Topic: ATIS and LCIS TECH.

[shado_wolf]

Um  that is what I thought which is why I didn‘t even bat an eyelash so to speak when the recruiter mentioned it when I handed in my app.

Now I finally took the time to read into it and this is from the CF Army page.

"The Fire Control Systems Technicians are electronic/optronic specialists dedicated to supporting the Land Force and other CF elements. They are responsible for the maintenance and modification of electrical, electronic, optical and precision mechanical equipment. Electrons and photons are second nature to these soldiers.

Related civilian occupations

Electronic Engineering Technician/Technologist
Electro-Mechanical Technician
Surveillance/Thermal Equipment Technician
Automated-Processing Repair Technician
Television Repair Technician
Assembler-Electronic Equipment
Electric Truck Servicer (Forklifts)
Air Conditioner Repair Technician
Survey Instrument Technician
Optical/Optronic Technician
Laser Equipment Technician "

 Army Web Page Description FCS TECH

Now how stupid will I look to call in and change my choices to LCIS TECH, ATIS TECH, FCS TECH?  Already phoned in and changed it to ATIS from COMM RSCH.

[Dire]

Since I got my MCSE/MCSE I want to stick with COMM research because that is the only MOC that deals with Computer Network Administrator/security which I really want to get into but there are no IT jobs in Vancouver besides joining the army  

I only picked ATIS and LCIS incase I don‘t get into COMM Research  

[Hookflash]

I am thinking of joining the CF with LCIS tech as my #1 choice of occupation (followed by Sig Ops and Commicator Research, I guess).  The problem is, I am turning 24 in Sept. and have forgotten much of what I learned in high-school.  Also, I don‘t actually have my grade 12 diploma (strangely, I have my grade 12 advanced math with an average score of 97%, but no English 12).  Will this be a problem?  Do they give "refresher coarses" in high-school math during LCIS tech training?  Thanks

[Galadriel]

My husband‘s an LCIS Tech and says they will teach you EVERYTHING you need to know on your POET course and not to worry about that part.  It‘s good to have a background in math/physics etc because of the work involved but English isn‘t a requirement at first.  Once you get the rank of MCpl and higher, English skills will be further developed as you will be expected to write PER/PDR‘s and such, though it will be at the discretion of your higher ups whether or not to load you on those type courses.

As for whether or not it will prevent you for being ELIGIBLE for the trade, I can‘t say, all they asked me was whether I had University Prep Math, nothing about English at all and I qualified for LCIS,though I chose Sig Op as my first choice and that‘s the MOC they offered me.

I was also told and know from talking to several people awaiting occupational transfers that there‘s a substantial wait (up to a year) for MOC trades training for LCIS, so be prepared for that as well.

Good Luck to you  

[Hookflash]

Galadriel, thanks for your reply.

When you qualified for LCIS Tech, did you have your grade 12 physics?  Also, had you completed your Math 12 recently enough that you actually remembered most of it?  I don‘t actually have my grade 12 physics, and I completed my Math 12 about 6 years ago.

Sig Ops sounds like a very interesting career (from what I‘ve heard on this site).  What sort of background did you need for that?  Perhaps I‘d be better off going that route if LCIS Tech is going to be out of my reach.

Thanks

[Galadriel]

I do have grade 12 physics but it‘s been so long since I graduated highschool (10 years) that I‘m not sure I could even tell you what an electron is anymore  

I have some University and a two year diploma for PC Technician as well as six years of experience in building and repairing computers. That‘s mainly why I thought LCIS might be the trade I‘d pick, essentially the same thing really only different equipment.  I chose Sig Op because after you spend a a bit of time in you can start to specialize in the computer aspect of things (so I‘ve been told) such as network administration and computer comms networks and such, of course, NOT being allowed to repair a piece of equipment that‘s broken, even if I‘m qualified to do so as a civi, that might be frustrating in the long run.  :p  

The CF is currently in the process of implementing a new system called Mozart (spelling??) which would mean that anyone who wanted to become an LCIS tech or a Lineman, would first have to spend one term as a Sig Op to become familiar with the equipment and such.  In theory this will cut down on the number of LCIS techs that are not qualified to do thier jobs because of inexperience. That‘s actually part of the reason I wanted to go Sig Op, I know that in a few years if I really don‘t like it, I can remuster into LCIS and have loads (hopefully) of experience on the comms equipment.

Either are great trades, I‘m sure you‘ll do well no matter which career you choose.  Ask the recruiter about it and if you qualify for them both on the aptitude test then go for whichever tickles your fancy at the time.      

Sorry for being so long winded, I‘m trying to avoid making dinner  

[klumanth]

As an LCIS Tech, you can also spend time on the computer side of things.  I know many LCIS Techs who are computer technicians (A+ stuff), Computer Network technicians and Administrators(MCSE stuff) and UNIX administrators.  Of course if you get posted to a battalion, you will probably only do radio stuff.  It‘s a matter of choosing the right posting.

[Still In Sarajevo]

I'm looking for a copy of the LCIS Tech logo \ badge. I'm sure it's an unofficial logo but I would appreciate it if anybody could direct me to a copy of it.

[Bert]

I'm not exactly sure of your context but check this site out:

http://www.img.forces.gc.ca/commelec/school/cfsce_e.htm

[Still In Sarajevo]

I've already been there, the CE Museum and various other sites. It's the logo that LCIS techs use on their 5's for t-shirts and hats. Like I said, it's unofficial but it's out there.

[GerryCan]

My brother is currently in the midst of joining the army and is between a few different trade choices.
 He has a college degree with computers, not exactly what to do with them, but I was wondering if there is a signing bonus for LCIS Tech.
 I looked at the DND site and it doesn't exactly outline the signing bonuses for each specifiic trade.
Any help on this subject would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Rusty Shackleford]

Signing bonus' change constantly so they are not listed on the website, call the nearest CFRC or det and ask what the current status is.  I believe there is a det in Pembrooke.

[Still In Sarajevo]

It's actually caled a recruiting allowance. Last I checked this was the break down:

Post Secondary Education
$10,000

Industry Work Experience and Certifications
$20,000 ($10G now, and the other $10G in 12 months)

Previous military experience (QL5)
$20,000 ($10G now, and the other $10G in 12 months)

This only applies to under strengthed trades which I beleive LCIS is. This money is also a taxable allowance. You can not combine the allowances either and are only entiled to them if they are offered.

[meni0n]

I believe they give 10k to  QL3 sigops. At least that's what I heard.

[Still In Sarajevo]

I came back in with a QL3, never got a thing. That was just a rumour.

There is a CANFORGEN and CFAO out about the whole thing.

[GerryCan]

Yeah I talked to my brother, his recruiting officer is Air Farce and has no clue and hasn't given him a straight answer.
Thanks for the info though guys, I'll keep looking into it further.
Cheers

[227representin]

Do you need Grade 12 - No, but it helps.  POET will weed you out if you struggle with math.  Lets face it, electronics theory is math!
What do LCIS guys do? - anything and everything relating ot information systems, installation of various systems (security), radios, running cable, ANYTHING.

The biggest misconception is the LCIS is primarily computers.  Computers are such a smaller corner of the LCIS universe.  I have seen many potential LCIS candidates thinking the training will be simple "because I have A++,...or, worked on computers before".....or,.....some other computer related background experience, and not make it through POET.  Theories relating to capacitance, inductance, Ohms Law, Faradays Law, Lentz's Law, Standing waves - these are just some of the items that you have to learn before you are even loaded on to your LCIS apprentice training.

It is not easy, but it is rewarding as hell.  A real accomplishment.  I would encourage anyone to try.

[Shadowhawk]

Hey Biggie,

I'm an ATIS Tech ... What do you need to know?

[SigPigs]

Oh man there is so much MIS- in formation in this thread. I wish people who don't know what hey are takling about wouldn't post.
I have 17 yrs as an LCIS tech. What we call ourselves now, as it was RAD tech.
I have spoken with the 227 career manager and our trade is not under strength, so there probably are NOT any bonus programs to recruit right now. But you never know.
Employment? Well you can do so many things it's crazy, that's why I like this trade. You can work with computers, radios, satellite systems, audio visual eqpt, PA systems, pull CAT 5 through hallways, telephone PBX's, dig holes in the ground with infantry, work on vehicle comms suites, HF gateawy systems, control tower systems. ( Not much anymore possibly). I have worked with 250KW transmitters down to milliwatt microwave systems and tactical comms and now I maintain telephone systems for HQ. There is quite a bit of that these days providing voice support, but also there are IP phones, so back to computers.
If you go LCIS you are going to roll the dice on what you are going to work on. If you want variety, sign up baby.