June 19, 2026 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time: 1:43

An individual wearing a uniform, load bearing vest, and helmet in multiple shades of green, is firing a large machine gun mounted in the front of a small gray boat, towards the shore. A trace of light is seen coming out of the weapon’s barrel, headed off to the left of the image. The shore, seen in the background, is a steep, wooded hill with low trees, and light indicates that it is around dusk.
Caption

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command’s Special Operations Boat Coxswains conduct shooting and maneuvering training on Georgian Bay, in June 2022.

Photo: CANSOFCOM Image Technician.

For Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members seeking a demanding and rewarding challenge, the Special Operations Coxswain (SOC) specialist role offers a unique opportunity to enable maritime special operations. If you are prepared to meet high standards, operate in demanding environments, and contribute directly to Canada’s security, this is your chance to serve at the maritime edge of special operations.

SOCs are the primary specialists that operate in the maritime environment for Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). They are directly responsible for conducting maritime tasks in close support of CANSOFCOM operations, both domestic and abroad. SOCs operate as part of Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2), Canada’s high-readiness and precise special operations forces (SOF) unit. Trusted to safeguard national interests and combat terrorism at home and abroad, JTF 2 relies on SOCs to deliver a vital maritime edge in fast-paced, mission-critical roles.

Who can apply
A small grey boat with three individuals wearing black winter uniforms, balaclavas, sunglasses and load bearing vests in various shades of green on board is moving from right to left in the sea at a high speed under a cloudy sky. A shore of low hills can be seen far enough in the background that it shows as a thin line in the middle of the photo, between sky and sea.
Caption

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command’s Special Operations Boat Coxswains conduct maneuvering training near Tuktoyaktuk, in August 2025.

Photo: CANSOFCOM Image Technician.

Applicants must be serving Regular Force (Reg F) CAF members who meet the following prerequisites:

Canadian citizen
Possess minimum Level II (Secret) security clearance
Meet CAF medical standards
Be occupationally functional in current trade (any)

Reserve Force CAF members must successfully complete a Component Transfer to the Reg F within their occupation before starting a SOC application.

Selection process

Selection for SOC is a competitive and rigorous process, starting with your submission of a Notice of Intent through CANSOFCOM recruiting. Applicants are invited to proceed to the next phase if they are found to be suitable for selection.

An individual wearing a black winter jacket, balaclava, sunglasses and gray load bearing life jacket is sitting at the controls of a small boat moving a high speed in the sea under a cloudy sky, while another small gray boat is visible but blurry in the background, with four similarly dressed individuals. A shore of low hills can be seen further in the background.
Caption

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command’s Special Operations Boat Coxswains conduct maneuvering training near Resolute Bay, in August 2024.

Photo: CANSOFCOM Image Technician.

Physical readiness is essential for SOC selection. Candidates must meet the CANSOFCOM Physical Fitness Screening Evaluation (PDF, 3,2MB)  standards prior to selection and again during assessment. These standards test strength, endurance, and operational fitness; selection evaluates existing readiness, it does not build it.

Professionalism is equally critical. Applicants must practice strict operational security (OPSEC) throughout the process. They are expected to embody discipline, adaptability, and a commitment to high performance.

Applicants who are successful on selection will attend the Special Operations Coxswain Course (SOCC), where they are trained to meet the high operational standards required of JTF 2.

Training and career path

All successful candidates begin as boat crewmembers, developing core skills in operating and maintaining high-speed craft. Through structured training and mentorship, crewmembers are expected to master:

Advanced navigation and manoeuvring
Tactical mission planning
Maritime insertion/extraction techniques

After gaining this critical experience, SOCs will go on to execute precision navigation and boat handling to support maritime counterterrorism and interdiction operations, a role requiring technical competence, strong judgment, and the ability to perform under pressure.

For more information or to begin the application process, contact:
CANSOFCOMRecruiting.RecrutementCOMFOSCAN@forces.gc.ca