Air Weapons Systems Technician

Overview

As a member of the military, Air Weapons Systems Technicians maintain aircraft air weapons systems. They also perform explosives storage and handling, and provide Explosive Ordnance Disposal duties for the Air Force.

• Test, inspect and repair Air Weapons Systems
• Perform quality assurance checks
• Prepare and maintain aircraft forms and statistical data
• Perform aircraft handling tasks that include:
  • Parking
  • Towing
  • Marshalling
  • Starting
  • Refueling
  • Cleaning
  • De-icing
  • Loading/unloading weapons
  • Weapons systems
• Operate aircraft support equipment

Air Weapons Systems Technicians are employed primarily at air bases in aircraft maintenance organizations, in maintenance hangers, shop environments and on flight lines. They may also perform these duties onboard a ship at sea or on an airfield at a deployed site and may perform some duties in airborne aircraft. Employment can vary from Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) wings and bases within Canada, including the Arctic, to locations throughout the world in response to international commitments.

• Direct Entry Options

No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help determine if personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation. The minimum required education to apply is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec including Grade 10 General Math or Math 416 or CST 4 in Quebec. Foreign education may be accepted.

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 and ensures that recruits meet the CAF physical fitness standard, which makes the training physically demanding.

Air Weapons Systems Technicians attend training at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) in Borden, Ontario where they complete Common Core (8 weeks). After time at a Squadron they return to CFSATE for occupational training over 17 weeks and complete:

• Utilize Tools and Test/Support Equipment
• Complete Aircraft and AMSE Records
• Perform Flight Line Servicing Duties
• Maintain Aircraft Weapon Systems
• Perform Loading/Unloading Operations
• Control Explosives Inventory
• Store Explosives
• Maintain Explosives and Ancillary Hardware
• Operate Destruction Areas
• Disposal of Surplus and Obsolete Ammunition

Air Weapons Systems Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Conventional Munitions Disposal (Advanced)
• Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (Operator or Assistant)
• Missile Maintenance Courses
• Air Weapons Range Specialist
• Instructional Technique
• Aircraft Specific Type Courses
• Life Cycle Material management

As they progress in their career, Air Weapons Systems Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Technical Administration
• Leadership and Management Courses

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. They are not posted or required to do a military move but can volunteer to move to another base and may volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Reserve Force members begin training with their home unit to meet the required basic professional military standards. Occupational training for the Air Weapons Systems Technician qualification takes about 17 weeks at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering in Borden, Ontario. Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts and are employed in the same unit and perform the same job.

They usually serve up to 12 days per month and may qualify for full-time deployments for short durations. They are paid 92.8 percent of Regular Force rates of pay and receive a reasonable benefits package.

• Weapons Technician – Land
• Ammunition Technician
• Weapons Engineering Technician