Overview
You will be the custodian of the Canadian Forces (CF) ammunition stockpiles and the related explosives safety programs. In addition to controlling the inventory, you will perform technical inspections, tests, proofs, maintenance, modification and logistical disposal of tri-service ammunition.
What They Do
Ammo Techs are the custodians of the Canadian Forces (CF) ammunition stockpiles and the related explosives safety programs. In addition to controlling the inventory, they perform technical inspections, tests, proofs, maintenance, modification and logistical disposal of tri-service ammunition. They also:
- provide advice on all explosive safety matters;
- facilitate the storage of ammunition;
- prepare and ship ammunition;
- maintain static facilities, field and deployed installations;
- perform render safe and disposal procedures on explosive ordnances;
- certify ammunition, explosive items, munitions and non-munitions scrap free from explosives;
- conduct improvised explosive devices disposal (IEDD) operations; and
- operate equipment in support of operations.
Career Development
The Ammunition Technician trade is relatively small and has potential for quick advancement. The established Preferred Manning Level (PML) is 200. The average years of service verses promotion is approximately 10% faster than the Canadian Forces norm. (Based on 10 years, 1997 to 2007 using sample ranks of Sgt and CWO).
Upon successful completion of the QL3 course described above, the Ammo Tech will be posted to an ammunition facility in order to conduct the OJPR phase of training. On completion of the QL5A, a technician is considered to be fully operationally functional, and is eligible to deploy on operational tours.
A minimum of four years CF Service is required for promotion to Corporal (Cpl). After completion of two years service in the rank of Cpl and the Primary Leadership Qualification (PLQ), the member may be appointed Master Corporal (MCpl). As a MCpl, the member will be required to serve two years and complete the QL6A Supervisors course before be eligible for promotion to Sgt. At this point in member will have amassed considerable knowledge and experience. His level of responsibility and authority is markedly increased and he becomes eligible to be selected as an Ammo Tech instructor at CFSAL.
A minimum of three years experience as a Sergeant and the Intermediate Leadership Qualification (ILQ) is required for promotion to Warrant Officer, three years experience as a WO and the Advanced Leadership Qualification (ALQ) is necessary to be eligible for promotion to Master Warrant Officer (MWO). For promotion to Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) 2 years as a MWO and the Chief’s (CQ) Qualification Course is required.
Throughout an Ammo Tech’s career many additional, non-trade specific, opportunities for professional development are also available.
Working Environment
Ammo Tech tasks are carried out in a wide variety of locations and environmental conditions. A technician’s career is usually divided between Chief Land Staff (CLS) (60 % of positions), Canadian Material Support Group (CMSG) (20 % of positions) with the remaining 20% shared between Canadian Forces Support Training Group (CFSTG), Special Operations Forces and other units. An Ammo Tech must have the ability to effectively and efficiently perform his/her tasks in challenging situations and under difficult climatic conditions, both in Canada and on deployed operations. Ammo Techs must be knowledgeable in all aspects of ammunition as well as a wide variety of weapons, field craft and survival skills. Ammo Techs must make sound decisions in the application of ammunition related regulations and must be capable of successfully performing tasks with initiative and minimal supervision. Errors in judgment or lack of comprehension may cause incidents that could result in injuries to individuals or large-scale loss of strategically vital ammunition stocks, equipment and property.
Basic Military Qualification
The first stage of training for a successful applicant is the 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.
Soldier Qualification
On successful completion of BMQ, Ammo Techs go to a Military Training Centre for the 10-week Soldier Qualification (SQ) course, which covers the following topics:
- Army physical fitness
- Dismounted offensive and defensive operations
- Reconnaissance patrolling
- Advanced weapons-handling
- Individual field-craft
Occupational Training
The Ammo Tech apprentice curriculum consists of a formal basic occupational qualification (Ammo Tech QL3 part 1), which is a 6-month course, conducted at the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics (CFSAL Borden). This is followed by an On-Job Performance Requirement (OJPR) program (Ammo Tech QL3 part 2), which is conducted at an ammunition facility.
In the initial phase, candidates will receive training in the identification, characteristics and the receipt, storage, inventory control, maintenance, issue and disposal of all CF ammunition. The OJPR program will provide practical exposure and hands-on experience in performing the tasks previously learned at CFSAL. A member will normally complete this program in 6 to 8 months but will not typically be selected for the QL5A course until 12 to 18 months after graduating from the QL3 part 1.
During the QL5A course (3 months duration), candidates will receive training in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) of conventional dud, misfired, and stray ammunition, monitoring of land guided missile firings, range clearance operations, investigation of ammunition defects and malfunctions, and field and deployed operations.
On the QL6A course (6 weeks duration), technicians will receive advanced training on explosive safety programs, technical services, ammunition serviceability verification, accident investigation, development and inspection of ammunition facilities, explosive disposal operations, range clearance operations and the performance of Service Representative Officer (SRO) Duties.
