Joining Instructions (Preliminary) – Department of Applied Military Science
Army Technical Staff Officer Programme (ATSOP) and
Army Technical Warrant Officer Programme (ATWOP)
AMS generates officers and NCMs with the technical knowledge, project management expertise, critical thinking, and communication skills to support all stages of the Canadian Army capability development cycle. AMS graduates are leaders who give back to the institution by helping develop the Army and CAF of tomorrow.
Once you receive your posting message, AMS will e-mail you detailed Joining Instructions which will contain specific information about the course, including start dates, leave periods, and what is required upon arrival.
Almost all content for the ATSOP and ATWOP has merged into a single program that incorporates academics, military studies, exercises, field studies and guest lectures. It provides general technical and management knowledge and professional development to prepare you for your role in the future army.
This is not a technician's course about current systems. Instead, it focuses on the application of theoretical concepts to military operational requirements. It will develop your competencies in critical thinking, military technologies, management, operational equipment trials and the provision of oral and written technical advice to commanders and staff.
The program initially requires knowledge of high school math and science, writing, and computer skills. While some students will have higher levels of education, it is recognized that you may have been out of the academic environment for some time, so these skills will be continuously developed throughout the year to meet the needs of the curriculum.
To that end, your Joining Instructions include an ACIMS link to pre-study packages in Applied Mathematics and Chemistry for you to review and complete prior to your arrival. This will help prepare you and identify areas where you may need assistance. Furthermore, an introductory study period, from mid- to end-July, will begin orienting you to the academic environment and broader course content.
You will have to select a course project amongst a list projects sponsored by various CAF or Industry organizations, from the requirement staff at NDHQ to the engineering staffs at DGLEPM or various defence contractors. You will work either on your own or in teams on researching, developing and planning the trial/experiment (as applicable), conducting it, and reporting on the outcome to an audience of academics, senior defence staff and defence contractors at the end of the year.
AMS will furnish you with a laptop with Internet access and requisite software applications. Experience has shown that MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) experience is a significant advantage for students.
Program assessments will include a wide range of vehicles, such as: written tests, written and oral presentations, briefing notes, discussions, exercises, assignments, participation and teamwork.
This program represents a substantial one-year long investment from your part. It has very few breaks (for example, no March Break or Reading Weeks), and demands significant post-class work and study. This will include self-study time to prepare yourself for lectures and other educational venues, as lecturers will expect that you come ready for each activity with questions and discussions points or presentations. You will need to manage any spare periods during the work day and while on field study trips to successfully tackle your workload by applying good time management practices and study habits. In summary, you must prepare yourself (including a study area at home/quarters) and your family for the challenging workload that lies ahead.
Instruction occurs in the AMS building (#60), 12 Navy Way at RMC. The dress of the day is combats (CADPAT).
If possible, get your move done as early as possible in order to take some leave, settle into life in the Kingston area, and to prepare for the start of a very challenging year.
If you have any questions concerning this course, the directing staff may be reached at CSN 270-6554, or (613) 541-6000 ext 6554, or the departmental Admin O, ext 6158.
The staff and I look forward to meeting you and your families.
Director, Department of Applied Military Science
Royal Military College of Canada
PO Box 17000, Station Forces
Kingston, Ontario CANADA
K7K 7B4