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Information Systems Technician

Non-Commissioned Member | Full Time, Part Time

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    • Overview

    As a member of the military, Information Systems Technicians are experts in Information Technologies (IT) who deploy, establish, administer, and maintain multi-platform networking computer environments, and a variety of data and voice networks. They are a part of a larger team that provides the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with communications and information services throughout Canada and around the world. They handle communications and information systems equipment, such as:

    • Wired and wireless communications and information systems
    • Fibre optic and copper wire broadband technology
    • Voice and data network equipment and servers

    Work environment

    Information Systems Technicians experience the unique adventures and challenges that come with working outdoors, in military vehicles and server rooms. Information Systems Technicians work across the country and around the world wherever the CAF has a footprint.

    If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

    Career Overview

    Transcript

    INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN

     

    BELANGER:

    I am Master Corporal Didier Bélanger from Saint Marc de lac Long, Quebec and I am a information Systems Technician.

    NARRATOR:

    Information Systems Technicians, also known as IS TECHs, provide a comprehensive array of IT services. From configuring and maintaining IT equipment such as routers, switches, servers, computers, and teleconference systems, they ensure seamless communication on joint and ground missions, whether in Canada or abroad.

    BELANGER:

    The trade is on 24/7. There will never be a downtime in the system because the information is crucial in this day and age. So we have to be ready at all times to help everybody and to be sure that the mission succeed.

    NARRATOR:

    IS TECHs play a vital role in the Canadian Armed Forces, overseeing all data communications from coordinating with Internet Service Providers to managing tactical data communications systems in armoured vehicles. On a daily basis, they can install and manage network devices and servers, handle account creation and software configuration, and maintain telecommunication systems. Additionally, they are responsible for IT tasks such as network distributions, scans, changes, and troubleshooting.

     

    BELANGER:

    We are the one who make sure that the emails you send across, you can call everybody, you can video chat with anybody that you want, all the information that you need at any given time of the day is provided by us.

    NARRATOR:

    Information Systems Technicians must adeptly navigate challenging situations to troubleshoot and diagnose IT and Tactical Communications systems crucial for mission-critical services. Rapid problem-solving skills are essential, alongside traits like analytical thinking, attention to detail, creativity, and unwavering persistence.

    To maintain their highly adaptive skillset, Information systems technicians travel throughout the year, engaging in exercises and training courses.

    BELANGER:

    One of the moments that stands out in my career would probably be when I went to Poland for a multinational exercise with NATO countries.  I was able to work with Norway and Netherlands, Romania, Spain, And I was the leading member of our working group.  So not just Canadian part of it, but working with everybody is always fun and always a big highlight in anyone's career.

    The military in general. It's always good to change yourself mentally, but also physically. We can be computer nerds, but there is also a way to do the sport that you like as well. And this is the best of both worlds in my opinion, because I can be in the computers all day, get all the information and be sure that everything is working. And at the end of the day, I can still go play soccer on base and stuff like that to have my blood pumping as well. There is just everything in this trade.

    Related Civilian Occupations

    • Computer systems administrators
    • Information Systems Analyst
    • Computer Network Technicians
    • User Support Technicians
    • Information Systems Testing Technicians

    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 Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

    Learn more about Basic Training here.

    Information Systems Technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Communication and Electronics in Kingston, Ontario. Training takes approximately 12 months and teaches the following basic skills and knowledge:

    • Computer systems theory
    • Information systems security
    • Installation and operation of information systems
    • Maintenance and operation of power generating systems
    • Information systems maintenance and repair techniques
    • Installation and maintenance of fibre optic and copper wire systems
    • Advanced Routing and Switching
    • Server Administration

    Information Systems Technicians may have the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal military and civilian courses and on-the-job training, including:

    • Cryptographic equipment operation and maintenance
    • Advanced server management
    • Advanced switch and router, configuration and maintenance
    • Software and firmware operations and maintenance
    • Computer Network security

    As they progress in their career, Information Systems Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential, will be offered advanced training. Courses include:

    • Data Network Designer
    • Leadership Courses
    • Life Cycle Materiel Manager
    • Army tactical network (LCSS)

    Entry plans

    No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

    The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec including Gr 10 Academic Math and Gr 10 Science.

    Foreign education may be accepted.

    Part time options

    This position is available for part-time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part time at a military unit in their community and at military bases within the region where they live. Reservists may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during their training and are not required to move. They can, however, volunteer to move and can also volunteer for deployment opportunities within or outside of Canada.

    Reserve Information Systems Technicians serve with the Canadian Army, providing fast, reliable, wired and wireless communications infrastructure to military units for training and operations. When employed on a part-time or term basis, they usually serve at a Canadian Army Reserve unit in their local community.

    Find a Recruiting Centre

    Reserve Force members of this occupation are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts. They usually begin training in their home unit to ensure they meet the required basic professional military standards. Following basic military training, arrangements will be made for occupational training. Information Systems Technician training takes approximately 12 months and is conducted at the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics in Kingston, Ontario.

    Reserve Force Information Systems Technicians usually serve part-time with their home unit for scheduled evenings and weekends. They may also serve in full-time positions at some units for fixed terms, depending what type of work is needed. Most Information Systems Technicians work in a server room environment either inside a building or in a military vehicle. They are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a benefits package, and can contribute to a pension plan.