Thomas Burchell
Middleton,Nova Scotia
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in the Canadian Army, specializing in signal maintenance and crisis management. Proven leadership skills are complemented by expertise in system administration and emergency response, resulting in enhanced communication security and operational efficiency. Recognized for reliability and a strong commitment to team success, aiming to leverage skills to drive organizational excellence.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Crypto Custodian
14 Wing Air Force base, Greenwood
Greenwood, Nova Scotia
08.2022 - 09.2024
- Participated in regular meetings with stakeholders to discuss upcoming projects or initiatives related to cryptology operations.
- Created reports on system performance metrics utilizing data from logs and other sources.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of existing information security policies in order to recommend changes or improvements as needed.
- Maintained records of system configurations and modifications.
- Conducted training to improve troops' abilities.
- Developed and employed security measures to maintain safe networks and devices.
- Implemented cryptographic solutions for secure communication between multiple sites across varied networks.
- Responded immediately to routine and critical accidents, incidents and other emergencies.
- Monitored system activity for evidence of unauthorized attempts at accessing confidential information.
- Performed inspections to keep equipment in working order.
- Performed vulnerability assessments on existing systems to detect weaknesses or potential threats.
- Provided technical support to other departments regarding the use of cryptography-related products or services.
- Developed and distributed intelligence products focused on field operations.
- Collaborated with vendors and suppliers on projects involving implementation of cryptography solutions.
- Implemented cryptographic solutions into existing organizational networks and applications.
- Identified areas where additional training is needed for personnel working with cryptographic systems.
- Reviewed audit logs regularly looking for suspicious activity that might indicate unauthorized access attempts.
- Investigated security incidents related to the use of cryptography and provided recommendations for resolution.
- Identified potential and existing threats and vulnerabilities.
- Assessed potential risks associated with different encryption techniques prior to implementation.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented cryptography techniques by monitoring system performance metrics and logs.
- Monitored external resources for new developments in cryptology that could benefit the organization.
- Participated in meetings with stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving security measures.
- Assisted with the development of policies, procedures, standards, guidelines related to cryptology.
- Created detailed reports summarizing findings from security investigations, risk assessments, and other activities.
- Maintained knowledge of current cryptographic systems, algorithms, and protocols to ensure secure communications.
- Trained personnel on best practices when using encryption tools or handling sensitive data.
Senior Command Post Controller
Canadian Army
Riga, Latvia
01.2018 - 07.2024
- Monitoring external networks for relevant information related to ongoing operations.
- Assessed situations and alerted staff to initiate emergency action.
- Performing administrative functions such as preparing reports, maintaining records, tracking supplies and equipment inventory levels.
- Collaborated with external agencies to coordinate traffic movement and resource deployment.
- Managing communications between subordinate units and higher headquarters.
- Maintained and updated daily event logs and entry authority lists.
- Maintaining and updating daily operations logs, tracking mission progress, and coordinating with higher headquarters.
- Performed troubleshooting to determine issues with communications systems and maintain readiness.
- Implementing safety protocols for all personnel entering and exiting the command post area.
- Responsible for providing operational guidance to subordinate personnel in the Command Post.
- Supervising junior staff members in conducting various tasks related to command post operations.
- Operated command and control center systems and equipment.
- Developing procedures for ensuring effective command post operations during exercises or real-world events.
- Providing feedback and guidance to subordinates regarding their performance during exercises or actual deployments.
- Coordinating the movement of personnel into and out of the command post area as required by changing mission requirements.
- Reviewed emergency action messages, extracted relevant information from emergency orders and sent instructions to guide forces.
- Creating detailed assessments of current operational conditions based on input from subordinate personnel or other sources.
- Maintaining a secure environment within the command post at all times.
- Assisting with the development of plans and orders for current operations.
- Observed and monitored data, voice and alerting systems.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Managed household errands and other essential duties.
Course Director
Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics
Kingston, Ontario
08.2019 - 08.2022
- Monitored student progress and assisted students and teachers with resolving problems.
- Provided leadership in the delivery of courses to ensure objectives were met.
- Resolved student issues or complaints regarding course content or instruction methods.
- Advised faculty members on effective use of instructional technologies in courses.
- Conducted classroom observations to evaluate instructor effectiveness.
- Maintained records of student attendance, grades, and other pertinent information related to courses.
- Assisted with the selection and training of instructors for courses.
- Monitored students' progress throughout the duration of each course.
- Provided guidance for instructors on best practices for teaching methods.
- Developed materials for workshops that address educational needs.
- Prepared reports summarizing findings from program reviews and assessments.
- Maintained deep knowledge of course materials and collaborated with colleagues to implement shared interactive learning media.
- Ensured compliance with academic policies, procedures, standards, and regulations.
- Determined allocations of funds for staff, equipment and authorized purchases.
- Reviewed program evaluations from students at the end of each semester.
- Prepared and submitted budget requests or grant proposals to solicit program funding.
- Implemented policies, procedures and programs to carry out educational standards and goals.
Sig Op - Infantry Company Signals Specialist
Canadian Army
Kandahar, Afghanistan
08.2006 - 02.2007
- Updated frequencies and cryptographic codes, maintaining currency on required protocols.
- Provided technical assistance to personnel regarding operations of communications equipment.
- Maintained communication with field personnel by utilizing radio frequencies and protocols.
- Coordinated with local law enforcement agencies for mutual aid support when necessary.
- Performed maintenance on all assigned communication equipment as needed.
- Installed required lines and wiring to integrate radio machinery and antennae.
- Ensured accurate operation of all communications systems used in the field.
- Maintained operational equipment and newly installed machinery to support transmission consistency and integrity.
- Monitored emergency broadcasts, responded to distress calls, and relayed messages to appropriate authorities.
- Used word processing, spreadsheet tracking and database software to track and report on activities and information.
- Implemented security measures to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or interception.
- Reviewed logs of incoming and outgoing transmissions to identify any errors or irregularities in transmission content or quality.
- Configured and tested new radio systems for use in the field.
- Managed inventory of replacement parts associated with communication systems.
- Kept equipment working at optimal levels by inspecting components and completing repairs.
- Established and maintained clear and secure contact with field personnel and specific locations.
- Applied problem-solving skills to diagnosing and remedying operational faults in transmission systems.
- Repaired damaged components in radio units such as antennas, transceivers, receivers, transmitters.
- Maintained records detailing details about frequency assignments for each unit operating within a specific area.
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Sig Op - Information Systems Unit
Canadian Army
Petawawa, Ontario
01.2004 - 08.2006
- Sorted product components on work tables to maintain maximum organization and productivity.
- Checked control panel and gauges during equipment operation.
- Followed daily preventive maintenance schedule for cleaning and lubricating machinery.
- Observed and troubleshot equipment and machines to detect malfunctions and notify appropriate personnel of needed repairs.
- Adhered to safety protocols by maintaining a clean work environment and equipment.
- Learned and followed safety and emergency procedures.
- Executed scheduled servicing of devices for maximum efficiency.
- Enhanced customer experience through professional and amiable support.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Operated equipment and machinery according to safety guidelines.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Maintained inventory of IT equipment and assets.
- Developed documentation related to IT policies, processes, standards.
- Developed process documentation for IT operations procedures.
- Maintained inventory of IT equipment and supplies.
- Recommended improvements in processes related to IT operations.
Sig Op - Radio Rebroadcast Operator
Canadian Army
Kandahar, Afghanistan
08.2003 - 02.2004
- Conducted testing of software and systems to ensure quality and reliability.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Updated frequencies and cryptographic codes, maintaining currency on required protocols.
- Operated HF/VHF radio, computer and telephone communication equipment and received, copied and delivered air traffic control messages, clearances and advisories.
- Provided technical assistance to personnel regarding operations of communications equipment.
- Maintained communication with field personnel by utilizing radio frequencies and protocols.
- Performed maintenance on all assigned communication equipment as needed.
- Installed required lines and wiring to integrate radio machinery and antennae.
- Executed maintenance checks and services for Army National Guard on assigned radio communications equipment, allowing soldiers to track and direct troop movements effectively.
- Programmed new frequencies into radio sets as required by operational needs.
- Used word processing, spreadsheet tracking and database software to track and report on activities and information.
- Responded promptly to requests for assistance from other departments within the organization requiring radio services.
- Implemented security measures to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or interception.
- Managed and routed air-to-ground and ground-to-air traffic, radio messages and communications for dispatchers, pilots, air traffic controllers and other authorized agents.
- Reviewed logs of incoming and outgoing transmissions to identify any errors or irregularities in transmission content or quality.
- Managed inventory of replacement parts associated with communication systems.
- Conducted daily tests of all assigned communication equipment to ensure proper working order.
- Established and maintained clear and secure contact with field personnel and specific locations.
- Repaired damaged components in radio units such as antennas, transceivers, receivers, transmitters.
- Maintained records detailing details about frequency assignments for each unit operating within a specific area.
Education
Advanced Instructional Techniques - Instructing Students in Alternative Ways
CFSCE
Kingston, ON08-2020
Apprenticeship, Communications - Radio And IT Communications
CFSCE
Kingston, ON09-2001
High School Diploma -
Glace Bay High School
Glace Bay, NS06-1997
IT Programming Certificate - IT Programming - 2 Year Program
NSCC - COGS
Lawrencetown, NSJourneyman, Communications - Leading A Comms Detachment
CFSCE
Kingston, ONSection Commander, Communications - Leading A Section of Comms Specialists
CFSCE
Kingston, ONJunior Leadership Course - Leading Subordinates in Combat And Task Completion
CAF - Western Area Training Center
Wainwright, ABSkills
- Signal testing procedures
- Signal maintenance
- Equipment inspection
- Electrical troubleshooting
- Fault detection
- Communication systems
- Programming expertise
- Safety awareness
- Network troubleshooting
- Grounding techniques
- Wire crimping
- Documentation skills
- Signal System Upkeep
- Connector termination
- Course scheduling
- Course evaluation
- Program management
- Teaching strategies
- Collaborative leadership
- Online learning
- Student relations
- Staff development
- Content development
- Professional development
- Effective communication
- Resource allocation
- Diversity awareness
- Written communication
- Policies and procedures enforcement
- Instructional design
- Administrative Team Coordination
- Leadership training
- Classroom management
- Time management abilities
- Instructor training
- Problem-solving
- Student counseling
- Team building
- Student support
- Reliability
- Instructional Evaluation
- Documentation management
- Interagency collaboration
- Crisis management
- Stress tolerance
- Operational coordination
- Personnel supervision
- Adaptive thinking
- Emergency management
- Security protocols
- Policy enforcement
- System administration
- Network monitoring
- Incident response
- Calm under pressure
- Planning
- Organization
- Recordkeeping
- Active listening
- Computer skills
- Multitasking Abilities
- Team management
Affiliations
- PC and console gaming
- Programming
- Web design
- table top gaming
- Spending time with family
Accomplishments
- Canadian Decoration for 22 years service in the CAF
- Commendation from the Army Atlantic Area command for outside the box thinking while maintaining the command post for Operation Lentus, 2019- NB flooding.
Timeline
Crypto Custodian
14 Wing Air Force base, Greenwood
08.2022 - 09.2024
Course Director
Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics
08.2019 - 08.2022
Senior Command Post Controller
Canadian Army
01.2018 - 07.2024
Sig Op - Infantry Company Signals Specialist
Canadian Army
08.2006 - 02.2007
Sig Op - Information Systems Unit
Canadian Army
01.2004 - 08.2006
Sig Op - Radio Rebroadcast Operator
Canadian Army
08.2003 - 02.2004
Advanced Instructional Techniques - Instructing Students in Alternative Ways
CFSCE
Apprenticeship, Communications - Radio And IT Communications
CFSCE
High School Diploma -
Glace Bay High School
IT Programming Certificate - IT Programming - 2 Year Program
NSCC - COGS
Journeyman, Communications - Leading A Comms Detachment
CFSCE
Section Commander, Communications - Leading A Section of Comms Specialists
CFSCE
Junior Leadership Course - Leading Subordinates in Combat And Task Completion
CAF - Western Area Training Center
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