Intelligence Operator

Overview
You will collect, process, analyze and provide military intelligence in support of operations, planning and decision-making at all levels of command within the CF and the Department of National Defence.

What They Do
Intelligence Operators (INT OPs) are members of the Intelligence Branch of the Canadian Forces (CF).
They provide military intelligence in support of operations, planning and decision-making at all levels of command within the CF and the Department of National Defence (DND).

INT OPs can be engaged in: 
Collecting, processing and disseminating intelligence
Identifying, exploiting and analyzing information which is likely to affect military operations, national policies and objectives
Managing resources in an intelligence unit, section or team
Operating and managing information technology (IT) systems
Advising on the employment of intelligence collection and surveillance systems

Providing intelligence support to commanders at the tactical, operational and strategic levels INT Ops may be employed in:
Tactical, Operational and Strategic Analysis
Imagery Intelligence (IMINT)
Electronic Warfare (EW)
Human Intelligence (HUMINT)
Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)
Military Information Support Operations (MISO)
Psychological Operations (PSYOPS)
Information Operations (IO)
Tactical Questioning (TQ)
Counter Intelligence (CI)
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Targeting Intelligence (TI)
Security Intelligence (SI)
Measurement and Signatures Intelligence (MASINT)
Collection Coordination Intelligence Requirements Management (CCIRM)
The Canadian Forces Assistant Attaché (CFAA) program INT OPs must display a high degree of confidence and maturity and project a calm, competent persona at all times.

Qualification Requirements
INT OPs must be able to maintain and operate Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) Systems. They must have a superior ability to collect, evaluate, analyse and integrate information and intelligence. They must be inquisitive, accurate, possess a superior memory for detail and be objective when processing intelligence. INT OPs must be able to work with a minimum of supervision, always exercising sound judgement, initiative and resourcefulness. They must possess superior oral and written communication skills.
INT OPs must have fundamental knowledge of military intelligence, gained through formal courses and professional development.

Entry Plans: The Intelligence Operator occupation is usually available through Occupation Transfer. Preferred candidates should have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of other languages, multi-cultural experience and operational experience are considered an asset.

Other applicants to be considered are: 
Civilian personnel who have formerly served in the CF
Component Transfer applicants who are re-enrolling or transferring from the Reserve

Candidates must meet the CF medical standards and successfully complete a selection process. During the selection phase applicants must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills. The minimum security clearance required for the Basic Qualification Level Intelligence Course (QL5A) is level 2, but INT OPs must qualify for level 3, Special Access clearance.
The CF has introduced a series of recruitment allowances for eligible NCM applicants entering the Regular Force.
Designed to attract skilled personnel to understrength occupations, the allowances are divided into three categories: post-secondary diploma or certificate NCMs ($10,000 signing bonus), civilian trade-qualified NCMs ($20,000 signing bonus) and MOC-qualified NCMs ($20,000 signing bonus).
The a llowances apply to new enrollees, re-enrollees and Reserve Force members who receive a component transfer into this target occupation.
In addition, depending on their qualification level, many qualified recruits will be eligible for incentives such as promotion to the rank of acting corporal immediately after the successful completion of basic training.

Training
Successful candidates will attend QL5A. Those who do not have a minimum English language proficiency of BBB will require language training prior to the QL5A.

Basic Qualification
Successful applicants will be sent to the Canadian Forces School of Military Intelligence (CFSMI), located at Canadian Forces Base Kingston, to attend QL5A core phase of training. In consultation with CFSMI and the Intelligence Branch, INT OPs will determine during this phase what environmental sub-occupation best meets the needs of the Intelligence Branch and their own. After completing the core phase and cross-environmental training, INT OPs will be trained according to their assigned environment.

Advanced Qualifications
The QL6A course is a pre-requisite for promotion to Sergeant/Petty Officer 2nd Class. Like the QL5A, the QL6A course contains a core and cross-environmental training followed by an environment-specific phase. INT OPs in need of training in another environment will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Initial Employment     
INT OPs’ career progression normally involves:
The first tour of duty as collators within their chosen environment. Some INT OPs could be selected for
for specialty positions such as IMINT. Subsequent tours of duty as researchers and/or analysts in their environment,and/or as specialists at tactical, operational or strategic levels. All INT OPs should expect to be deployed.

Working Environment
INT OPs participate in local, national and international operations in various climates, under extremely stressful and, at times, dangerous conditions. They work in a sea, land, air, joint, interdepartmental and multinational environment.

Advanced MOC Training
INT OPs selected for some specialty jobs, such as Imagery Intelligence (IMINT), Counter Intelligence (CI) and Strategic Defence Intelligence Analysis, will attend specialty training prior to their assignment.

Career Development
The QL6B is a pre-requisite for promotion to Warrant Officer/Petty Officer 1st Class. It is a generic course that trains INT OPs from all environments to assume the Warrant Officer/Petty Officer 1st Class function at the operational and strategic levels.
Related Civilian Occupation
Intelligence Analyst or Operator
Administrator
Imagery Specialist
Information Management Specialist
Information Technology Security Consultant
Private Investigator
Security Consultant
Journalist
Paralegal