Canadian Armed Forces as a military member.
• 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.
• Primary Reserve Force: You will be joining the Primary Reserve Force 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 with possibilities of full-time employment.
To learn more about the various ways to join the Canadian Armed Forces, visit: https://forces.ca/en/how-to-join/#wj
Join the CAF
To learn more about becoming a Naval Warfare Officer, visit www.forces.ca, talk to a recruiter at a centre near you or call 1-800-856-8488.
Explore over 100 different career opportunities at www.forces.ca/en/careers.