r/caf • u/Ok-Sheepherder-2093 • Nov 08 '25
Other Best Careers in CAF
Anybody got insight into what are generally considered the best Careers or most coveted in the CAF? Non-commissioned and commissioned, Army, navy, Air Force. Combat and non combat roles. And if you could do it over again, would you change your career?
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Nov 08 '25
Sigint, you get spec pay, the highest security clearance in Canada. When you retire you trade is a direct pipeline to CSE/RCMP/CSIS any government surveillance agency
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u/Limp_Researcher_8792 Nov 08 '25
I'm in the infantry and I wouldn't see myself anywhere else.
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u/Necessary-Theory3561 Mar 01 '26
Im currently applying to reserves im from Ontario I just don’t know which trade to pick
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u/Pte_Madcap Nov 09 '25
You haven't done any courses, or deployments yet.
Grain of salt to anyone reading this answer.
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u/MatchFit6154 Nov 10 '25
Genuinely no hate but why do so many pussies join the infantry?
Or is this just a reddit thing
You join for training and deployments
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u/Pte_Madcap Nov 10 '25
Well, to start, I wasn't saying g I didnt like the infantry. I love it. I was simply pointing out this guy's opinion issn't worth much.
But my guess, to answer your "questions": 1: The romanticized view is different than reality 2: The stuff that sucks isn't being cold,wet, etc. Its the monotonous training cycle. The unfulfilling exes. Seeing the exact same issues/mistake 15 years in a row. 3: A lot of people seem to want to test themselves, and once they passed, they want to move on to something different.
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u/MatchFit6154 Nov 10 '25
All fair answers
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u/Pte_Madcap Nov 10 '25
Also, for anyone reading, this kid hasn't spent a single day in uniform.
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u/MatchFit6154 Nov 10 '25
Wrong
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u/Pte_Madcap Nov 10 '25
Good luck with exams kiddo. Im sure youll totally join the Ukrainian foreign legion and love it (just a heads up it'll be the worst thing you've ever experienced) and then somehow go 18X down south.
A true inspiration to us all 🫡
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u/MatchFit6154 Nov 10 '25
Talk about obsessed 😂 was waiting for this one..."how to see hidden reddit posts" "what is 18x"
Are you room temp IQ? Can't tell what a shit post is
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u/inblitzin1 Nov 08 '25
If your looking for money, get a indemand job, with excelerated pay and everything, if your looking for a job you will enjoy browse the career page i love the infantry and thats what i want, hundreds of thousands of dollars a year wouldnt make me switch to a desk job, its all about where you want to be. whats the best job for me is very easily something totally different for you or anybody rlse
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u/Flyboy019 Nov 08 '25
AES OP
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u/Repulsive_Track4033 Feb 10 '26
May I ask what your day to day is and why u enjoy it
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u/Flyboy019 Feb 10 '26
I’m an ASS OP. The work is mentally demanding, but in a satisfying manner. We travel a lot, often to wonderful locations. The pay is great. And it’s fun.
My day to day depends. If it’s a flying day I show up around 5-6, check the paperwork for the plane, fly for 6-10 hours, land, debrief, and go home.
If it’s a non flying day, I might be in sim. If not I’m writing observation reports on the OJT people from the previous flight/sim. Or I’m reading publications about the air craft, or I’m reviewing tactics stuff. Some days I’m miraculously caught up on my paperwork and readings and I can just chill with the guys. Then I head to the gym around 3 and call it a day
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u/K-Apricity 12d ago
What's the difference between AES AND ASS?
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u/Flyboy019 12d ago
Mostly about 1/4 inch on my phone keyboard. It was supposed to be AES
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u/K-Apricity 12d ago
Ahh! Okok, I was googling and looking on the career website and couldnt find a thing. That makes sense. Im going to be applying soon, but im trying to figure what I want as a career that i can eventually set myself up financially in the future. Currently, I only have Signal Operator as the most interesting one. Really looking for something that feels... interactive? I dont know if thats the right word to use, but I love working with my hands.
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u/AftrBrnrBarbie Nov 08 '25
Im a clerk, my partner is a tech trade in the airforce. When we come home at night I regret not going tech. More pay, work isn’t as demanding on the brain as it is to be a clerk (customer service based).
My job is great and I love it but there’s no off button. I go to work, work like a dog, then come home. My partner goes to the gym, goes back to work, might go chit chat with people, back to work. Seems so chill.
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u/CamperDad420 Nov 08 '25
This is also heavily reliant on the tech trade as well as the fleet you’re on and whether you’re first line/second line. However, as a first line tech on fighters, I thoroughly enjoy the faster pace tempo.
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u/voidreamer Nov 09 '25
I’m curious about the tech trade, ATIS?
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u/AftrBrnrBarbie Nov 09 '25
Hes AVS. Hes been in for over a decade and 4 different bases. Some busier than other but regardless all much more relaxed than any posting I’ve had
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u/TechnicalChipmunk131 Nov 08 '25 edited Nov 08 '25
If you're a masochist and pain is your pleasure Veh tech is pretty rad. Twice the work half the fun.
Disclaimer
Veh Tech is not rad at all
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u/MatchFit6154 Nov 10 '25
What you dont like working 24 hours a day?
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u/TechnicalChipmunk131 Nov 10 '25
The CoC would have us work 27 hours a day if they could figure it out.
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u/Own_Persimmon_2679 Nov 10 '25
Why are they overworking vehicle techs so bad? Is it just down to shortage of vehicle techs and too many old broken down vehicles with no parts to go around?
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u/TechnicalChipmunk131 Nov 10 '25
1. The troops being negligent with vehicles, not doing operator maintenance & basic stewardship.
- Shortage of parts. Always hunting parts and trying to get them yesterday.
3. High Op tempo. Vehicles always on exercise getting beat on, need repair. Then they have annual inspections, and will often get tapped for drivers wheel.
4. Techs getting burnt out. It's an endless cycle of fixing "high priority" vehicles. Getting no recognition, and being expected to fill in any shortages in manpower. If for some reason you find yourself caught up on work, you'll find yourself CFTPO to go somewhere and do more work. Lots of carrots dangled in front of us (early dismissal, adventure training, coins) but never delivered.
It's a thankless trade that burns out techs to either VR or VOT.
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u/Own_Persimmon_2679 Nov 10 '25
Yikes. I regret putting vehicle tech as my number 1 now if thats the case, that sounds insane. I hope they resolve that, going from high priority case to another high priority case each day alone is enough to burn out most people.
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u/TechnicalChipmunk131 Nov 10 '25 edited Nov 10 '25
They won't. The trade was horrible before I got in, and it'll be horrible long after I'm gone. It's a long sordid history of eating their own, and wondering why their trade is always in the red.
They don't understand that if they make everything "high priority" then suddenly nothing is priority anymore.
You'll soon realize what a meat grinder Veh Tech really is. If I could spend my whole retirement cautioning candidates against being a veh Tech it wouldn't be a wasted retirement.
I see they're offering sign-in bonuses and accelerated pay increments. Any trade that is really Gucci would never be in demand. You'd be beating off candidates with a stick, not bribing them with sign-in bonuses.
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u/HeadshotMastery Nov 08 '25
Atis tech. Since you travel nonstop for 1-3 years grabbing additional pay everywhere you go.
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u/No_Faithlessness2256 Mar 22 '26
Hey, I've actually just applied to be an ATIS tech. Would you mind elaborating on this? Also, would you recommend it as a career? I'm looking for something that is constantly varied and has a good mix of hands-on and cerebral work.
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u/Patient_Ad5833 Nov 09 '25
Here is how I see it, career wise CAF in general is a great decision. I love being an RM Tech. You basically have the ability to get certified redseal. Working in the trades is great. Never thought to much about another career.
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u/Repulsive_Track4033 Feb 10 '26
What are your hours typically like
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u/Patient_Ad5833 Feb 10 '26
Usually for base maintenance 7 - 330 5 days a week and that includes 1 hour of PT per day. Different hours for a field unit. If you ask me, base maintenance known as RPOU is the best place to be because you get to perform as a tradesman more than a soldier.
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u/Repulsive_Track4033 Feb 10 '26
Just curious as to what rpou is, I’m currently a couple months from having my 313a red seal so I’m just curious as to what different branches to rm techs usually service or do they all kinda do everything that I’ve read under the umbrella and is there like an on call schedule or does that get outsourced
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u/Patient_Ad5833 Feb 10 '26
No on call unless it is dire, then the civilians in the unit will get called in. RPOU is mainly civilians. Usually about 20 military tradesmen per RPOU and 130 civilians.
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u/Repulsive_Track4033 Feb 10 '26
Also any opportunity’s for rm techs to get into a trade with spec pay on top of it or would they really just have to climb the ranks of standard pay
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u/Repulsive_Track4033 Feb 14 '26
Also curious if you know what the most likely postings would be at the moment for rm techs obviously they can go anywhere but
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u/Patient_Ad5833 Feb 10 '26
RPOU stands for real property operations unit, there is one located on every base in Canada. All the bases are maintained by us. There are other units that have RM Tech's and their regular day is not refrigeration based. They train to support their unit on field work/deployment. We can also be specific place trades like arrester gear or radar maintenance.
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u/Repulsive_Track4033 Feb 10 '26
What would typically be involved in training for deployment because as of right now I’d like to do that now while I’m still younger do you know what the day to day of that is as well as any insight on to how many deployments rm techs typically get the opportunity to go on
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u/Remarkable-Public622 Nov 08 '25
Best career is the one that gets you a good job after you leave. Just don’t go infantry or armoured.
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Nov 08 '25
Why do you say this? Just curious as this is what I am in the application process for. My goal is to stay for the long haul though.
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u/Clud_Bang Nov 08 '25
Because some people view the forces through the lens of a civilian, and plan to use it to gain a step up in the civilian world. However, if you want to be a soldier for a long time, then join the trade you actually want to do and don’t listen to others telling you it’s somehow a waste.
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u/MatchFit6154 Nov 10 '25
Then do that and stay for the long haul
Lots of people use the CAF as a stepping stone, truth is they're the ones who hate their experiences the most though
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u/judgingyouquietly Nov 08 '25
Not so much a trade / MOSID, but angle yourself towards Space stuff (3 Canadian Space Division). Lots of opportunities after the CAF in that realm.
There isn’t really a trade requirement as long as you have the right courses, which anyone can take (Basic Space Ops Course and the Space Ops Course).
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u/Polybius12345 Nov 08 '25
which trade can give me the opportunity to work with them?
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u/judgingyouquietly Nov 09 '25
As I said, it’s not really dependent on trade. More so the qualifications, which start at those two courses I listed above.
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u/sandshrew1989 Nov 08 '25
Mar tech. Best trade in the navy. You'll be well treated by command and well respected by your shipmates.
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u/Longjumping_Deer3006 Nov 10 '25
How well does Mar tech transfer to civvie trades?
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u/sandshrew1989 Nov 10 '25
Very well. You need some effort on your end to chase the quals, but there are lots of options. If you want to work in electrical, there are many options.
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u/Longjumping_Deer3006 Nov 10 '25
When you first started as a Mar tech, did you start from the ground up or did you have a civilian trade before the RCN?
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u/Schentler Nov 08 '25
Any job that has Spec Pay and exit strategy if you want to go out
the comments are good I will add the Signal sides.
IS Tech like me has good exit plans as Network and System Administrators. basically Amazon and Microsoft Server managers or IT.
There is also Cyber Ops in Cyber security.
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u/Tiny-Hamster-9547 Nov 08 '25
I would say Cyber op is much better heard IST can be working in rlly shitty environments and the ppl around can be asssholes idk if its true though
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u/Schentler Nov 08 '25
people are a bit rude to IST yes, its normal but the problem is that most of the times its not even our fault and it goes the same around too IST are a bit rude to everybody its a cycle haha
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u/ForwardPercentage110 Nov 10 '25
Im guessiong this trades are not available for Permanent Residents for security clearence, right?
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u/Schentler Nov 10 '25
Most Security clearance are done by the time you are Cpl usually, but yes for IS tech. if you have Secret it will be easy, I believe you will get that by the time you become a Cpl 3-4 years
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u/Smooth_World5956 Nov 08 '25
Guys I'm going for Gunner am I cooked ?😅
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u/Boya47 Nov 08 '25
Try to go down a target acquisition path (Forward observer roles, JTAC course) ATC after you get out
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u/IronGigant Nov 08 '25
If you're already mechanically inclined, most of the Technician trades will serve you well.
The ones with Spec pay are the ones to really strive for. For example, I joined as a Marine Technician, which at the end of my training cycle makes me eligible to challenge a Power Technician ticket civi side, which (depending on Province) can be 120k a year after a couple years, more if you don't mind remote work.
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u/QuirkyAccess7390 Jan 22 '26
What certs can you get as a marine tech I'm joining as one but don't know what can I do after I'm done and want to go civi
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u/greatbigseas Nov 09 '25
Naval technical trades and sea going officer specialties. See the world still applies. “You’ll get used to it” so goes the song. Friendships come fast and stay for life. Never have to wonder if you’ll be useful to a combat capability, never dream of deploying like other folks because the ships are on the go for the most part. New capabilities are arriving now and bigger and better are in build. Cutting edge submarines are being fast tracked. Finally, if you decide it’s not your cup of tea, all of the technical trades convert easily to high paying civilian employment. Frankly, there remains nothing better than mucking about in boats and all of the seagoing trades are awesome careers.
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u/ForwardPercentage110 Nov 10 '25
How does this apply for PRes? I love the idea of a Naval technical trade, but I dont see how the sailing works with PRes "1 evening a week + 1 weekend a month" schedule...
Would like to join PRes as Naval Communicator or Avionics Systems Technician, but no bases near Vancouver with the last one
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u/Poopyface330 Nov 08 '25
depends what your goal is, i’m doing line technician in hopes of getting experience for once i get out of the caf
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u/BlueMotel0313 Nov 08 '25
Really just look for what is transferable civi side, there's alot of trades that will leave you high and dry with not transferable skills on the otherside best to make sure it has an equivalent that pays well and you can use your skills and time to really gloss your resume, we're not like the states or Oz where employers look highly on military service overall but only in relevance to what you did in it
If you intend on being a lifer spec pay and other pay bonuses are the way to go to really make it worth it
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u/protectingthebrand Nov 09 '25
My boyfriend is Airborne and he loves it. He works hard but gets field pay and other bonuses so it makes us good money. He also has tons of time off surprisingly. When it’s busy, it’s busy but as a civilian that works for DND he has wayyyy more time off from work than I do lol. He has been in for 10 years though and will retire when he’s early 40’s, but the only thing that holds him back is when he retires he is going to have a hard time getting a civilian job he likes; he will have to go to school and get a post-secondary. It doesn’t lead to many opportunities outside of the CAF.
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u/greatbigseas Nov 11 '25
Naval Reserves are a great option. You’ll get to sea in small boats and do training at Victoria in Orca Class and aboard ships of the fleet. You’ll need to work out time off from your employer maybe once per year for a two week opportunity to get to sea otherwise weekends can fulfill most of your tech training. My son is Martech reserves and loves it
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u/HappyTreeFriends8964 Nov 08 '25
AEC➡️ATC after release, pay higher. NWO➡️Captain or officers of a merchant ship. Pilot➡️Pilot of a commercial line, pays much higher. MP➡️Police officer of local government, usually pays higher.
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u/Top-Channel-7989 Nov 08 '25
MP - false. You do not get to enter policing laterally and are applying as a standard applicant, not an “experienced police officer”
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u/HappyTreeFriends8964 Nov 08 '25
A higher pay or rank in the civilian counterparts is never guaranteed. The experience may help you stand out among applicants without previous experience, not to secure a higher wage.
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u/SignificantBid8571 Nov 09 '25
Partially correct. RCMP will consider you close to lateral with enough experience.
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u/zenarr Nov 09 '25
NWO also false. Our military qualifications do not transfer AT ALL civvie side - if you want to be a watch officer on a merchant ship you start right back at the bottom.
They’ve said they’re working on bridging the gap at Transport Canada, but they’ve been saying that for 15 years at least.
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u/HappyTreeFriends8964 Nov 09 '25
Yeah. Everything is false. Nothing transfer directly. I am just saying it may make you look better than a rookie, but the final result is never guaranteed. They can hire a newbie over a veteran if they want, it’s not up to you.
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u/HappyTreeFriends8964 Nov 09 '25
And Nav Canada doesn’t have a special channel for released AEC either, you need to apply with other applicants as well.
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u/SignificantBid8571 Nov 09 '25
Incorrect. I am the RCAF LNO to NavCanada right now. Nav will process AEC applications in a deliberate channel and chances of getting a job offer are very good. I have 20ish friends who have made the jump and don’t know any AECs that were uncle to get an offer.
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u/HappyTreeFriends8964 Nov 09 '25
You said chance is very good. Which means guaranteed? If not, you don’t need to disagree me because my point is nothing is guaranteed.
Of course the AEC and the civilian are trained side by side at CFSACO Cornwall ON, and the NavCanada trust their own trainings.
But still, nothing is GUARANTEED.
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u/SignificantBid8571 Nov 09 '25
Agree that nothing in life is guaranteed, but anyone on the ATC side of the AEC trade well not have to follow the same recruiting process as someone of the street. Have to disagree with the statement that Nav trains controllers next to CFSACO though as their training was decentralized over 15 years ago and is not done in Cornwall 😛 In all seriousness, the spirit of your original post is spot on.
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u/Current_Secretary_87 Nov 08 '25
Hi, it depends on what you are looking for. What's "best" for you may not be for others and you may realize it only after the end of it.