WEBVTT 00:00:03.666 --> 00:00:06.708 I'm Corporal Zachary Bernard-Demers from Montreal. 00:00:06.708 --> 00:00:10.125 I'm an Aerospace Telecommunication and Information Systems Technician 00:00:10.125 --> 00:00:12.208 from 14 Wing Greenwood, in Nova Scotia. 00:00:13.166 --> 00:00:17.625 Aerospace Telecommunication and Information Systems Technicians, or ATIS Techs, 00:00:17.625 --> 00:00:22.541 help create the backbone of communications systems in the Royal Canadian Air Force. 00:00:22.541 --> 00:00:28.500 They enable all network operations by keeping information systems running smoothly 24/7. 00:00:28.500 --> 00:00:32.166 This is a critical component of modern military operations. 00:00:32.166 --> 00:00:35.791 It can mean sending vital information over a multitude of networks, 00:00:35.791 --> 00:00:39.333 or processing and compiling information to be used by the RCAF 00:00:39.333 --> 00:00:42.458 and other operators who need to make educated decisions. 00:00:43.041 --> 00:00:46.250 We basically work with everything that has to do with technology. 00:00:46.250 --> 00:00:49.916 Everything from a computer and a monitor that's sitting on your desk 00:00:49.916 --> 00:00:53.500 to networking equipment such as routers and switches, 00:00:53.500 --> 00:00:56.833 all the way up to working with basically in systems administrator, 00:00:56.833 --> 00:01:00.250 working with people's profile - Microsoft Outlook software - 00:01:00.250 --> 00:01:03.833 and then all the way over to the airfield side where we work with radar equipment 00:01:03.833 --> 00:01:06.458 which helps the pilots go up and down the runway. 00:01:10.541 --> 00:01:13.875 ATIS Techs are highly trained specialists that are often called upon 00:01:13.875 --> 00:01:16.291 to integrate new systems for the military. 00:01:16.291 --> 00:01:18.750 They work with radars and navigational aids, 00:01:18.750 --> 00:01:21.666 as well as radio and satellite communication systems, 00:01:21.666 --> 00:01:24.333 air defence and air traffic management systems, 00:01:24.333 --> 00:01:27.500 command and control networks and data links. 00:01:27.500 --> 00:01:32.541 Regular Force or Reserve, ATIS Techs ensure the operations, performance and defence 00:01:32.541 --> 00:01:35.833 of these integrated systems from the commander to the sensor. 00:01:35.833 --> 00:01:40.041 Their work is critical for mission success as everything in today's modern battlefield 00:01:40.041 --> 00:01:43.750 is reliant on information technology and communication integration. 00:01:45.000 --> 00:01:49.500 In today's day and age, an ATIS Tech is actually one of the more important facets 00:01:49.500 --> 00:01:53.375 of the Canadian Forces because communications and technology is taking over, 00:01:53.375 --> 00:01:56.125 and it's upgrading and advancing day in and day out, 00:01:56.125 --> 00:01:59.625 especially when it comes to radio communications, network communications. 00:01:59.625 --> 00:02:05.250 A lot of times, an ATIS Tech is always on site or a part of a bigger team 00:02:05.250 --> 00:02:09.083 when it comes to people basically managing runways and aircraft. 00:02:10.041 --> 00:02:13.625 ATIS Techs are one of the critical team members that allow senior officers 00:02:13.625 --> 00:02:16.750 to effectively exercise command and control. 00:02:16.750 --> 00:02:21.750 They often work in a joint setting with the Army, Navy, and Special Operations Forces, 00:02:21.750 --> 00:02:24.875 as well as with military allies such as NORAD and NATO 00:02:24.875 --> 00:02:27.291 to provide critical technological support. 00:02:35.208 --> 00:02:38.541 I'd say the coolest part of the job is working with a lot of the technology - 00:02:38.541 --> 00:02:42.583 seeing what's new, what's upcoming, what's at the forefront for the Canadian Forces - 00:02:42.583 --> 00:02:47.041 and being involved in a lot of the different tasks and knowing that our trade 00:02:47.041 --> 00:02:50.208 plays a huge role in basically an entire Wing 00:02:50.208 --> 00:02:53.291 or a base running and working on a daily basis. 00:02:59.541 --> 00:03:03.666 Once they complete their initial occupation training, ATIS Techs are typically posted 00:03:03.666 --> 00:03:07.416 to an operational unit of the Royal Canadian Air Force, where they get paired 00:03:07.416 --> 00:03:10.166 with a senior technician to continue their learning on the job. 00:03:10.500 --> 00:03:14.750 You will get posted to a specific shop, but usually after one to two years, 00:03:14.750 --> 00:03:17.916 sometimes a little bit longer, you'll get moved into different shops. 00:03:17.916 --> 00:03:23.375 So being cross-trained in the trade is actually a key element of what we do, 00:03:23.375 --> 00:03:27.416 and you have to have a bit of knowledge of everything, because over your career, 00:03:27.416 --> 00:03:30.166 you will be moved from one facet to another. 00:03:30.833 --> 00:03:33.541 Some ATIS Techs will be employed in high-readiness units 00:03:33.541 --> 00:03:38.666 and master specific deployable systems that are critical for mission success. 00:03:38.666 --> 00:03:42.250 ATIS Techs deploy around the world in support of active military operations 00:03:42.250 --> 00:03:44.625 and humanitarian efforts. 00:03:44.625 --> 00:03:49.208 They can also be deployed within Canada to support security or sovereignty operations, 00:03:49.208 --> 00:03:54.416 as well as to aid civil powers in times of crisis like floods and wildfires. 00:03:54.416 --> 00:03:58.041 A willingness to learn and keep pace with the ever-changing and evolving world 00:03:58.041 --> 00:04:02.333 of communications and information technology systems is a key quality of ATIS Techs. 00:04:10.583 --> 00:04:14.416 So I was on Op Impact in Kuwait, and there was a team of 8 of us, 00:04:14.416 --> 00:04:19.333 and we had to manage desktop support networks, classified materials, 00:04:19.333 --> 00:04:23.291 radios, as well as cell phones account management - 00:04:23.291 --> 00:04:25.791 everything that had to do with technology on a daily basis 00:04:25.791 --> 00:04:28.291 for every member that was deployed with us as well. 00:04:28.291 --> 00:04:30.958 And it's a very rewarding feeling to know that you were a part of that team 00:04:30.958 --> 00:04:35.291 that went out there and basically helped the entire operation be successful.