Gunner

Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes; Fredericton; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A military organization is seeking Gunners to operate and maintain artillery systems and vehicles for various missions. Responsibilities include surveillance, target acquisition, and operation in diverse terrains. This position is available for both full-time and part-time roles within the Primary Reserve across Canada. Candidates must meet educational requirements and undertake military training. Competitive pay and benefits are provided, including a pension plan.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Benefits package

Pension plan contribution

Qualifications

• No previous work experience or career-related skills required.
• Ability to serve in diverse terrains, including urban areas.
• Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) completion is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain 105mm and 155mm howitzers.
• Serve in various types of terrain and overseas missions.
• Maintain surveillance and target acquisition systems.

Skills

Surveillance and target acquisition

Operation and maintenance of artillery systems

Vehicle operation

Advanced command-post computer usage

Education

Completion of Grade 10 or Secondary 4

Tools

Howitzers

Radars

Uncrewed aerial systems

Job description

Overview

As a member of the military, Gunners are responsible for surveillance and target acquisition, and indirect fire to engage the enemy. As a Gunner you are responsible for the operation, maintenance and use of artillery systems, to include howitzers, mortars, radars, acoustic systems, uncrewed aerial systems, and armoured fighting vehicles. Gunners work closely with the other members of the combat arms as in the Armoured, Infantry and Combat Engineers, along with all other support arms on and off the battlefield.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain 105mm and 155mm howitzers
• Operate and maintain future Ground Based Air Defense Systems
• Operate and maintain surveillance and target acquisition systems, to include radars, acoustic systems, and uncrewed aerial systems.
• Operate and maintain a variety of vehicles including but not limited to ¼ ton – 7 ton trucks, Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV), and Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV 6.0)
• Operate technically advanced command-post computers, laser range-finders and fire control computers.

Work environment

A Gunner can be called upon to serve in any kind of terrain be it Arctic tundra, tropical jungle, desert, mountains, or urban towns and cities. They are deployed overseas on operational missions and in Canada in support of civil authorities in cases of national emergency. Initially, they are posted to one of five Artillery regiments:

• 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Shilo, Manitoba
• 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Petawawa, Ontario
• The Royal Canadian Artillery School, Combat Training Centre, Gagetown, New Brunswick
• 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support) Royal Canadian Artillery, Gagetown, New Brunswick
• 5th Canadian Light Artillery Regiment, 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Valcartier, Quebec

Career Path

If you choose 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, accommodations can’t always be made, and you can expect to move at some point in your career. If you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Reserve members typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum, with the possibility of full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options: 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.
• Minimum required education: completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec.
• Foreign education may be accepted.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course, 9‑weeks at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. Upon completion of BMQ, Gunners attend the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery School in Gagetown, New Brunswick for another 9‑week course (DP1) covering individual soldier skills, advanced weapons handling, radio communications, vehicle driving, and common artillery knowledge. After DP1, gunners are posted to one of the five artillery regiments across Canada, where they develop specialized skills through formal courses and on‑the‑job training. Gunners can specialize in one of four streams: Gun Area, Observation Post, Surveillance and Target Acquisition, and Ground-Based Air Defence.

Part‑time options

This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts, typically serving part‑time with a home unit while maintaining civilian employment or education. They receive 92.8 percent of Regular Force rates of pay, a reasonable benefits package, and a pension plan contribution.

Related Careers

• Armour Soldier
• Accelerated Pay Increment
• Priority Application Processing (Infanteer, Combat Engineer)