The AWS TECH is responsible for the maintenance of aircraft air weapons systems from storage to target including all mechanical and electronic components. They also perform explosives storage and handling and provide Explosive Ordnance Disposal duties for the Air Force. They perform the following duties as well:

• 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

Upon completion of basic occupational training and a period of on-the-job training at their first unit, personnel will receive training on the aircraft and equipment applicable to their unit. This training will take place at a field technical training unit or training squadron located across Canada.

Opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced training are available for AWS Techs with proven abilities. Upon promotion to Warrant Officer, the AWS Tech transfers into the Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent (AM Sup) occupation for further career progression.

Personnel who demonstrate the required ability and ambition will undertake advanced occupational training through formal courses or on-the-job training as they progress in their careers. Specialty training may also be available to personnel who request it and are selected for a particular type of employment. Below are examples of training related to this military occupation.

Advanced Training Courses

• Technical Administration
• Leadership and Management Courses

Specialty Training Courses

• 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

AWS Techs are employed primarily at air bases in aircraft maintenance organisations, in maintenance hangers, shop environments and on flight lines that may expose them to extreme heat, cold, light, fumes and noise, under wet, dusty and dirty conditions. Cumbersome cold weather clothing and or Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) suits with gas masks may have to be worn for extended periods of time, creating discomfort and limiting physical movement. On the flight line, personnel are exposed to aircraft noise, exhaust fumes, and fuel odours. While carrying out aircraft or equipment maintenance, the odours of fuel, lubricants, solvents, paint and battery acids are encountered on a daily basis. Working in confined, dirty or oily areas on aircraft in order to remove, repair, inspect or install components or wiring is often required. Personnel can also perform these same duties and responsibilities onboard a ship at sea or on an airfield at a deployed site in support of CF operations.

In the course of their career, AWS Techs will be required to work shifts and be exposed to extended periods of overtime. They will also be called upon to perform some duties in airborne aircraft. When employed with land or sea forces, they are subject to the same living conditions as soldiers and sailors. In geographic terms, employment can vary from Canadian Forces Wings and Bases within Canada, including the Arctic, to locations throughout the world in response to NATO and UN commitments.