Air Force bases

[dimsum]

To bounce off this topic. How close are the CAF air bases to operational theatres, specifically in the Middle East (where the AVS techs, AEC, ACSO, and pilots basically hang out)?

Not close.  All of those deploy to the operational theatres when necessary.

 

[Sf2]

I'm no geography expert, but I'd say Erbil is pretty close.

 

[Good2Golf]

I'm no geography expert, but I'd say Erbil is pretty close.

I'm thinking Dimsum was considering anything 'out of direct mortar range' to be "not close." 


SF2, remember - "Blue over black, and both skis on the same side of the tree." :nod:

Regards,
G2G

 

[overwatch]

Thanks for the reply guys.

I had another question and it might be silly. But I keep thinking the RCAF is like the the USAF where we have Air Force security forces. Do exclusively RCAF occupations such as pilot, aec, acso, aes op, aeo, air techs, etc. patrol air bases and a bit beyond (on foot, in gear, with weapons)? Or is this the duty of the army gents who are on the base?

 

[mariomike]

I keep thinking the RCAF is like the the USAF where we have Air Force security forces.

You may find this discussion of interest,

Airfield defence role for PRes?
https://army.ca/forums/threads/119416.200
"I'm not advocating for the start-up of an "RAF Regt" "
9 pages.

See also,

What Should the Army's Role, Capabilities & Structure Be?
https://army.ca/forums/threads/25365.125
"Is there any merit to rethinking the Militia as a body of independent teams along the lines of the RAF Regiment Field Squadrons?"

Primary Leadership Qualification Course (PLQ) Mega thread 
"Personally, I wish we had something like these 2..."
https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/roles/roles-finder/force-protection/raf-regiment-gunner/

 

[tomahawk6]

Does the RCAF have a unit similar to the RAF Regiment for air base defense ?

 

[PuckChaser]

Nope.

 

[tomahawk6]

thanks

 

[Zoomie]

RCAF Wings augment their Security Forces with WASF personnel.  Wing Auxiliary Security Force is comprised of NCMs and Officers who undergo training that allow them to augment the MPs on base.  They carry service weapons and ball ammunition and follow CJOC DomOps ROEs in the defence of the Wing and the pers serving there.  They carry out Random Security Measures across the Wing and provide Vital Point security tasks in the case of FPL changes. 

 

[tomahawk6]

So WASF personnel are akin to the USAF Security Force ?

 

[PuckChaser]

WASF is a secondary duty, those pers tasked also have day jobs. The primary security force on any base in Canada is the MPs.

 

[Old Sweat]

Bit of background: the air force originally insisted they did not have the training to provide full augmented security and the army should provide it. The 1970 FLQ crisis changed the perception, and all bases and installations became responsible for their own security. This led to Base Defence Forces (BDFs) being established and circa early 1990s the title was changed to Base Auxiliary Security Forces.

Puck Chaser's post is correct.

 

[mariomike]

So WASF personnel are akin to the USAF Security Force ?

WASF
https://www.google.ca/search?rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-CA%3AIE-Address&rlz=1I7GGHP_en-GBCA592&dcr=0&biw=1280&bih=603&ei=eYg4WvSVNYeKjwS-0YzIAQ&q=site%3Aarmy.ca+wasf&oq=site%3Aarmy.ca+wasf&gs_l=psy-ab.12...0.0.0.20781.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0....0...1c..64.psy-ab..0.0.0....0.lTvVikb8oS4

The air force on some bases maintain a wing augmented security force (WASF) to assist in security roles.  Usually a secondary duty for members on-base.  Though perhaps armed , they are not an "infantry type" force.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

I'm no geography expert, but I'd say Erbil is pretty close.

Erbil was 'safe' enough that PM Harper went in for a day and toured multiple sites in/outside of the center in the spring of '15.

Now if you'd of said Al Asad...that place was a little more hairy.

Re: security forces...from the link MarioMike posted:  https://army.ca/forums/threads/119416/post-1440232.html#msg1440232

Anyone know the status on this new MOSID...was it dropped? 

 

[Zoomie]

Anyone know the status on this new MOSID...was it dropped?

Trenton and another Wing are the test case - draw will be initially from Supply Techs in PRes.  Focus will be on the SAR support trade and another one which slips my mind.  I’ll see if I kept the email - will forward it to you via DWAN.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

copy and thanks! 

 

[Ajannati]

Hey guys, im new here and have some questions that need answers. I am currently on the competition list awaiting the offer of enrollment as an AVN. I studied AME at a civil school. During the process of RS screening I was given QL3 status and should start as private 3d.wondering when it comes to joining the CAF how does it wrok when it comes to getting assigned to bases? Do i have any say in it at all? Can preferences be expressed? Is there any consideration given to members with families? Were it just me id join anywhere anytime no questions asked but i have my wife and son to consider and well id like to have some answers for my wife.
As a mechanic is there alot of moving involved? About how often can i expect to be deployed and for how long? Recruiter said 3-6 month durations, is that accurate once you join?
Im employed now but ever since i can remember i wanted to serve in the forces, being a family man now makes this the hardest decision ive ever had to make and id like to know all i can so my family and i can make an informed decision.
Thank you very much for reading through this and any information is good information.

 

[Quirky]

Do i have any say in it at all? Can preferences be expressed? Is there any consideration given to members with families? Were it just me id join anywhere anytime no questions asked but i have my wife and son to consider and well id like to have some answers for my wife.

Towards the end of your QL3s you'll give your three base preferences. If you keep them in the same geographical location you'll have a better chance of getting what you want - don't choose Comox, Cold Lake and Trenton, they'll probably send you to Winnipeg. In the end they'll send you where you are needed to fill empty spots. Some units are hurting more for people than others. Having a family will help somewhat, but in overall terms the military doesn't care about things like spousal employment. Your career comes first. As the saying goes, if the military wanted you to have a family, they'd issue you one. 

As a mechanic is there alot of moving involved? About how often can i expect to be deployed and for how long? Recruiter said 3-6 month durations, is that accurate once you join?

AVN is a lot more stable, expect to stay in your first location for 8-12 years depending on how fast you move up the ranks. You can meet with your Career Manager every year, but they won't look at moving you until you are at least a MCpl or Sgt. Not saying that you can't be posted as a Corporal however. Deployments are roughly at 3-6 month rotations depending on your fleet. You'll get a couple weeks off in the middle of it to go home.

Im employed now but ever since i can remember i wanted to serve in the forces, being a family man now makes this the hardest decision ive ever had to make and id like to know all i can so my family and i can make an informed decision.
Thank you very much for reading through this and any information is good information.

Being an AVN will give you guaranteed income and benefits to your family throughout your career. Unless something drastically happens you will never be fired/released unlike the AME side of things - even then, you can be a complete idiot and not be trusted to turn wrenches yet still the unit will find a useful spot for you. Start thinking about what aircraft type you would like to start out on, be it transports, fighters or helicopters.

 

[mariomike]

I am currently on the competition list awaiting the offer of enrollment as an AVN.

Aviation Systems Technician ( AVN Tech )
https://army.ca/forums/threads/21441.425
19 pages.

AVN
https://www.google.com/search?rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-CA%3AIE-Address&rlz=1I7GGHP_en-GBCA592&ei=_DDjWoWsMoum5gKruZjYDg&q=site%3Aarmy.ca+avn&oq=site%3Aarmy.ca+avn&gs_l=psy-ab.12...0.0.0.4279.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0....0...1c..64.psy-ab..0.0.0....0.U3CknK6zN44

About how often can i expect to be deployed and for how long?

Chance of Deployment [Merged]
https://army.ca/forums/threads/39949.175
8 pages.

Is there any consideration given to members with families?

CF's effects on Marriage and Family 
https://army.ca/forums/threads/116801.0

Family
https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Aarmy.ca+family&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-CA:IE-Address&ie=&oe=&rlz=1I7GGHP_en-GBCA592&gws_rd=ssl

 

[MilEME09]

I have heard rumors circulating around facebook that Hanger 14 at Uplands is being brought back into the fold for military use. Any one hear any details?