Types of jobs
Explore the types of jobs in Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) that match your skills and ambitions.
Special Operations Assaulters
Special Operations Assaulters are personnel of the Regular Force who are directly employed in the tactical aspects of special operations and other high-value tasks.
What they do
- operate in different types of missions such as:
- counter-terrorism
- hostage rescue
- special operations patrols
- special reconnaissance and surveillance
- work effectively in high-stress environments
Career progression
Entry-level Assaulters
- are employed as assault detachment members
- have high potential for deployment
- receive mentorship from senior assaulters
- develop new skills with intense training and courses
- maintain a high level of physical fitness and readiness
Unit: Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2)
Special Operation Coxswains
Coxswains are selected from Regular Force occupations to fulfill JTF 2 maritime requirements.
What they do
- operate the units’ boats in open ocean environments during maritime counter-terrorism and special operation
- work under adverse conditions and minimal supervision
- deliver tactical elements to a vessel of interest
Career progression
Entry-level Coxswains
- are employed as boat crewmembers
- constantly improve their ability to manoeuvre and maintain high-speed boats
- work with domestic and allied security partners in maritime counter-terrorism and special operations
- attend intense Special Operations Forces courses
- maintain a high level of physical fitness
Unit: Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2)
Special Operations Technical Collection Operator (SOTCO)
SOTCOs are subject matter experts, integrating seamlessly with Special Operations Forces (SOF) tactical elements, national security partners and directly employed in high-value tasks.
What they do
Operate in different types of missions such as:
- Technical Collection and Exploitation
- Counter Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear operations
- Force Protection tasks
- Combating emerging threats and technology
- Technical Reconnaissance
Career progression
Entry Level SOTCOs are:
- Employed as Technical Collection detachment members
- Have a high potential for deployment across different types of SOF missions
- Receive mentorship from senior operators
- Develop globally recognized and high-demand skillsets
- Maintain high level of physical fitness and readiness
The SOTCO MOSID is open to both Regular and Reserve Force Non-Commissioned Members through the occupation transfer process.
Officers can apply to become Special Operations Forces Officers (SOF O) through the occupation transfer process in order to be employed as Special Operations Technical Collection Officers.
Special Forces Operators
Special Forces Operators are SOF generalists, who pursue mastery of Special Warfare, Special Reconnaissance and Direct Action. They are able to conduct and enable a wide variety of special operations tasks at home and abroad.
What they do
- Operate in different types of missions such as:
- Direct Action
- Strategic Reconnaissance
- Special Warfare
- Military Assistance
Career progression
The SF Operator 00369 MOSID is open to both Regular and Reserve Force NCMs through the occupation transfer process.
Officers can apply to be SF Operator Officers; however, they are not offered the MOSID.
Entry-level SF Operators
- are employed as SF detachment members
- have high potential for deployment
- receive mentorship from senior SF Operators
- develop new skills with intense training and courses
- maintain a high level of physical fitness and readiness
Unit: Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR)
Pilots
What they do
- conduct aerial delivery of SOF personnel during missions
- fly the most innovative and high-tech aircraft in the world
- conduct air-assault operations, surveillance and reconnaissance
- provide fire support and casualty evacuation missions
Career progression
- high potential for deployment
- maintain a high level of readiness and physical fitness
Unit: 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (SOAS)
Flight Engineers
What they do
- provide situational awareness, maintenance support, installation of mission kits, and the operation of sensors and aerial weapons
- ensure the safety of operators and specialists during tactical insertion and extraction by helicopter
Career progression
- high potential for deployment
- maintain a high level of readiness and physical fitness
Unit: 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (SOAS)
Special Operation Aviation (SOA) Crewman
What they do
- operate the CH-146 on-board weapons systems and sensors
- assist with dispatching Operators as a Special Operations Rappel Master
- provide tactical expertise for training, fieldcraft and personal weapons handling
Career progression
- Special Operation Aviation Crewmen have high potential for deployment
- Special Operation Aviation Crewmen maintain a high level of readiness and physical fitness
Unit: 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (SOAS)
Supporters and Specialists
Supporters and Specialists are selected from the Regular and Reserve Forces to fulfill all units’ requirements.
What they do
- provide tactical and operational support to all CANSOFCOM units
- support daily operations and deployments
- Supporter occupations: Clerks, Cooks, Technicians
- Specialist occupations: Medical Technicians, Military Police, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Army Communication and Information Systems Specialist (ACISS)
Career progression
Supporters:
- have CANSOFCOM monitor career
Supervisors:
- conduct open dialogue with trade advisors, ensuring entry into career courses
Unit: All