Air Combat Systems Officer

As a member of the military, Air Combat Systems Officers plan, coordinate and direct the missions of aircraft and crew. They manage the operation of precision tactical navigation systems, sophisticated sensors, communication systems, electronic warfare equipment and weapon delivery systems.

Air Combat Systems Officers often direct and coordinate the tactical activities of other units. They lead a variety of missions, including:

• Search and Rescue
• Anti-Submarine Operations
• Maritime Surface Surveillance and Targeting
• Sovereignty and Fisheries Patrols
• Counter-Narcotics Operations
• Humanitarian Relief
• Combined Operations with Foreign Militaries
• Electronic Warfare Training and Support
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations

Aircrew Selection Centre – the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) requires that all Pilots, Aerospace Controllers and Air Combat Systems Officers attend and successfully complete the Aircrew Selection. The selection centre is located in Trenton, Ontario where candidates are tested over a 2-day period with computer-based scenarios designed to validate those skills and aptitudes required by the RCAF. Success at Aircrew Selection is a necessary step in order to continue to be processed for these three occupations.

Work Environment

Air Combat Systems Officers work in a variety of roles at operational flying units across Canada and as instructors. On deployed operations, they work from airfields around the world. They may also support the Royal Canadian Navy and fly from ships at sea. Experienced Air Combat Systems Officers assist in the formulation of strategic and operational policies and plans, determine air requirements and set standards. They may also work in an international headquarters, on multinational staff or missions.

If you choose a career in the Regular 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.

Air Combat Systems Officers, or ACSOs, are responsible for tactical decisions onboard aircraft and directing pilots where to fly. They operate on world-class, state-of-the-art tactical platforms like the Cyclone maritime helicopter and the CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft, as well as fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft.

After completing their professional training, Air Combat Systems Officers are posted to an operational squadron and assigned to one of four areas: the Aurora; the Cyclone maritime helicopter; an air mobility squadron; or a search and rescue squadron. At this stage, ACSOs learn to master the specialized systems onboard the aircraft they’ll be working on. Officers could be assigned to work on missions in Northern Canada; overseas, in joint operations with other nations; or go to sea as part of the air detachment on a Royal Canadian Navy ship for several months on maritime operations.

Related Civilian Occupations

Although this occupation has no direct related civilian job, the experience, skills and leadership abilities developed in this position are highly valued by employers.

If you already have a university degree, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on-the-job training program following basic training. Basic training and military officer qualification training are required before being assigned.