Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator

Overview
As a member of the military, Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators use advanced electronic sensor systems onboard long‑range patrol aircraft, maritime helicopters, search and rescue aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft. They are responsible to participate as crew members on a variety of maritime and overland missions. Amongst others, missions include underwater warfare, above‑water warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and search and rescue.

They often provide assistance to other government departments and agencies in the collection of evidence on fisheries, pollution and counter‑narcotics patrols. Their primary technical responsibilities are to:

Perform common aircrew tasks on fixed wing, rotary wing and remotely‑piloted aircraft

Conduct mission planning and preparation

Perform photo reconnaissance in an operational environment

Perform armament and search stores duties, to include arming/de‑arming torpedoes, flairs, sono buoys and deploying survival kits

Manage tactical information using aircraft data management systems

Operate radar, electro‑optic/infrared systems, magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) systems, acoustic systems and electronic support measures (ESM) equipment

Conduct helicopter utility operations such as personnel and cargo hoisting, cargo slinging and confined area operations

Perform as a helicopter door gunner

Conduct routine and tactical communications on radios and internal communication systems

Work environment
Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators normally work onboard aircraft; however they may also work on airbase flight lines, on ship flight decks and with operational ground support combat groups. They are usually stationed at bases on the East and West coasts of Canada. They deploy worldwide, in support of Canadian and Allied countries’ operations and exercises. If you choose 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
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 a high school diploma in Canada including Grade 10 Academic Math or Québec Secondary 5 with Math 426 or 436 / SN 4/TS 4.

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.

Following Environmental Training (Land and Sea survival as well as Aeromedical Training) candidates attend the 4 month Basic Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator Course at 17 Wing in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This training develops the core competencies required to function as an aircrew member. The course syllabus includes the following basic topics:

Basic aviation concepts and theory of flight

Basic meteorology

Human Performance in Military Aviation

Conducting flight duties

Conducting radio communications & monitor ATC clearances

Basic electronic warfare & electronic sensor theory

Airfield operations

Airborne radar operations

Basic airborne navigation

Identifying targets using radar, electronic support…