How to become a specialized member of the Canadian Armed Forces
Official title: Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces
Also called: Weapons technician, Ammunition technician, Naval electronics technician, Air weapons systems technician, Electronic-optronic technician, Weapons engineering technician
Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces provide critical technological support for military armament. They are primarily responsible for the maintenance, inspection and technical support of all Canadian Army equipment. They also follow the military and strategic policies established by the leadership of the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Airforce, and the Royal Canadian Navy.
Main tasks
- Certify ammunition, explosive items, munitions and non-munitions scrap to different degrees of classification
- Inspect, test, identify faults, adjust, repair, recondition and modify electrical, electromechanical, electronic, electro-optic and mechanical equipment, optical instruments, and control systems for weapons and missiles
- Maintain and repair machine-guns and non-guided anti-tank weapons, grenade projectors, mortars and launcher systems
- Test, inspect and repair air weapons systems
- Compile test logs, evaluation reports, equipment maintenance documentation and read and interpret electronic drawings
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. Three months of basic military training is required and provided. Occupational qualification training of at least two years is required. Specialized training in the operation and maintenance of military equipment and systems is provided.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 32% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Electrical/electronic engineering technologies/technicians; Vehicle maintenance and repair technologies/technicians; Military technologies and applied sciencesCAN.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $69,089 a year
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Questions people ask
How do I become a specialized member of the Canadian Armed Forces?
Completion of secondary school is required. Three months of basic military training is required and provided. Occupational qualification training of at least two years is required. Specialized training in the operation and maintenance of military equipment and systems is provided.
How much does a specialized member of the Canadian Armed Forces earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $69,089 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)).
Do you need a degree to become a specialized member of the Canadian Armed Forces?
Usually not. Only 8% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03