From a
different thread, but this post covers some of 'what AES Op life would be like as a Pte out of BMQ.
For OTs, the trg etc would be pretty much the same with the exception of the posting to 17 Wing while awaiting the BAQC, IAW the direction in the BTAGs, you'd likely be posted to the nearest BTL and then Attach Posted out for courses.
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Ok. So let's say you go to and make it thru BMQ. What happens next? You would almost for sure be sent to Winnipeg while awaiting the AES Op QL3 (ground/academic phase, called Basic AES Op Qualification Course - BAQC) and QL5 (flying phase, called Intermediate AES Op Qualification Course - IAQC). At this time, if you are married, kids etc they wouldn't be going there at this time.
While you are waiting for your QL3 there are a few courses you might take. Basic Air Environmental Qualification - BAEQ (1 week, likely Borden On or Winnipeg) is one. The Army equivalent is the BMQ-Land course. BAEQ is "classroom, shacks and the mess for meals".
You might also take the Aeromedical Training (AMT) course in Winnipeg at the
Canadian Forces School of Survival and Aeromedical Training (CFSSAT). There is also a chance you might take a 10 day "Land Survival Course" also ran by CFSSAT in Springers Lake MB as well 2 day Sea Survival Course at the
Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue (CFSSAR) in Comox BC. This all depends on availability of spots on the courses, when you are slated for your AES Op QL3 and QL5 courses, etc. However, you must do the AMT course before you move on to the flying/QL5 course.
While in 17 Wing as a PAT, most of the guys I know worked at places like
435 Sqn or at CFSSAT; none of the guys I know had any problems and got to see or do a few things they wouldn't have in a Army or Navy PAT unit such as flying on the Herc's, going to Springers Lake helping with a Land Survival Course, etc. IMO it's a pretty decent go for a untrained Private.
Once your Basic AES Op Qualification Course starts at
1 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (1CFFTS) your trade training has really started.
- The BAQC (QL3) is about 14 weeks long and is basically all academic/classroom training. Lots of studying and exams but for the most part it is a Monday - Friday, 8-4 routine (with morning PT and some inspections as directed/needed). The dress is CADPAT/combats during the ground phase. For quarters it is (or was, haven't been to the Peg in a few years) 2 to a room during BAQC. But consider that the rooms have a 2 beds, 2 computer desks, a full bathroom, TV w/cable, a mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker and phone and that this is a QL3 course...well that's pretty sweet compared to what most QL3 students get
anywhere else. Seriously. Unless things have changed, the last day of the BAQC is your first day in a flight suit.
- So you've finished BAQC and are waiting for your flying phase/QL5/Intermediate AES Op Qualification course. If there is a gap between them, you will likely go back to a job similar to when you are a PAT waiting for BAQC. I've also known people who were on extended waits who were allowed to go do OJT at a unit close to their home and families, such as the Griffon Squadrons in Edmonton and Borden. If you haven't done it already, you would have to do the AMT course at this point. If you haven't done the BAEQ, Sea Survival or Land Survival courses you could find yourself on them at this point as well.
- the time winds down and now you are on the IAQC with around 7 others. Same deal for quarters except now you have your own room. The course is about 10 weeks but expect it to run longer as there are delays from weather, aircraft availability/serviceability, etc. There isn't as much studying and exams but by no means is less effort required. Now you have to the put the theory stuff to work and apply it. There is some classroom and exams but the meat of the course is central to completing the trainers in the simulators and the flying missions during the 2 phases (Low Level RADAR Navigation/Fixing and the Homings Phase). All the theory from the BAQC and the new stuff taught on the IAQC is put into practice and you have to perform in an airborne environment. After you complete IAQC, you will be presented AES Op wings and posted to your first Sqn.
** if you have wife/husband/kids, etc this is when they will be posted with you and you'll get the full benefits of a move with the CF. And they aren't bad either. No packing or carrying your stuff, hotels while you are on the road, meals for the entire family, home sale/purchase benefits, etc.
After you get your Wings and posting, you will then have to complete either the course to become (1) a Maritime Helicopter AES Op - ran in Shearwater NS (2) a Long Range Patrol (LRP) Non Acoustic Sensor Op (aka NASO or "dry") or (3) a LRP Acoustic Sensor Op (aka ASO or "wet"). What's the difference between dry and wet? Wet, think
sonobuoys, ASW. Dry guys do RADAR, EW stuff, ordanence, EO/IR camera, the
MAD, etc. Both of the LRP courses take place in Greenwood NS.
I'd say you can chaulk off 6 months for the Maritime (Sea King) or LRP (Aurora) courses after Wings. Again there might be a delay in your course start so you might be employed around the Sqn on a crew doing OJT, at Sqn Ops, Wing Ops etc.
If you haven't completed the Sea Survival and Land Survival Courses you could expect to go on them at this point as well as there are certain timelines to have them complete.
All in all, the AES Op trade is a good go, good people, minimal BS but it IS a flying trade; you will be away, don't expect Mon-Fri 8-4. There is specialist pay after you get your Wings and are promoted to Cpl (check the pay tables for the difference in Standard and Specialist pay groups). If in a flying position, there is also Aircrew Allowance $(311/month starting off). If you are of the fling-wing/egg beater variety ;D and posted to a SeaKing Det on a ship, you also get Sea Duty Allowance ($311/month starting off).
For the record I have personally never heard an AES Op who came in direct entry who did NOT like/love the trade and regretted it. Like any job there are some downsides but, IMO, it doesn't get much better than this for a Pte in the CF. I've seen lots to compare it too.
:2c:
