AJ McConnell
Buderim,QLD
Summary
I joined the Canadian Armed Forces in February 1998 at 16 years old and have been gainfully employed since.
In 2008 I volunteered for service in JTF2, Canadas Special Missions Unit and was accepted, where I have served since in an operational capacity at the current rank of Warrant Officer.
The opportunities that I have been able to capitalize on in my career have exposed me to the full spectrum of Tier 1 Special Operations. I have deployed around the globe on many operations in various roles. And been trusted to do so with the best interests of my nation in mind, with heavy focus on Counter Terrorism Capacity Building abroad. I have found myself in a mentorship role in most of the tasks that I’ve conducted, and been deeply committed to the outcome. So much so, that the vast majority of those tasks included accompanying our partners on combat operations.
Mastering core skills, understanding problem sets in order to offer solutions and strengthening the organization through representation, with the relentless pursuit of excellence are the tenants of Special Operations that have guided my service.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Canadian Armed Forces
Government Of Canada
Ottawa, Canada
02.1998 - 12.2024
2008 - Present
Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2)
JTF2 is Canadas Special Missions Unit (SMU), mandated to conduct counterterrorism operations both globally and domestic, as well as any other high value tasks critical to the national interest.
- 2008 Completed Selection
- 2009 Special Operations Assaulter Course
Positions held throughout employment:
- Special Operations Assaulter
- Special Operations Breacher
- Special Operations Team Leader
- Targeting Team Leader (Operationally)
- Team Leader on various operational deployments
- Squadron Master Breacher
- Squadron senior Jump Master
- Assault Swim team member (sub-surface)
- Team Leader Assault Swim Team
- Mountain Troop member
- Mobility Troop member
- Special purpose reconnaissance team member
- Mobility exchange with an Australian SMU
- Liaison Officer to US counterparts (1 year)
- Liaison Officer to UK counterparts (3 years)
- Attached to Special Operations Training Cadre on various occasions to instruct - Shooting, CQB, Breaching, Free Fall, Tandem/Bundle, Jump Master, Targeting, Mission Specific Training, Assault Swimming Sub Surface, Support Weapons, CPP, Selection
2005 - 2008
Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School
Train and mentor Commissioned and Non Commissioned recruits throughout primary induction courseware up to and including;
- Policy
- Ethos and values
- Core skills
- Fitness
- Deportment
- Weapons handling
- Basic tactics
1998 - 2005
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
- Junior Non Commissioned Officer
- Various Core Infantry skills
- Operational deployments
- Support to National Interest
Education
High School Diploma - Post Studies
Ontario Canada02.2004
Skills
Core Skills:
- Special Operations Assaulter Course (Full Spectrum)
- Special Purpose Reconnaissance
- Military Freefall
- High Altitude Parachutist
- Tandem Master
- Bundle Master
- Jump Master
- Special Operations Breacher
- Conduct after Capture
- Advanced Targeting
- Close Personal Protection
- Assault Swimmer (Sub Surface)
- Advanced Mobility Operations
Instructor Qualifications:
- Small arms Instructors Course
- Advanced Small Arms Instructor (Army)
- General Military Training Instructor (Army)
- Freefall Instructors course (Mil and Civilian)
- Tandem Instructors Course
- First aid/CPR instructor
* As a senior NCO I am qualified to instruct any of the skill sets I have previously qualified in
Leadership:
- Rifle Section Commander (Army)
- Special operations leadership
- Junior Leaders Course
- Intermediate Leaders Course
- Advanced Leaders course (Senior Level Management)
Range Safety Officer:
- Army field firing safety officer - advanced applications
- Special Operations basic application RSO
- Special Operations advanced application RSO
- Special Operations Explosives RSO
Administration:
- Contracting Direct with Trade
- Procurement Policy
- Expenditure Management
- Senior Management and Policy
- Employed by OGA’s to oversee and utilize multi-million dollar budgets in support of foreign aid and capacity building programs
Operational Deployments
- Bosnia
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Mali
- Horn of Africa (Sensitive)
- North Africa (Sensitive)
- Syria
I have multiple deployments in many of these locations and have conducted many other tasks in various locations that are either sensitive, or short duration.
In addition, in most of these locations I have conducted extensive Advise, Assist and Accompany Operations. I’m happy to discuss details upon request.
Exchanges:
- 1 year embedded exchange with a US SMU (2013)
- 3 year embedded exchange with a UK SMU (2020)
Timeline
Canadian Armed Forces
Government Of Canada
02.1998 - 12.2024
High School Diploma - Post Studies