Opportunity
Are you a master of computer networks? Would you like to become one? Information Systems Technicians in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are experts in Information Technologies (IT) who deploy, establish, administer and maintain multi-platform networking computer environments and a variety of data and voice networks.
Overview
Information Systems Technicians serve as part of a larger team that provides the CAF with communications and information services throughout Canada and around the world. They handle equipment such as:
- Wired and wireless communications and information systems
- Fibre optic and copper wire broadband technology
- Voice and data network equipment and servers
To be eligible to apply to the CAF, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada;
- Be at least 18 years old (17 years old with parental consent), except:
- For the paid education programs you may be 16 years old (with parental consent);
- For the Primary Reserve you may be 16 years old (with parental consent) and must be enrolled as a full-time student;
- Have completed at least Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Quebec (some jobs need higher levels of education).
Work Environment
Information Systems Technicians experience the unique adventures and challenges that come with working outdoors, in military vehicles and in server rooms. They work across the country and around the world wherever the CAF has a footprint.
Basic Military Qualification
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, Québec, or through various training establishments across Canada from Esquimalt, British Columbia, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. One main goal of this course is to ensure all recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding but achievable.
After Basic Training, Army recruits go to a military training centre for the Basic Military Qualification – Land Course for approximately one month, which covers the following topics:
- Army Physical Fitness
- Dismounted Offensive and Defensive Operations
- Reconnaissance Patrolling
- Individual Field Craft
Information Systems Technician Training
Information Systems Technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Communication and Electronics in Kingston, Ontario. Training takes approximately 12 months and includes:
- Computer Systems Theory
- Information Systems Security
- Installation and Operation of Information Systems
- Maintenance and Operation of Power Generating Systems
- Information Systems Maintenance and Repair Techniques
- Installation and Maintenance of Fibre Optic and Copper Wire Systems
- Advanced Routing and Switching
- Server Administration
Available Specialty Training
Information Systems Technicians may have the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal military and civilian courses and on-the-job training for topics like:
- Cryptographic Equipment Operation and Maintenance
- Advanced Server Management
- Advanced Switch and Router Configuration and Maintenance
- Software and Firmware Operations and Maintenance
- Computer Network Security
Available Advanced Training
As they progress in their career, Information Systems Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential may be offered advanced training. Available courses include:
- Data Network Designer
- Leadership courses
- Life Cycle Materiel Manager
- Army Tactical Network
Direct Entry Officer Plan
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 Academic Math and Grade 10 Science.
Foreign education may be accepted.
Join the CAF
To learn more about becoming an Information Systems Technician, visit talk to a recruiter at a centre near you or call 1-800-856-8488.
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