Overview
You will provide imagery for all elements (Sea, Land and Air) of the Canadian Forces, operate still and video cameras; make prints and video and multi-media productions; perform quality control of products, photo finishing in the photo laboratory and maintenance of occupation-related equipment.
What They Do
Imagery Technicians (IMAGE TECHs) are trained to provide imagery for all elements (Sea, Land and Air) of the Canadian Forces. Responsibilities include the operation of still and video cameras (both conventional and digital); the making of prints, video and multi-media productions; quality control of products; photo finishing in the photo laboratory; and maintenance of occupation-related equipment.
- Provide imaging services in support of military operations, public affairs and engineering activities, and document the important events in the life and times of the Canadian Forces
- Operate video and still imagery equipment
- Process film and produce prints
- Maintain an imagery database
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on imaging equipment
- Test and evaluate new imaging equipment
- Provide imaging solutions to customers
Qualification Requirements
Imagery Technicians must be able to work in emergency conditions and display alertness and skill in applying their occupational knowledge. They must also possess good visual and aural acuity, colour perception, manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination and have a well-developed sense of touch. The Imagery Technician must display patience and tact in dealing with associates and personnel being photographed. Technological advances in the field of imagery are continuous and rapid and require the progressive development and upgrading of occupational skills and knowledge.
Specialty Training
Personnel who demonstrate the required ability and ambition can undertake advanced occupational training through formal courses or on-the-job training as they progress in their career. Some examples of specialty training related to this military occupation are:
Advanced Occupation Training Courses
- Photojournalism
- Advanced Video Production
- Multimedia Production Techniques
- Underwater Photography
- Photo-Sonic Data Acquisition Camera System — Operation and Maintenance
- High-speed Photography and Videography Techniques
Working Environment
Imagery Technicians work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. They may be exposed to the same operational or combat conditions experienced by aircrew, ships’ companies and land combat forces. They may also work in cramped or makeshift quarters, and in partial or complete absence of light. Personnel in this occupation may be employed at any CF base in Canada, on ships at sea, and overseas as part of United Nations and NATO missions.
Appropriate training, environmental clothing and equipment are provided, and Imagery Technicians’ health, safety and morale are closely monitored.
Basic Military Qualification
The first stage of training for everyone is the 13-week Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course 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. 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:
- Policies and regulations of the Canadian Forces;
- CF drill, dress and deportment (the “three D’s”);
- Basic safety;
- First aid;
- Personal survival in nuclear, biological and chemical conditions;
- Handling and firing personal weapons;
- Cross-country navigation; and
- Personal survival in field conditions.
Basic Military Occupational Training
On completion of BMQ, Imagery Technicians attend Basic Military Occupational (MOC) Training at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) in Borden, Ontario. Training takes approximately 89 days and includes:
- Basic electricity and electronics
- Use of video and still cameras, and appropriate lighting equipment
- Processing of colour prints using automated equipment
- Operation of digital acquisition and processing equipment
- Equipment maintenance
- Image Management
