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Land Communications and Information Systems Technician
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You will repair and maintain all types of Army communications and information systems. These include: communications equipment and radio systems, radio relay systems, radar systems, ground surveillance and miscellaneous radiation detection and associated equipment, and cryptographic equipment.
Land Communication and Information Systems Technicians (LCIS TECHs) repair and maintain all types of Army communications and information systems. These include: communications equipment and radio systems, radio relay systems, radar systems, ground surveillance and miscellaneous radiation detection and associated equipment, and cryptographic equipment. LCIS TECHs also maintain strategic, long range radio communications systems, portable satellite communications systems, microwave systems, personal computers and area networks, and ground telecommunications systems.
Their primary technical functions are the following:
 perform system restoration, preventive and corrective maintenance, inspections, modifications, installations and acceptance checks, as well as repair and overhaul;
perform installations as well as preventive and corrective maintenance on a wide range of radio, radar, switching, data processing, cryptographic, terminal, audio and video equipment;
install and operate test and diagnostic equipment to determine the general condition of systems; and
repair and calibrate radiation detection equipment.
Personnel considering employment in this military occupation should have a sound academic background in mathematics and physics (High School level). They should have an interest in electronics, communications systems, computers and switching systems. LCIS TECHs, as in all military occupations, must be responsible, reliable and able to work alone or as part of a team, in adverse and stressful conditions. The ability to perform as a member of a tactical team, understand directions and react quickly when faced with unusual situations is essential.
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, LCIS Technicians go to a Military Training Centre 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, Land Communication and Information Systems Technicians attend Basic Military Occupational (MOC) Training at the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics (CFSCE) in Kingston, Ontario. The first portion of Basic MOC training is the Performance Oriented Electronics Training (POET) which takes 32 weeks and teaches the following basic skills:
DC Circuits Theory
AC Circuits Theory
Electro-Mechanical devices
Solid State devices
Power sources
Amplifier circuits
Oscillator circuits
Multistage electronic circuits
Conductors and cables
AM/FM Theory
Audio/Video equipment
Digital circuits
Computers and peripherals
The second portion of Basic MOC training is the LCIS Tech apprentice level which takes approximately 30 weeks and includes the following:
Maintenance of Installation Kit Electronic Equipment (IKEE)
Maintenance of radio systems
Maintenance of automated information systems
Maintenance of switchboards and terminal equipment
Maintenance of audio and video systems
Maintenance of radiation detection equipment
Technical administration
Repair of printed circuit boards
Maintenance of cryptographic equipment
LCIS TECHs normally work in communications workshops while in garrison and in vehicle-mounted shelters when deployed. They often work in isolated locations, outdoors in all types of weather conditions where they may be exposed to conventional, nuclear, biological and chemical warfare while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. The work is often mentally and physically demanding. It requires strength, manual dexterity and the ability to do detailed work in confined spaces, often in less than ideal lighting conditions. When deployed with combat units, they may be subject to the same living conditions as infantry soldiers and are responsible for the protection and defence of their unit’s personnel, equipment and tactical position. Geographically, employment can vary from static and field postings at Canadian Forces bases across Canada to locations throughout the world in response to NATO and UN commitments. Appropriate training, environmental clothing and equipment are provided, and Land Communication and Information Technicians’ health, safety and morale are closely monitored.
The following are examples of what can be covered during Advanced MOC Training:
Leadership and Management Courses
Instructional Techniques
The following specialty training courses may also be available:
Tactical Command, Control and Communications Systems
Small Computer System Support Specialist
Computer System Management and Maintenance
Fibre Optics Systems
Long Range Communications Terminals
Satellite Communications Terminals
Microwave Radio Systems
Digital Message Handling Systems
Electronic Warfare Equipment Maintenance
Land Radar Maintenance
Cryptographic Equipment Maintenance
The LCIS military occupation offers excellent opportunities for travel and interesting employment. LCIS TECHs serve at Canadian Forces bases throughout Canada, including isolated field units. Overseas operational tours are to be expected. For motivated and qualified candidates, opportunities for promotion and advanced training are excellent. Progression is from apprentice level to manager level.
Electronic Engineering Technician/Technologist
Radio Communications Equipment Technician
Telephone and Switching Systems Technician
Cryptographic Technician
Electro-Mechanical Technician
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