What They Do
The Aerospace Telecommunications and Information Systems Technician (ATIS Tech) performs, supervises and directs the repair and maintenance of all types of Air Force telecommunications systems, as well as information technology infrastructure supporting national operational command and control information systems. ATIS Techs also manage and maintain mobile and fixed satellite communications systems, microwave systems, switchboards, cable plants, and all forms of command and control computer systems and networks.
Their primary technical functions are to perform preventive and corrective maintenance, system restoration, special inspections, modifications, installations and acceptance checks, as well as the repair and overhaul of all types of telecommunications, navigation and cryptographic systems.
They have the following duties:
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on all types of radios, radar and data processing, cryptographic, terminal, audio and video equipment
- Perform inspections, performance tests and adjustments on strategic and tactical fixed and mobile telecommunications equipment
- Perform repairs, overhaul and support maintenance on telecommunications equipment
- Perform installations and acceptance tests
- Liaise with all levels of command and functional groups, including Base level personnel
- Maintain and/or advise other occupations on the maintenance of the electromechanical and refrigeration requirements of telecommunications equipment
- Deploy as part of the Air Force Support Cabability as part of 8 Air Communications and Control Squadron, as part of a Tactical Control Radar Squadron, or as part of the Canadian Forces Joint Signals Regiment
- Manage the life-cycle of material related to various telecommunications and information systems
Qualification Requirements
Personnel considering employment in this occupation should be interested in working with sophisticated radar and communication systems, as well as advanced telephone switching systems and complex computer systems. They require the physical strength to lift, carry, and install equipments, and manual dexterity and ability to perform highly technical work based on regular routines. They must be responsible and reliable, and enjoy working as a member of a team while possessing the ability to perform alone under stressful and adverse conditions.
Specialty Training
Personnel who demonstrate the required ability and ambition will undertake training through formal courses or on-the-job training as they progress in their careers. Specialty training may also be available. Below are examples of training related to this military occupation.
Advanced Military Occupational Training Courses
- Fibre Optics Communications Systems
- Design Building Network for Communication Systems
- Computer System Management
- Advanced Radar Maintenance
- Advanced Communications Operations
- Management and Leadership Training
- Deployed Communications Systems
Specialty Training Courses
- Airport Secondary/Surveillance Radar
- Communications Control Systems
- Precision Approach Landing Aids
- E3A AWACS Airborne Equipment
- Microwave Radio Systems and Associated Equipment
- Instructional Techniques
- Communications/Information Security
- Meteorological Systems
- Cryptographic Equipment Maintenance
Working Environment
The duties of an ATIS Tech are performed in operation centres, in static and mobile workshops, or outdoors where they are exposed to all climatic conditions. In geographic terms, employment as an ATIS Tech can vary from bases within Canada and the USA, including the Arctic, to locations throughout the world, in response to NATO and UN commitments. Appropriate training, environmental clothing and equipment are provided, and Aerospace Telecommunications and Information Systems Technicians’ health, safety and morale are closely monitored.
Basic Military Qualification
The first stage of training for a successful applicant is a 13-week Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, 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 CF physical fitness standard, as a result, the training is physically demanding.
BMQ covers the following topics:
- Contribute as a Member of a Military Team
- Canadian Forces Regulations and Orders
- Operate the Service Rifle
- Physical Fitness Proficiency
- Drill
- First Aid
- Operate in a Field Environment
- Participate in Force Protection
- Operate in a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and, Nuclear Environment
- Maintain a Safe Working Environment
- Communicate Verbally and Writing
- Canadian domestic and International Military Relationships
- History, heritage and traditions of the profession of Arms in Canada
- CF Personnel Well-Being Programmes and Initiative
- Personnel Management and Administrative procedure
Basic Occupational Qualification
Training On completion of the BMQ, Aerospace Telecommunications and Information Systems Technicians attend Basic Military Occupational Qualification (BOQ) Training at the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics (CFSCE) at CFB Kingston, Ontario. The first portion of BOQ training is the Performance Oriented Electronics Training (POET), which takes 28 weeks and teaches the following basic skills:
- DC Circuits Theory
- AC Circuits Theory
- Electro-Mechanical devices
- Solid State devices
- Power sources
- Amplifier circuits
- Oscillator circuits
- Multistage electronic circuits
- Conductors and cables
- AM/FM Theory
- Audio/Video equipment
- Digital circuits
- Computers and peripherals
The second portion of BOQ training is the ATIS Tech apprentice level 3 training coordinated by CFSTG and thought at CFSCE at CFB Kingston, Ontario. Training takes approximately 20 weeks and includes the following learning objectives:
- Perform technical administration
- Maintain automated information systems
- Repair printed circuit boards
- Maintain switchboards and terminal equipment
- Maintain audio and video systems
- Maintain airfield navigational aids and meteorological systems
- Maintain communications and crypto systems
- Maintain radar systems
