Any information on Sig Os

[Raine._]

I’ve been in the Regular Force for just over a year now as a Signal Officer Cadet (ROTP CIV U) and I’m currently in my second year of university. Because I’m in CIV U, I don’t get a lot of exposure to actual military environments during the school year beyond BMOQ and occasional OJT placements. Because of that, I feel like I only have a broad, surface-level understanding of what a signal officer actually does at the junior level.

I understand Signals Officers do everything from IT work, network planning, stuff with 77 Line, cyber management stuff, and of course the leadership and admin side of taking care of troops. It’s so broad that it’s hard to visualize what the real day-to-day looks like. Like, realistically, a 7am to 4pm type of day is what I am going to have for the next 12 years of my life.

So I’m looking for a detailed explanation of the trade.
Specifically:

• What does a day-to-day routine look like for a junior signals officer, especially in garrison?
• Who do signals officers work with the most on a regular basis?
• What are the differences between being posted to Petawawa, Edmonton, Valcartier, Kingston, etc.?
• What international or special opportunities exist besides Latvia?
• Is it possible to get my basic parachutist wings as a signals officer?
• What skills or knowledge should I work on in my own time if I want to be an actually competent and effective signals officer—not just someone who passes courses?
• What areas of Signals (tactical, cyber, project management, enterprise networks, etc.) might be interesting to explore, and how can I plan toward those opportunities early?

I don’t really have anyone who can sit down and give me a clear, firsthand breakdown of what the job really looks like, so any guidance would help.

 

[Mike5]

• What does a day-to-day routine look like for a junior signals officer, especially in garrison?
  • Meetings and e-mails; for management of the Regiment, administration of troops and planning training
• Who do signals officers work with the most on a regular basis?
  • Your NCOs, mostly Sergeants
• What are the differences between being posted to Petawawa, Edmonton, Valcartier, Kingston, etc.?
  • I'm PRes so I never have to think about that ... although everybody loves Kingston.
• What international or special opportunities exist besides Latvia?
  • There are other OUTCAN beside Latvia; there are interesting opportunities in Ottawa.
• Is it possible to get my basic parachutist wings as a signals officer?
  • I know one Sig O with wings.
• What skills or knowledge should I work on in my own time if I want to be an actually competent and effective signals officer—not just someone who passes courses?
  • Leadership, project management, ...
• What areas of Signals (tactical, cyber, project management, enterprise networks, etc.) might be interesting to explore, and how can I plan toward those opportunities early?
  • This is up to you ... you need to learn a little bit about each in order to make an informed decision. Take a wide range of courses and focus in on areas that interest you in your third and fourth year of study.

 

[PPCLI Guy]

• What does a day-to-day routine look like for a junior signals officer, especially in garrison?
  • Meetings and e-mails; for management of the Regiment, administration of troops and planning training

You left out PT, which is a thing in the RegF