Information Systems Technician

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.

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.

Please note that, if successful in the application process, you will be entering service in either the Regular Force (full-time employment) or Primary Reserve Force (part-time employment) of the Canadian Armed Forces as a military member.

• 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.

• Primary Reserve Force: You will be joining the Primary Reserve Force 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 with possibilities of full-time employment.

To learn more about the various ways to join the Canadian Armed Forces, visit: https://forces.ca/en/how-to-join/#wj

Join the CAF

To learn more about becoming an Information Systems Technician, visit www.forces.ca, talk to a recruiter at a centre near you or call 1-800-856-8488.

Explore over 100 different career opportunities at www.forces.ca/en/careers.