Topic: Army Communication & Information Systems Specialists (Sig Op, Lineman and LCIS Amalgamation)

[211RadOp]

Thank you for this information! Very insightful.

I am waiting for my medical exam and have been searching for as much information regarding this profession as I can.

Marekbjj, note that this will be changing in the extremely near future.

[marekbjj]

211RapOp, I was speaking to someone on Facebook the other day, who's in the trade, he let me know it's changing in October.

Not sure if this is 100% accurate, but he said ACISS is going to be broken down into 5 groups.

- Signal Operator: making sure people can hear each other on the radio and working on the radio
- Communications Tech: Fixes the radios and equipment
- Information Tech: Fixes computers and networks
- Line Systems Tech: Installs telephone and internet systems (work underground and on towers/poles)
- Cyber Operator: New trade that has little to no information, but based on what he said sounds like it has to do with hacking.



I'm still waiting for my medical to get booked, haven't had a chance to speak to a recruiter to confirm this information though!

[Eye In The Sky]

What are the thoughts on the new way forward for Army Signals MOSIDs for the forum members?  Improvement over the ACISS project?  Better division of duties and training?

[211RadOp]

211RapOp, I was speaking to someone on Facebook the other day, who's in the trade, he let me know it's changing in October.

Not sure if this is 100% accurate, but he said ACISS is going to be broken down into 5 groups.

- Signal Operator: making sure people can hear each other on the radio and working on the radio
- Communications Tech: Fixes the radios and equipment
- Information Tech: Fixes computers and networks
- Line Systems Tech: Installs telephone and internet systems (work underground and on towers/poles)
- Cyber Operator: New trade that has little to no information, but based on what he said sounds like it has to do with hacking.



I'm still waiting for my medical to get booked, haven't had a chance to speak to a recruiter to confirm this information though!

It will be three trades coming out of the old ACISS trade.  They will be Signal Operator, Line Technician and Signal Technician (Cyber Operator is a new trade that was not part of ACISS although most (all?) came from ACISS).  What is above is the old ACISS trade (less Cyber Op) with it's sub-occupations.  Essentially the only real change will be that the Communication System Techs and the Information System Techs will merge into one occupation (Sig Tech), and the training that ACISS received and what the new trades will receive.  If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

What are the thoughts on the new way forward for Army Signals MOSIDs for the forum members?  Improvement over the ACISS project?  Better division of duties and training?

EITS, I think that it is good for the Branch and the Corps.  The training for the Sig Ops and Line Techs will not change substantially, but the Sig Techs will have some (a lot?) of conversion training to go through, depending on what sub-occupation they were as ACISS.

[marekbjj]

It will be three trades coming out of the old ACISS trade.  They will be Signal Operator, Line Technician and Signal Technician (Cyber Operator is a new trade that was not part of ACISS although most (all?) came from ACISS).  What is above is the old ACISS trade (less Cyber Op) with it's sub-occupations.  Essentially the only real change will be that the Communication System Techs and the Information System Techs will merge into one occupation (Sig Tech), and the training that ACISS received and what the new trades will receive.  If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

That makes things a lot more clear, thank you.
Coincidentally I got my email to book my medical today! 

[PuckChaser]

The training for the Sig Ops and Line Techs will not change substantially

Doomed to fail if that's the case. The ACISS training system created subpar Core members, who needed maximum supervision as CFSCE downloaded tasks to the unit to teach. If the new SigOp course isn't back to the length of the old SigOp QL3 before ACISS, we're just repeating the same mistakes.

[211RadOp]

I know they are working on the new Sig Op QS/TP but I don't know where it is at.  I have been out of the school for over a year now.

[Zarack]

It will be three trades coming out of the old ACISS trade.  They will be Signal Operator, Line Technician and Signal Technician (Cyber Operator is a new trade that was not part of ACISS although most (all?) came from ACISS).  What is above is the old ACISS trade (less Cyber Op) with it's sub-occupations.  Essentially the only real change will be that the Communication System Techs and the Information System Techs will merge into one occupation (Sig Tech), and the training that ACISS received and what the new trades will receive.  If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

EITS, I think that it is good for the Branch and the Corps.  The training for the Sig Ops and Line Techs will not change substantially, but the Sig Techs will have some (a lot?) of conversion training to go through, depending on what sub-occupation they were as ACISS.

This is apparently not correct anymore, they are looking at NOT merging IST and CST. Current rumor has it that D Sigs thinks it's not a good idea anymore.
As such, implementation was delayed until Apr 2020.

And as for the QS/TP (at least for dp1 and dp2, for Sig Tech), they are complete, we are currently building the Courseware Dev. Although this might/will change if they actually go with not merging IST/CST.

[PuckChaser]

This is apparently not correct anymore, they are looking at NOT merging IST and CST. Current rumor has it that D Sigs thinks it's not a good idea anymore.
As such, implementation was delayed until Apr 2020.

And as for the QS/TP (at least for dp1 and dp2, for Sig Tech), they are complete, we are currently building the Courseware Dev. Although this might/will change if they actually go with not merging IST/CST.

Oh god, here we go again. Paralysis by analysis. Branch stuck in limbo for 3 years until we get a new D Sigs. Meanwhile we're stuck at ~75% PML (unsure if that's the exact number right now) and not recovering for going on a decade. Coupled with the fact that the Branch is freezing promotions means top performers are going to get stuck in their current rank and just VOT/release instead of sticking around to see what gets sorted out.

 

[211RadOp]

Letter today from D RCCS says that Sig Op and Line Tech will remain, but the implementation is delayed until 1 Apr 20.  There will be "additional staff work and analysis with a view to creating two separate and distinct trade occupations as opposed to the one Sig Tech occupation."  This will be implemented in Apr 20 as well.

[simzara]

I applied for ACISS reserves and have been accepted. I Will start my BMQ soon but I have started my parade nights two months ago. ACISS is not the tradeI had hoped it would be. I want a trade where I can be outside more instead of just doing boring repetitive stuff and have a strong brotherhood. As far as I can see, ACISS will not provide that. In the CFAT and in medical I qualified for armored and infantry. What are my chances to transfer over to either of those trades?
I want a strong brotherhood, I want to be able to volunteer for deployments, and if I do get selected for deployment I want a weapon to defend my self.

25 years old, male, born in Canada.
In BC
multiple certifications, a diploma in an IT field. And, just got accepted into computer science.

[Brasidas]

I applied for ACISS reserves and have been accepted. I Will start my BMQ soon but I have started my parade nights two months ago. ACISS is not the tradeI had hoped it would be. I want a trade where I can be outside more instead of just doing boring repetitive stuff and have a strong brotherhood. As far as I can see, ACISS will not provide that. In the CFAT and in medical I qualified for armored and infantry. What are my chances to transfer over to either of those trades?
I want a strong brotherhood, I want to be able to volunteer for deployments, and if I do get selected for deployment I want a weapon to defend my self.

25 years old, male, born in Canada.
In BC
multiple certifications, a diploma in an IT field. And, just got accepted into computer science.

I'm likely from your unit, and you may have noticed several pers who aren't around much lately. We're deployed and/or deploying overseas on operations.

All pers, regardless of trade, have a weapon whenever the threat level justifies it.

Pers in your trade spend plenty of time outside. Not all the time, but they certainly do with CNR. I sleep in a tent, and I've spent time working GD and escort tasks along with my trade. You might want to talk to pers with more time in your trade. Drop me a PM sometime if you want.

Brotherhood? Sure. I had tight-knit section overseas.

Can you change trades? Sure. I suspect that you're more likely to deploy as a sig than any other trade though, given the proportion of positions offered to reservists across sig, infantry, and armour vs the number of pers in those trades.

Your certifications/diploma *might* be useful for a PLAR. Being a computer science student won't. Your comments make me strongly suspect you're not a candidate for going cyber, but you'd get something out of being a det comd on support ex when you've got your trades course.

Does your Tp WO's name start with a Y, btw? For the field tp, not BTL. He's a pretty good guy for talking about this stuff.

I'm not going to disparage your experience, but two parade nights does not get you much of an idea of how your trade is employed or how you'll enjoy it.

[211RadOp]

...I'm not going to disparage your experience, but two parade nights does not get you much of an idea of how your trade is employed or how you'll enjoy it.

And nor will you have an idea of any trade at this point in your career.  Until you complete your BMQ and DP1, you will spend a lot of time sitting around the Armouries.

Once you are DP1 qualified, you will have much more time in the field and it will change your outlook on the trade.

[simzara]

I'm likely from your unit, and you may have noticed several pers who aren't around much lately. We're deployed and/or deploying overseas on operations.

All pers, regardless of trade, have a weapon whenever the threat level justifies it.

Pers in your trade spend plenty of time outside. Not all the time, but they certainly do with CNR. I sleep in a tent, and I've spent time working GD and escort tasks along with my trade. You might want to talk to pers with more time in your trade. Drop me a PM sometime if you want.

Brotherhood? Sure. I had tight-knit section overseas.

Can you change trades? Sure. I suspect that you're more likely to deploy as a sig than any other trade though, given the proportion of positions offered to reservists across sig, infantry, and armour vs the number of pers in those trades.

Your certifications/diploma *might* be useful for a PLAR. Being a computer science student won't. Your comments make me strongly suspect you're not a candidate for going cyber, but you'd get something out of being a det comd on support ex when you've got your trades course.

Does your Tp WO's name start with a Y, btw? For the field tp, not BTL. He's a pretty good guy for talking about this stuff.

I'm not going to disparage your experience, but two parade nights does not get you much of an idea of how your trade is employed or how you'll enjoy it.

Thank you for taking the time to reply. So just because someone is in a combat trade doesn't mean that they'll get to travel more than someone in ACISS?

If I stay in aciss can they make me do a speciality that I don't enjoy? Such as fixing computers or will they let me decide?

I've heard rumors that someone in aciss can take a course in para. How true is that?

Also, can someone from reg forced aciss take courses listed as "common" here: https://army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,114268.msg1591287.html#msg1591287

[211RadOp]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. So just because someone is in a combat trade doesn't mean that they'll get to travel more than someone in ACISS?

If I stay in aciss can they make me do a speciality that I don't enjoy? Such as fixing computers or will they let me decide?

I've heard rumors that someone in aciss can take a course in para. How true is that?

Also, can someone from reg forced aciss take courses listed as "common" here: https://army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,114268.msg1591287.html#msg1591287

Going from memory, most ResF ACISS are in the core side, meaning they will work in Radio Detachments.  There are some, not many, technicians who will work on repairing/replacing radio and IT components and there are some "geeks" that will look after network administration.  Your sub-occupation will be a combination of your wants and the unit's needs, combined with your competency.  For example, if you can't find the ON/OFF switch on the computer, you will not be put into an IS position.

Yes, as ACISS you can get loaded on the Basic Para course, however don't hold your breath unless you need it for your employment.

[simzara]

Going from memory, most ResF ACISS are in the core side, meaning they will work in Radio Detachments.  There are some, not many, technicians who will work on repairing/replacing radio and IT components and there are some "geeks" that will look after network administration.  Your sub-occupation will be a combination of your wants and the unit's needs, combined with your competency.  For example, if you can't find the ON/OFF switch on the computer, you will not be put into an IS position.

Yes, as ACISS you can get loaded on the Basic Para course, however don't hold your breath unless you need it for your employment.

Thanks again, have you had the opportunity to travel a lot and build strong friendship while your time in the trade? Also, I assume that they might not let me switch to infantry since aciss is an in demand trade. And I've even heard that reserves infantry have a harder time switching over to reg

[Mike5]

The other posts make good points:
1. Two months of parading will not give you much opportunity to appreciate the trade. 
2. We have Signallers with jump wings -- not many but a few -- if the Infantry jump they need Comms in the field.  Not sure if other Regiments are the same.
3. We have opportunities to deploy for trained Signallers.  I haven't been Combat Arms so cannot compare.  For what it's worth, I see comments on this board from Combat Arms trades complaining about a lack of opportunity to deploy.  I rarely see that in Signals -- because when someone puts a hand up we send them out.
4. Everybody in the CAF, without exception, is qualified on the C7.  If you need it, it will be issued.  When you get on BMQ, listen, learn and become an expert on every aspect of the  weapon.  You will need those skills for the rest of your career.

Please consider some unsolicited, constructive advice:
1. Take any complaints about ACISS on this board with a grain of salt.  It's the internet.
2. Make yourself useful to your Master Corporals.  I see some very, very switched on Master Corporals in Signals.  You can learn a lot from them.  (See #3 and #4 for two good methods to make yourself useful).
3. Do BMQ as soon as possible and then put your name forward for every field Ex.  You will see A LOT of camaraderie and time in the field.
4. Get trade qualified as soon as possible.  You will MORE camaraderie and time in the field.

[simzara]

The other posts make good points:
1. Two months of parading will not give you much opportunity to appreciate the trade. 
2. We have Signallers with jump wings -- not many but a few -- if the Infantry jump they need Comms in the field.  Not sure if other Regiments are the same.
3. We have opportunities to deploy for trained Signallers.  I haven't been Combat Arms so cannot compare.  For what it's worth, I see comments on this board from Combat Arms trades complaining about a lack of opportunity to deploy.  I rarely see that in Signals -- because when someone puts a hand up we send them out.
4. Everybody in the CAF, without exception, is qualified on the C7.  If you need it, it will be issued.  When you get on BMQ, listen, learn and become an expert on every aspect of the  weapon.  You will need those skills for the rest of your career.

Please consider some unsolicited, constructive advice:
1. Take any complaints about ACISS on this board with a grain of salt.  It's the internet.
2. Make yourself useful to your Master Corporals.  I see some very, very switched on Master Corporals in Signals.  You can learn a lot from them.  (See #3 and #4 for two good methods to make yourself useful).
3. Do BMQ as soon as possible and then put your name forward for every field Ex.  You will see A LOT of camaraderie and time in the field.
4. Get trade qualified as soon as possible.  You will MORE camaraderie and time in the field.

Have you seen people who were once in my shoes who have changed their view on the trade later on?

How do infantry view sigs?

Yes, the complaints about being in sigs have what's discouraged me.

So, even infantry get bored on their jobs and and are not always deployed or taking "cool courses?"to

[Brasidas]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. So just because someone is in a combat trade doesn't mean that they'll get to travel more than someone in ACISS?

If I stay in aciss can they make me do a speciality that I don't enjoy? Such as fixing computers or will they let me decide?

I've heard rumors that someone in aciss can take a course in para. How true is that?

Also, can someone from reg forced aciss take courses listed as "common" here: https://army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,114268.msg1591287.html#msg1591287

Quite the opposite. There are often more deployment opportunities for reserve sigs relative to the number of trained reserve sigs.

As has been posted, reserves are almost exclusively "core", soon to be called signal operator again. Sig Ops don't fix radios.

If you want to do something else, it will take you trying to do something else. For instance, it's difficult but possible to be a lineman in the reserves.

Thanks again, have you had the opportunity to travel a lot and build strong friendship while your time in the trade? Also, I assume that they might not let me switch to infantry since aciss is an in demand trade. And I've even heard that reserves infantry have a harder time switching over to reg

Travel is more regional than it used to be, but it's there. Your unit will often train in Washington state. I suspect that you'll do BMQ-L in Chilliwack, but it could be in Wainwright or wherever there is room. Your trades course could be in Edmonton, Nanaimo, or some other place that I haven't had SA on since I was last at your unit.

You'll certainly work closely with others, and you're likely to make friends.

You will not be barred from OTing to infantry, and I know members from your unit and trade who have. I know one instance on the island where it was (I believe inappropriately) slow-rolled. That was related to personalities and not policy. "In demand" does not mean you can't OT out in the reserves. Where you run into problems is where you want to join a trade in a unit that's already full. For example, it's usually damned tough to enroll as a Med A on the island, because they've been good at keeping their positions filled.

Infantry CTing from res to reg is affected by training deltas between the two. The reserves do not have mechanized infantry. A reservist may take PLQ-Inf alongside Reg Force pers, but there are likely to be other differences in their experience and training.

Have you seen people who were once in my shoes who have changed their view on the trade later on?

How do infantry view sigs?

Yes, the complaints about being in sigs have what's discouraged me.

So, even infantry get bored on their jobs and and are not always deployed or taking "cool courses?"to

Yes.

Experiences vary. In general, combat arms appreciates SMEs that enable their success. For example, some of my guys supporting a patrolling course last year were very much appreciated.

Infantry get bored, yes. A random reserve infanteer's career is not going to be filled with getting cool guy courses and living the life of Riley.

[211RadOp]

Thanks again, have you had the opportunity to travel a lot and build strong friendship while your time in the trade?

After 30+ years as a RegF signaller, yes I have.  I also maintain friendships from when I was a PRes Infantryman. Not as much travel then as it was in the 80s.

[simzara]

What kind of security clearance is required for ACISS and how long does it take? I have not lived out of Canada, don't have relatives out, and have not done anything wrong but the thought of it makes me nervous.

[211RadOp]

At a minimum to do the job you will require a Secret clearance.  To complete your DP1 you will need Enhanced Reliability.

Clearance times vary from person to person, so it is difficult to determine how long it will take.  I have seen it take up to a year after enrollment.

[marekbjj]

The other posts make good points:
1. Two months of parading will not give you much opportunity to appreciate the trade. 
2. We have Signallers with jump wings -- not many but a few -- if the Infantry jump they need Comms in the field.  Not sure if other Regiments are the same.
3. We have opportunities to deploy for trained Signallers.  I haven't been Combat Arms so cannot compare.  For what it's worth, I see comments on this board from Combat Arms trades complaining about a lack of opportunity to deploy.  I rarely see that in Signals -- because when someone puts a hand up we send them out.
4. Everybody in the CAF, without exception, is qualified on the C7.  If you need it, it will be issued.  When you get on BMQ, listen, learn and become an expert on every aspect of the  weapon.  You will need those skills for the rest of your career.

Please consider some unsolicited, constructive advice:
1. Take any complaints about ACISS on this board with a grain of salt.  It's the internet.
2. Make yourself useful to your Master Corporals.  I see some very, very switched on Master Corporals in Signals.  You can learn a lot from them.  (See #3 and #4 for two good methods to make yourself useful).
3. Do BMQ as soon as possible and then put your name forward for every field Ex.  You will see A LOT of camaraderie and time in the field.
4. Get trade qualified as soon as possible.  You will MORE camaraderie and time in the field.

I'm on the Final Processing stage of my application for ACISS.

I am glad that I decided to take complaints about ACISS (on this board, and reddit) with a grain of salt. One thing that makes me really happy is seeing this type of stuff, really puts me at ease. I've been working in IT for 10 or so years, and quite honestly it's easy to forget that fixing computers, managing networks, etc is not for everyone. Personally, I love that kinda work

[Mike5]

Have you seen people who were once in my shoes who have changed their view on the trade later on?

How do infantry view sigs?

Yes, the complaints about being in sigs have what's discouraged me.

So, even infantry get bored on their jobs and and are not always deployed or taking "cool courses?"to

1. Hard to say -- all our troops seem to enjoy their work and are proud of the trade.
2. I couldn't say it better, Combat Arms appreciate anyone who enables their success.  I've worked with Armored Recce and Artillery, they were very grateful to have Sigs involved.
3. I can't speak for Infantry.  We rarely get bored -- always a new technology to learn.  And one weekend, you can be working with Infantry, the next weekend, Combat Engineers.

[MikeSigs]

Happy Holidays everyone. I am a new member of 32 Sig Regt and currently finishing my BMQ course. Do any of you know if 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment is still in existence? and  if so are they still in CFB Kingston? The reason why I ask is because this summer my family will move to Kingston after my BMQ, BMQ-L and Driver Wheel courses are done, and I would like to join that regiment.