The RCAF Now Has Its First Air Operations Officers

Magazine Article / April 19, 2021

On March 31, 2021 the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) welcomed its first group of officers into the brand new Air Operations Officer (AOO) occupation. Having transferred from their previous occupations, this group of 20 skilled officers makes up the RCAF’s initial cadre of AOOs.

The intent of the occupation is to professionalize the management of air and space operations, enhancing RCAF operational effectiveness at all levels. AOOs will be experts in planning, directing, and leading air and space operations, leveraging experience developed at tactical units and formations to integrate those effects in higher-level Joint, Combined, and Pan-Domain operations and campaigns.

With this initial cadre already possessing the knowledge and skills required for immediate employment, the next steps consist of the development of an air operations training program to allow the RCAF to accept more AOOs through additional entry plans. Simultaneously, occupation structure development will begin to provide AOOs with a robust career management framework and succession plan.

The AOO occupation offers meaningful career opportunities to those who want to play a key role in the command, control, and coordination of air and space power in the RCAF and the CAF. If you think that this is the right pathway for you and would like more information, send an email to:

++Air Ops O - O Ops Air@C Air Force D Air Pers@forces.gc.ca

Also, don’t forget to look to PERSpectives for more details as they become available!