What They Do
The Mobile Support Equipment Operator (MSE Op) operates military vehicles ranging in size from standard automobiles to snow removal equipment and all-terrain vehicles in support of the mobility of the Canadian Forces.
- Operate buses, automobiles, trucks and tractor-trailers
- Operate specialized mobile equipment such as fuelling tankers, snowplows, tractors and all-terrain vehicles
- Receive, load, secure and unload materiel and equipment transported by road
- Provide transportation support for combat and field operations
- Maintain equipment in serviceable condition by cleaning, inspecting and correcting minor faults
- Prepare dispatch schedules and coordinate user requirements for vehicles and equipment using the Automated Fleet Management System (FMS)
- Prepare and maintain job-related forms, records and reports
Qualification Requirements
MSE Ops require good vision, coordination, spatial perception and hearing. They must enjoy working with machines and be capable of assuming responsibility and working independently. They must also be tactful and discreet. Clerical ability is a definite asset, particularly at the higher management levels where many written reports are required to perform various functions related to the management of a vehicle fleet. Personnel in this occupation must be adaptable and willing to perform in a variety of work environments.
Career Development
Opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced training are good for qualified personnel selected. MSE Ops may specialize in the operation of mobile engineering equipment such as cranes, tracked tractors, graders and loaders to lift and load materials or maintain roads and runways.
Specialty Training
Personnel who demonstrate the required ability, suitability and ambition will undertake advanced occupational training through formal courses with some on-the-job training as they progress in their careers. Specialty training may also be available. Below are examples of training related to this occupation.
Advanced Training Courses
- Dispatcher
- Section Commander training
- Middle management
- Fleet management
Specialty Training Courses
- Safety Supervisor
- Evasive Anti-terrorist Driver
- Evasive Anti-terrorist Driver Instructor
- Tractor-trailer Instructor
- Bus Instructor
- Instructional Techniques
- Air Brake Systems Instructor
- Master Driver
Working Environment
In static units they will work in comfortable buildings or operate vehicles under normal driving conditions. In a field unit, however, MSE OPs experience operational living and working conditions and the same hazards as combat troops.
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.
Soldier Qualification
On successful completion of BMQ, MSE Operators may go to one of the Army’s Military Training Centres for the Soldier Qualification (SQ) course, which lasts 20 training days and covers the following topics:
- Army physical fitness;
- dismounted offensive and defensive operations;
- reconnaissance patrolling;
- advanced weapons-handling (working with grenades, machine-guns and anti-tank weapons); and
- individual field-craft.
Basic Military Occupational Training
On completion of SQ, Mobile Support Equipment Operators attend Basic Military Occupational (MOC) Training at the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics (CFSAL) in Borden, Ontario. MOC training takes approximately 69 days and teaches the following basic skills:
- Operation of both standard and automatic shift vehicles including trucks, cars and Standard Military Pattern vehicles
- Field operations, Camouflage, re-supply techniques, Tactical/Administrative Road moves
- Operation of vehicle systems and components including brakes, fuel, cooling, lubrication, electrical and ignition systems
- Vehicle recovery
- Use of military maps
