Electronic Warfare, Basic and Advanced Course

The aim of this course is to provide graduates with the knowledge to work effectively in Electronic Warfare (EW) related positions at the squadron, wing, and higher headquarters levels.

The full EW course is conducted in two phases. The basic phase, completed as distance learning (DL) and the Advanced Operational (AOEW) phase conducted on site.

The Distance Learning (DL) basic EW phase is offered through a 50 to 60 hour self study distance learning package. The prospective course members should have an introductory level understanding of radar, communications, and electro-optic/infrared theory. This course builds on this foundation by providing comprehensive instruction on a range of EW topics.

The DL EW course begins with lessons designed to enhance the background and theoretical understanding of Electronic Warfare and it ends with lessons on the operational aspects of EW. The Basic Electronic Warfare Manual is used as the primary reference.

The final block of instruction covers Integrated Air Defence Systems (IADS), Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Electronic Countermeasures (ECM), Electronic Protection Measures (EPM), Communications EW, Aircraft Defensive Electronic Warfare Systems (DEWS), EW in Space, the Integrated use of EW assets, and the role of EW in recent conflicts.

This course details the operational employment of EW assets in air operations and investigates current issues and future trends in EW. Much of the instruction on the AOEW course is provided by guest lecturers and subject matter experts from air: the three services and international military and industrial communities.

The AOEW course on week one covers the theory behind radio frequency generation, radar, communications, electro-optic/infrared, and weapon guidance. Week two covers Information Operations (IO) and Command and Control Warfare (C2W), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Electronic Countermeasures (ECM), and Electronic Protection Measures (EPM). Week three concludes with a computer-based operational EW exercise.

The course is offered to a broad range of air operation occupations from the rank of Corporal to Major. The basic phase has a maximum of 30 students per course. The AOEW course is limited to a maximum of 24 students per course.

The DL phase is required before attending the Advanced phase of the EW course.

The basic DL course is conducted three times a year and needs to be completed in 90 days. The advanced portion of the EW course is a three-week programme, conducted twice per year.

The basic phase of the course is unclassified. The AOEW course is classified NATO Secret; however, non-NATO students are eligible to attend with the provision that they could be excluded from the classified portions of the training.

The Advanced Operation Electronic Warfare training is offered by the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Studies (CFSAS) and is located at 17 Wing, Winnipeg, Manitoba.