Line Technician

Overview   As a member of the military, Line Technicians provide fast, reliable, wired communications infrastructure and support to wireless systems utilizing leading edge cable distribution systems. They are part of a larger team that provides the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with communications and information services throughout Canada and around the world.
Line Technicians expertly install, remove, maintain, and repair leading edge communications infrastructure such as:
Interior structured cable systems, consisting of copper cables, fibre optic cables, and supporting infrastructure
The integration of radio, satellite, and microwave broadband equipment and infrastructure into wired networks
Communications towers and antennas
Fibre optic and copper cable distribution and supporting infrastructure in buildings and military bases
Work environment   Line Technicians experience the unique adventures and challenges that come with working primarily outdoors. They work across the country and around the world wherever the CAF has a footprint. They are required to work at heights and in confined spaces for extended periods of time, and are required to be well versed in the application of safety standards.
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     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 Applied Math or Math 416 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 Forces physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.
Line Technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Communication and Electronics in Kingston, Ontario. Training takes approximately 20 weeks and teaches the following basic skills and knowledge:
Working aloft procedures, policy, and practices
Confined space procedures, policy, and practices
Rescue procedures, policy, and practices
Installation of strategic interior cable systems
Installation of strategic exterior cable systems
Installation of tactical cable systems
Installation of cable support infrastructure
Cable and supporting infrastructure maintenance
Line Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on‑the‑job training, including:
Complex antenna systems
Specialty rescue training (telephone pole; confined spaces)
Advanced rigging training
Special purpose vehicle qualifications
Information Technology training
As they progress in their career, Line Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential may be offered advanced training. Available courses include:
Communications and information systems management training
Telecommunications design training
Computer Assisted Design software training
Complex Antenna System Installation and Maintenance training
Leadership and management training
Part time options   This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary…