Air Weapons Systems Technician

Overview As a member of the military, Air Weapons Systems Technicians maintain aircraft air weapons systems. They also perform explosives storage and handling, and provide Explosive Ordnance Disposal duties for the Air Force.

Their primary responsibilities are to:

• Test, inspect and repair Air Weapons Systems

• Perform quality assurance checks

• Prepare and maintain aircraft forms and statistical data

• Perform aircraft handling tasks that include:

• Parking

• Towing

• Marshalling

• Starting

• Refueling

• Cleaning

• De-icing

• Loading/unloading weapons

• Weapons systems

• Operate aircraft support equipment

Work environment Air Weapons Systems Technicians are employed primarily at air bases in aircraft maintenance organizations, in maintenance hangers, shop environments and on flight lines. Air Weapons Systems Technicians may also perform these same duties and responsibilities onboard a ship at sea or on an airfield at a deployed site. They will also be called upon to perform some duties in airborne aircraft. In geographic terms, employment can vary from Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) wings and bases within Canada, including the Arctic, to locations throughout the world in response to internationals commitments.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options

No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec including Grade 10 General Math or Math 416 or CST 4 in Quebec.

Foreign education may be accepted.

Training The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Air Weapons Systems Technicians attend training at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) in Borden, Ontario where they complete Common Core which includes common mechanical and aircraft servicing training over 8 weeks. After some time at a Squadron they will return to CFSATE and take their occupational training over 17 weeks and includes:

• Utilize Tools and Test/Support Equipment
• Complete Aircraft and AMSE Records
• Perform Flight Line Servicing Duties
• Maintain Aircraft Weapon Systems
• Perform Loading/Unloading Operations
• Control Explosives Inventory
• Store Explosives
• Maintain Explosives and Ancillary Hardware
• Operate Destruction Areas
• Disposal of Surplus and Obsolete Ammunition

Air Weapons Systems Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Conventional Munitions Disposal (Advanced)
• Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (Operator or Assistant)
• Missile Maintenance Courses
• Air Weapons Range Specialist
• Instructional Technique
• Aircraft Specific Type Courses
• Life Cycle Material management

As they progress in their career, Air Weapons Systems Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Technical Administration
• Leadership and Management Courses

Part time options This position is available for part-time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part time at an Air Force Wing in their community. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Reserve Force members usually begin training with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required basic professional military standards. Following basic military training, occupational training for the Air Weapons Systems Technician qualification takes about 17 weeks and is conducted at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering in Borden, Ontario.

Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts and are employed in the same unit and perform the same job. Air Reserve members usually serve up to 12 days per month in a regular work day, with opportunities to serve full-time for short durations as needed. They are paid 92.8 percent of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.

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