Job Title

Overview As a member of the military, Aerospace Control Officers contribute to air operations by providing air traffic control services and air weapons control. They are responsible for the conduct of aerospace surveillance, warning, and control of airborne objects throughout Canadian airspace. As an integral part of the Canadian Air Navigation System, they also provide control to civilian and military aircraft during combat and training operations worldwide. Aircrew Selection Centre The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) requires that all Pilots, Aerospace Controllers and Air Combat Systems Officers attend and successfully complete the Aircrew Selection. The selection centre is located in Trenton, Ontario where candidates are tested over a 2day period with computerbased scenarios designed to validate those skills and aptitudes required by the RCAF. Success at Aircrew Selection is a necessary step in order to continue to be processed for these three occupations. Work environment Aerospace Control Officers may be deployed to a ship, aircraft, or in the field throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. Initially, Aerospace Control Officers are employed as either air traffic controllers at Canadian military airbases, or in the air defence realm, controlling fighter aircraft at the Canadian Air Defence Sector. If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. Relocations may occur; accommodations are not always guaranteed. If you join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit and typically work parttime, one night per week and some weekends, with possibilities of fulltime employment. Entry plans Direct Entry Options Paid Education Options If you already have a university degree, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required onthejob training program following basic training. Basic training and military officer qualification training are required before being assigned. Regular Officer Training Plan: Because CAF officers must obtain a university degree, the CAF will pay successful recruits to complete a bachelor degree program in the Royal Military College System. Recruits will receive fulltime salary, including medical and dental care, and vacation time with full pay in exchange for working in the CAF for a period of time. Candidates typically enter the Canadian Military College System as an Officer Cadet, studying subjects relevant to both military and academic careers. In rare instances, based on CAF needs, candidates may be approved to attend another Canadian University. If applying to this program, please apply to the CAF and consider other Canadian universities if not accepted for ROTP. Training After enrolment, basic officer training lasts 12 weeks at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in SaintJeansurRichelieu, Quebec, covering general military knowledge, leadership principles, CAF regulations and customs, basic weapons handling, and first aid. The training also includes field exercises involving force protection, navigation and leadership, and a rigorous physical fitness program. Basic officer training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training. Official second language training may be offered, ranging from two to nine months depending on ability. Aerospace Control Officers attend the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations in Cornwall, Ontario for three to five months. They learn to apply control techniques for both air defence and air traffic control duties, and receive simulator training on the following topics: Airborne weapons systems Ground control systems and radar Meteorology Radiotelephony and procedure Air regulations and navigation orders Aircraft performance characteristics Command and control directives governing the control of interceptor aircraft Aerospace Control Officers are granted a licence in the control of live aircraft after passing an examination on local operating procedures. Specialized skills courses may include: Airborne Warning and Control System Space and Missile operations Tactical Air Control Party (Land) Maritime Fighter Control (Navy) Part time options This position is available for parttime employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve parttime at an Air Force wing in their community. They are not posted or required to move; however, they may volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada. Aerospace Control Officers employed on a parttime or casual fulltime basis usually serve at CAF bases and tactical units at locations within Canada. Air Reserve members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts and are employed in the same unit and perform the same job. They usually serve up to 12 days per month in a regular work day, with options to serve full time for short durations as needed. Reserve Force members are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan. Related Careers Air Combat Systems Officer Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator #J-18808-Ljbffr