Video
On the Job
What They Do
Army Communication and Information Systems Specialists provide fast, reliable wired and wireless communication and information systems using leading edge voice and data systems. They are also part of a larger team that provides Army units and the Canadian Forces with communication and information services throughout Canada and around the world.
Army Communication and Information System Specialists expertly install, remove, operate, maintain and repair leading edge communication and information technology such as:
- Wired and wireless communication and information systems
- Radio, satellite and microwave broadband technology
- Fibre and copper broadband technology
- Voice and Data delivery services training
Working Environment
Career Development
The starting salary for a fully-trained Army Communication and Information System Specialist is $49,400 per year; however, depending on previous experience and training the starting salary may be higher. Army Communication and Information Systems Specialists who demonstrate the required ability, dedication and potential are selected for opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced training.
Related Civilian Occupations
- Telecommunications Operator and Manager
- Facility Operations Manager
- Information Systems Analyst
- Electronic Engineering Technician/Technologist
- Line Installer-Repairer Technician
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
Army Communication and Information System Specialists attend the Canadian Forces School of Communication and Electronics in Kingston, Ontario. Training takes approximately 18 weeks and teaches the following basic skills and knowledge:
- Radio and antenna systems theory
- Computer systems theory
- Satellite and microwave systems theory
- Radio communications and information security
- Installation and operation of communication and information systems
- Maintenance and operation of power generating systems
- Communication and information systems maintenance and repair techniques
- Installation and maintenance of fibre and copper systems
Army Communication and Information System Specialists may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including training in one of four sub-occupations:
- Communication Systems Technologist
- Information Systems Technologist
- Line Systems Technologist
- Communication and Information Systems Technology Manager
As they progress in their career, Army Communication and Information System Specialists who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:
- Communications and information systems facility controller
- Systems support specialist
- Communications and information systems management
- Data network design concepts
- Small system support
- Leadership and management
Entry Plans
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.
Part-time Option
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.