You will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of weapons, weapons systems and ancillary equipment. You will also be responsible for the maintenance and repair of miscellaneous equipment such as scales, hydraulic lifts, locks and security containers, personal flotation devices, etc.

Weapons Technicians – Land are members of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Branch of the Canadian Forces. They are responsible for the maintenance and repair of weapons, weapons systems and ancillary equipment, including: small arms (rifles, submachine-guns and handguns); larger hand-controlled and shoulder–controlled weapons such as machine-guns and non guided anti-tank weapons; sub-calibre adapters; training devices, including simulators; grenade projectors, mortars and launcher systems; and light weapons and turret systems for armoured fighting vehicles. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of miscellaneous equipment such as scales, hydraulic lifts, locks and security containers, personal flotation devices, rebreathers, and equipment for heating, cooking and lighting in the field.

The Weapons Technician – Land should enjoy detailed, methodical work and must have knowledge of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic theory. Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are important attributes, and physical strength, resourcefulness and record-keeping ability are also desirable. Weapons Technicians must be able to follow instructions and work to strict standards with minimal tolerance of error. Finally, they must be adaptable and willing to maintain currency (including formal training) on a wide range of equipment types.

Qualified Weapons Technicians – Land who are ambitious and capable will find excellent opportunities for Advanced MOC Training, specialized training and promotion. Employment opportunities are available at bases across Canada and on deployed operations around the world.

On successful completion of MOC training, Weapons Technicians – Land are posted to a unit on a Canadian Forces Base for about 18 months of on-job training (OJT), which resembles a civilian apprenticeship program. During the OJT period, they practice and build on the material taught during MOC training.

Upon completion of OJT, Weapons Technicians – Land are eligible to attend further technical training (for approx 120 training days) at CFSEME, CFB Borden. At the end of this training phase, a Weapons Technician’s trade knowledge, skills and experience are comparable to those of a civilian journeyman. Weapons Technicians – Land who display the ability and ambition required to excel may be selected for Advanced MOC Training at the Supervisor and Manager levels. The Supervisor level course takes about 15 weeks, and the Manager level course takes about nine weeks.

The following specialty training may also be available:

• High Security Containers and Locking Devices
• Medium Self-Propelled Howitzer
• Leopard Tank
• GIAT Light Towed Howitzer
• Air Defence/Anti-Tank Missile System
• 35-mm Twin Anti-Aircraft Gun

Weapons Technicians – Land posted to a base normally work in enclosed workshops that are lighted and heated. During field training and on operations in the field, Weapons Technicians generally work in temporary or improvised accommodations, or outdoors where they may be exposed to extreme environmental and climatic conditions for extended periods. Working conditions typically include poor ventilation, confined work areas, and exposure to loud noise, heat, dust and fumes. The job can have heavy physical demands, and a Weapons Technician – Land must be able to stoop, carry loads up to 25 kg, and kneel, crouch or stand for long periods. Normal levels of mental stress are found when employed on a base, but stress increases considerably when on exercise or deployed on operations. Appropriate training, environmental clothing and equipment are provided, and Weapons Technicians’ health, safety and morale are closely monitored.