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SalaryOpportunity
Are you skilled in organization, interested in military vehicles, or excited by mastering unique technologies? A career in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as an Aerospace Control Operator lets you use radar, computer, communications and sensor systems for the surveillance and control of airspace.
No previous work experience or career-related skills are required.
Overview
Aerospace Control Operators control and coordinate the movement of military and civilian traffic at CAF aerodromes and tactical units through the following responsibilities:
- Operating command and control systems
- Providing ground control instructions to aircraft and vehicular traffic and giving flight advisories to aircraft
- Receiving, relaying and recording flight plan information
- Interpreting weather reports
- Maintaining records
- Responding to emergencies
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
Aerospace Control Operators can be stationed underground or onboard an aircraft. They may be employed throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. Aerospace Control Operators may also manage Air Traffic Control services such as flight advisories, ground control and precision radar control for the Wings and Tactical Helicopter squadrons across Canada.
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.
Aerospace Control Operator Training
Aerospace Control Operators attend the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations in Cornwall, Ontario. Training takes approximately three months and includes:
- Performing the surveillance function
- Assisting with Visual Flight Rule services
- Assisting with Instrument Flight Rule services
- Performing the Air Traffic Services function
Available Specialty Training
Aerospace Control Operators may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training for topics like:
- Precision Approach Radar Control
- Data Systems Coordination
- Air Communication Control Squadron Systems
Required Education
The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Quebec, including: Grade 10 Applied Math (Mathématiques 416 or Cultural, Social and Technical 4)Foreign education may be accepted.Direct Entry Officer Plan
No previous work experience or career-related skills are required. A recruiter can help you decide if your interests and attributes fit. If you already have a university or college diploma, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the necessary on-the-job training program following Basic Training. Basic Training is required before being assigned.
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 Aerospace Control Operator, 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.
