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What They Do
Army Communication and Information Systems Specialists provide fast, reliable wired and wireless communication and information systems using leading edge voice and data systems. They are also part of a larger team that provides Army units and the Canadian Forces with communication and information services throughout Canada and around the world.
Army Communication and Information System Specialists expertly install, remove, operate, maintain and repair leading edge communication and information technology such as:
- Wired and wireless communication and information systems
- Radio, satellite and microwave broadband technology
- Fibre and copper broadband technology
- Voice and Data delivery services training
Working Environment
Career Development
The starting salary for a fully-trained Army Communication and Information System Specialist is $49,400 per year; however, depending on previous experience and training the starting salary may be higher. Army Communication and Information Systems Specialists who demonstrate the required ability, dedication and potential are selected for opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced 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 Forces physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.
After Basic Training, Army recruits go to a Military Training centre for the Soldier Qualification course for approximately one month, which covers the following topics:
- Army Physical Fitness
- Dismounted Offensive and Defensive Operations
- Reconnaissance Patrolling
- Advanced Weapons Handling
- Individual Field Craft
Army Communication and Information System Specialists attend the Canadian Forces School of Communication and Electronics in Kingston, Ontario. Training takes approximately 18 weeks and teaches the following basic skills and knowledge:
- Radio and antenna systems theory
- Computer systems theory
- Satellite and microwave systems theory
- Radio communications and information security
- Installation and operation of communication and information systems
- Maintenance and operation of power generating systems
- Communication and information systems maintenance and repair techniques
- Installation and maintenance of fibre and copper systems
Army Communication and Information System Specialists may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including training in one of four sub-occupations:
- Communication Systems Technologist
- Information Systems Technologist
- Line Systems Technologist
- Communication and Information Systems Technology Manager
As they progress in their career, Army Communication and Information System Specialists who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:
- Communications and information systems facility controller
- Systems support specialist
- Communications and information systems management
- Data network design concepts
- Small system support
- Leadership and management
The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Canada. Foreign education may be accepted.
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, and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during their training. 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.
Army Communication and Information Systems Specialists serve with the Canadian Army, providing wired and wireless communication and information systems support to military units for training and operations. When employed on a part-time or term basis, they usually serve at a military location within Canada.
Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts. They usually begin training with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required basic professional military standards. Following basic military training, the home unit will arrange for additional training for specialized skills. Training for Army Communication and Information System Specialists takes about 18 weeks and is conducted at the Canadian Forces School of Communication and Electronics in Kingston, Ontario.
Reserve Force members usually serve part-time with their home unit for scheduled evenings and weekends, although they may also serve in full-time positions at some units for fixed terms, depending on the type of work that they do. They are paid 85% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.
Find a unit in your area and start the application process for part-time employment now.
