Army Technical Staff Officer Programme (ATSOP)
Congratulations on having been selected to attend the Army Technical Staff Officer Program (ATSOP), at the Department of Applied Military Science, Royal Military College in Kingston. I can assure you that you will have a stimulating and professionally rewarding year.
Once you receive your posting message, AMS will e-mail you the joining instructions which will inform you about the course, and what is required upon arrival.
The ATSOP is a yearlong program balanced between academics, military studies, exercises, field studies and guest lectures. Nonetheless, a basic level of scientific knowledge is essential to enable you to participate fully in the course and to derive the most value from your year.
AMS offers an introductory study period from mid to end July. This study period is compulsory for Non Commissioned Members and voluntary for Officers. If you feel that you are weak in mathematics, I would encourage you to forward your demand to attend the subject study period to AMS to assess your suitability. The summer term for ATSO’s usually starts last week of July (the exact dates as per the joining instruction package).
You will also receive, as part of the joining instructions, an ACISM link to two pre-study packages for Applied Mathematics and Chemistry for you to complete before you arrive. You will be required to complete a mathematic threshold knowledge test upon arrival at AMS. The aim of this test will be to assess your level of preparation in mathematic basic knowledge.
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 relax, take some leave and enjoy the Kingston area. Prepare for the start of a very challenging year. I look forward to meeting you and to sharing with you the experience of the Technical Staff Course. I know that you and your family will have a demanding, yet meaningful and enjoyable year. This education opportunity will contribute significantly to you, as an individual, to your career progression, and to the future of the Army.
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 CanadaPO Box 17000, Station Forces
Kingston, Ontario CANADA
K7K 7B4
Army Technical Warrant Officer Programme (ATWOP)
On behalf of the staff and faculty of the Department of Applied Military Science (AMS) of the Royal Military College of Canada, I want to congratulate you on your selection for the Army Technical Warrant Officer (ATWO) Program. I am confident that you will have a stimulating, challenging and professionally rewarding year.
The ATWO Program provides general technical and management knowledge and professional development to prepare you for the future army. It is not a technician's course about current systems. Its focus is on 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 ATWO Program will be unlike any of your previous military training, most of it is conducted in a university environment and very little has to do with traditional training. It provides education and professional development. It assumes that you have the desire and motivation to work hard and conduct a measure of self-study. Learning will be achieved through an instructor-assisted, self-education concept, which is delivered through self-study, discussions, demonstrations, lectures, applied exercises, guest lecturers and visits to military research and defence contractor establishments in Canada and the USA.
The program requires a basic knowledge of high school math and science, writing and computer skills. It is recognized that you have been out of the academic environment for some time, so these skills will be developed throughout the program. It is, however, essential that you refresh your academic skills before arriving and have a basic knowledge of math and MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Within your joining instructions, you will also receive an ACISM link to two pre-study packages for 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.
An introductory study, from mid to end July, will concentrate on basic mathematics, chemistry and critical thinking. This will begin orienting you to the academic environment and prepare you for the introductory study. Following the Introductory Study period, the Army Technical Staff Officers (ATSO) will join you during the last of July and both programs will follow the same curriculum for the remainder of the course. As a joint program, both ATWO and ATSO will have the same assignments and assessment for all 19 courses covered during this 11 month program.
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. The assessment mechanism for your program will include a large array of assessment vehicles, such as: written tests, written and oral presentations, briefing notes, discussions, exercises, assignments, participation and teamwork.
The ATWO Program represents a substantial one-year long investment from your part. It has very few breaks (Christmas and HHT) 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. This self-study approach differs from previous training you may have experienced in prior years within the military. Consequently, in order to balance workload and course delivery, the AMS scheduler will apportion a slice of the work hours for projects, course preparation, assignments and research as Individual Preparation Time (IPT). Essentially, you will need to manage these IPTs wisely along your evenings and week-ends 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 but feasible workload that lies ahead.
We have asked your career manager for a COS date around the beginning of July. All in-clearance at CFB Kingston, RMC and the AMS Department must be completed prior to beginning of classes in mid July. All specific dates will be provided to you in the Joining Instructions which will be e-mailed directly to you.
The Instructions will include an ACIMS link to two pre-course packages, Mathematics and Chemistry. ATWO candidates shall complete the mathematics package and review the chemistry package during the pre-study week immediately prior to orientation. These two packages will greatly assist you with your preparation for the program.
There will be a threshold knowledge test administered after the pre-study week. The aim of this test will be to assess your level of preparation in mathematic basic knowledge.
Instruction occurs in the AMS building (#60), 12 Navy Way at RMC. Dress of the day is combats (CADPAT). The key ATWO Program contact is: AMS Master Gunner - (613) 541-6000 loc 3901
The military, academic, and support staff look forward to meeting you and sharing with you the ATWO Program experience. If you have any questions concerning this course, the directing staff may be reached at CSN 270-3901, or (613) 541-6000 ext 3901, or the departmental Admin O, at ext 6158.
The staff and I look forward to meeting you and your families.
Director, Department of Applied Military Science
Royal Military College of CanadaPO Box 17000, Station Forces
Kingston, Ontario CANADA
K7K 7B4