Naval Combat Information Operator

Non-Commissioned Member | Full Time, Part Time

In Demand

As a member of the military, Naval Combat Information Operators are responsible for the operation of all shipboard surveillance radars and associated equipment of the shipboard intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.

As a member of the military, Naval Combat Information Operators are responsible for the operation of all shipboard surveillance radars and associated equipment of the shipboard intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.

As members of the ship’s Combat Information Organization, Naval Combat Information Operators assist and advise the ship’s leadership in navigation, anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare. Their primary duties are to:

• Configure and operate:
  • Command and control system
  • Ships’ radars
  • Intelligence, surveillance and recognizance systems
  • Multi-tactical data links
  • Global command and control system -maritime
  • Information processing systems
  • Ship borne integrated communication equipment and related sub-systems
• Analyse equipment and system performance on all combat information equipment
• Perform basic on-line fault diagnostic procedures
• Collect, correlate, record, analyse, display, and disseminate all tactical information
• Maintain classified logs and publications

At sea, Naval Combat Information Operators work mostly within the ship’s Operations Room with some of the most modern and sophisticated equipment at sea today. Onboard ship, Naval Combat Information Operators experience the unique adventures and challenges that come with work at sea.

As with all sea-going personnel, Naval Combat Information Operators work with their fellow shipmates in out-of-occupation duties such as sentry or lookout duty, line handler for replenishment at sea, and as ship hand for entering and leaving harbour. They participate in search and rescue events and person-overboard emergencies, act as a member of the ship’s emergency response team for security watches, and routinely perform ship maintenance and repairs. During emergency procedures, they fight fires as members of a fire attack team, and provide damage control in the case of a breach to the hull. If necessary, a Naval Combat Information Operator 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 you chose a career in theRegular 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.

PETTY OFFICER 2 nd CLASS NICHOLAS BUCKLE: I’m Petty Officer 2 nd class Nicholas Buckle from Cornwall, Ontario. I’m a Naval Combat Information Operator on HMCS Halifax.

Naval Combat Information Operators, or NCI Ops, are the expert eyes and ears of the operations room. NCI Ops work with some of the most modern and sophisticated equipment at sea today, using some of the world’s most sensitive, accurate radars and computer systems to help commanders make tactical decisions in real time.

NCI Ops operate all surveillance radars and other detection equipment to build a picture of all aircraft and vessels in the area. As part of the ship’s operations team, operators assist and advise the ship’s commanders in anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. This means operating and configuring the ship’s advanced radars and tactical data links, as well as analyzing equipment and system performance.

BUCKLE: The ship gathers a lot of information as it travels. It’s just constantly gathering information. What we do is take that information and we paint a picture with it so that the Commanding Officer and his team can make the best decision they can with the most accurate information they have.

NCI Ops can also operate unmanned aerial vehicles, which extend the ship’s surveillance capabilities.

A typical day at sea for any sailor can include practical experience and team training such as simulated fire, flood or medical emergencies called “damage control”, that involve the entire ship’s company. As sailors, NCI Ops also have duties such as line handler, and as ship-hand when entering or leaving harbour.

As secondary duties, NCI Ops may also have the opportunity to become a ship’s diver, and become a member of a naval boarding party or a Naval Tactical Operations Group.

When not on duty, sailors have time to exercise and relax with colleagues. They eat their meals together, have personal access to internet and email, and communicate regularly with friends and family back home by satellite telephone.

At sea, Naval Combat Information Operators always know what the ship is doing. They work closely with other allied ships to share information on the big picture.

BUCKLE: You’re always in the know of what’s going on. That really is the coolest part of the job, you really feel like you’re part of the team. Everything that you do feels like it contributes to the end goal of the team and that gives you the reward for a hard day’s work.

After completing their training, Naval Combat Information Operators are assigned to a ship in either Halifax, Nova Scotia or just outside Victoria, B.C., where they put their training into practice and integrate into the ship’s company.

NCI Ops must have a strong attention to detail and an eagerness to continually learn about new equipment and protocols.

There are many opportunities for advancement in this occupation, including the option of specializing as a shipborne air controller. That means being responsible for the control of helicopters and planes operating with the ship. NCI Ops can also volunteer for submarine service.

BUCKLE: I became a shipborne air controller in 2010 after a rigorous course. I wanted to be more challenged in the Operations Room. I really wanted to see the full breadth of operations that a naval ship can do.

Naval Combat Information Operators are an integral part of operations and provide key data to the ship’s captain to accomplish any mission around the world. But it’s about more than just the ship – it’s about people, friends and family.

BUCKLE: The best thing about 12 years of service in the Royal Canadian Navy has been the friendships I’ve made. Every time you deploy, every time you work with a team, every time you build those connections, they all build your circle of friends larger and larger. And you feel like you really belong in this place… I joined the Royal Canadian Navy to see the world, and in 12 years I got to see the world. The ship goes on every ocean to every continent and it brought me to places I never would have went myself. And it gave me experiences I never would have gotten otherwise.

No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec.