Shaping the Future of Naval Occupations: RCN Advances Occupation Analysis

July 17, 2025 - Royal Canadian Navy

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is making steady progress on a major Occupation Analysis (OA) effort that will reshape eight core naval occupations to better support today’s operational demands and the demands of the future. The team conducting this OA will be visiting each coast (details below) to socialize the way ahead with the sailors affected by these changes.

The eight occupations under review include:

• Naval Warfare Officer, 
• Marine Systems Engineering Officer,
• Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer,
• Naval Communicator,
• Naval Electronic Sensor Operator,
• Naval Combat Information Operator,
• SONAR Operator, and 
• Weapons Engineering Technician.

At this stage of the OA, the team has finalized job analyses and generated new work requirements across all ranks. They are now developing potential structure options, which will be briefed to the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (CRCN). These updates will also consider the impact on Naval Reserve occupations, ensuring alignment across the broader RCN personnel structure.

The RCN must be prepared to operate effectively aboard the future River-class Destroyer (RCD), which will feature the complex Aegis Combat System. This is a key focus of the OA, and the team recently conducted engagements with the Royal Australian Navy and United States Navy onboard Hobart-class and Arleigh Burke-class ships equipped with this system. These onsite visits are critical, offering firsthand insights from operators, maintainers, and command teams on how the systems function and how personnel structures are optimized to maximize operational effectiveness.

Looking ahead, the OA team and Occupation Managers will begin direct engagements with the Formations in late July (MARPAC from 22 to 24 July and MARLANT from 28 to 30 July 2025) following CRCN’s endorsement of the proposed structure options. Stay tuned for further communication on the details, including town halls, breakout sessions, and one on one discussions with subject matter experts. Engagements with Naval Reserve Divisions (NRDs) are also being explored, with more details to follow.

This is your opportunity to engage directly with the OA and help shape the future of your occupation and ensure it evolves to meet the operational demands of today and tomorrow.

More information and related materials will be available here: Forging your Future Fleet and modernizing Naval Warfighters / Forger votre flotte de demain et moderniser les combattants navals - Home