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What They Do
Mobile Support Equipment Operators operate military vehicles ranging in size from standard automobiles to snow removal equipment and all-terrain vehicles.
The primary responsibilities of the Mobile Support Equipment Operator are to:
- 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
- Prepare and maintain job-related forms, records and reports
Working Environment
Mobile Support Equipment Operators encounter a variety of employment and environmental conditions as they are required to operate a broad range of mobile support equipment. Conditions may vary from working indoors on bases to working outdoors, especially during field operations and while on missions abroad.
Career Development
The starting salary for a fully-trained Mobile Support Equipment Operator is $49,400 per year; however, depending on previous experience and training the starting salary may be higher. Mobile Support Equipment Operators who demonstrate the required ability, dedication and potential are selected for opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced training.
The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held 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 Canadian Forces physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.
After Basic Training, Army recruits go to a Military Training centre for the Soldier Qualification course for approximately one month, which covers the following topics:
- Army Physical Fitness
- Dismounted Offensive and Defensive Operations
- Reconnaissance Patrolling
- Advanced Weapons Handling
- Individual Field Craft
Mobile Support Equipment Operators attend training in Borden, Ontario, for approximately 70 days of training in the following areas:
- Operation of both standard and automatic shift vehicles including Standard Military Pattern vehicles
- Field operations, camouflage, re-supply techniques
- Tactical/Administrative Road moves
- Operation of vehicle systems and components
- Vehicle recovery
- Use of military maps
- Basic knowledge of Air Field Operations
- Dangerous Goods
- Dangerous Goods Instructor
Mobile Support Equipment Operators may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:
- Safety Supervisor
- Evasive Anti-terrorist Driver
- Evasive Anti-terrorist Driver Instructor
- Tractor-trailer Instructor
- Bus Instructor
- Instructional Techniques
- Air Brake Systems Instructor
- Master Driver
As they progress in their career, Mobile Support Equipment Operators who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:
- Dispatcher
- Section Commander training
- Middle management
- Fleet management
The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Canada. Foreign education may be accepted.
This position is available for part-time employment through the Reserves. Reservists generally work part-time for a Reserve unit in their community. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.
Reservists train with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required professional standards of the job. If additional training is required in order to specialize skills, arrangements will be made by the home unit.
Typically, Reservists work or train with their home unit for at least four evenings and one weekend per month, from September to May of each year. They are paid 85% of Regular Force rates of pay and receive a reasonable benefits package.
