Geomatics and the possibility to go abroad.

[methionine]

Hello,

I have been seriously considering the option of the military, specifically for becoming a Geomatics technician.


I am not in Canada right now, and will not be, for nearly two more weeks so although I know that recuiting officer can answer my questions, there are curiosity which I would like to ask now.

As I understand, Geomatics technicians generally work in Ottawa. My question is if there is a significant chance to be sent to other countries for field work. I ask not with an affinity to the prospect, and not to the contrary.

Thank you.

 

[George Wallace]

Geomatic Technicians can be posted to each of the Bdes, as well as deployed on Operations around the world. 

 

[methionine]

Thank you for the reply,


Is there a preference given who those who want to go, or is the choice made based administration belief of who would be best to go, regardless of interest or lack there of.

Thanks again.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Thank you for the reply,

Is there a preference given who those who want to go, or is the choice made based administration belief of who would be best to go, regardless of interest or lack there of.

Thanks again.

What you want is a factor, but only one, while the needs of the system as a whole are considered and what's needed where.

 

[methionine]

I understand, and thank you for taking the time to reply.


I suppose the idea of being sent to a foreign country to do GIS and Geomatic field work is an aspect of the job that excites. While I know they can be deployed, is it a position which is often employed.

 

[George Wallace]

No one can honestly say.  Every deployment is different and has different requirements.  Some may need Geo Techs; some may not.  It is a decision that is made when the Government commits troops, how many and of what type.

 

[methionine]

Not to open up a new topic...


I realize that applications for many trades have closed in the last couple of days, including geomatics.

I was out of the country and wanted to go a recruiting office in person to ask a few questions, in person, before I applied. Looks like I got back a day or two late.

Does anyone know if the application process for Geo-techs will re-open come the new year or if all needed positions have been filled and will only be re-opened when more personal is required.

Thanks again.

 

[DAA]

Not to open up a new topic...
I realize that applications for many trades have closed in the last couple of days, including geomatics.
I was out of the country and wanted to go a recruiting office in person to ask a few questions, in person, before I applied. Looks like I got back a day or two late.
Does anyone know if the application process for Geo-techs will re-open come the new year or if all needed positions have been filled and will only be re-opened when more personal is required.

Geomatics Tech is currently the only NCM Occupation which is OPEN for the 15/16 recruiting year.  So it is NOT closed by any means.

So if you are interested in this occupation, you should be applying NOW!!!

 

[methionine]

I would very much like to apply.

I suppose my assumption was based upon the fact that on the Canadian forces web page it no longer says "we're hiring for this position". Or "apply now".

 

[DAA]

I would very much like to apply.

I suppose my assumption was based upon the fact that on the Canadian forces web page it no longer says "we're hiring for this position". Or "apply now".

If I were you, I'd apply now.  Geo Tech does not hire many people each year and by the looks of it, they are going to hire them "early"!

The website is not always as accurate as it should/could be.   

 

[McG]

I suppose the idea of being sent to a foreign country to do GIS and Geomatic field work is an aspect of the job that excites. While I know they can be deployed, is it a position which is often employed.

Most tours seem to have a GST and/or GIST.  It is a small occupation with a decent size demand.  If you get in, you should expect to be deployed.

 

[methionine]

Another question guys,

What type of work do Geotechs do when they get deployed. Can they find themselves in combat zones?

The video shows a soldier taking the measurements in the field...I hope that isn't that case all the time.

 

[63 Delta]

If you are scared of being in combat dont join.

While there is no reason a GeoTech should ever be anywhere near the frontline, at the end of the day you are expected to carry a rifle and do what needs to be done. As well, I feel that this trade is better served by people who have been there and done that. I think its hard enough for Geo Techs to relate to the products they make if they have never been on the ground before; and if you are nervous about the possibility of being in the field that doesnt make it any easier.

 

[methionine]

Which part of my previous post stated I was "afraid of being in combat"?

My main reason for asking is that I would hope a Geotechs has the ability to deploy to war zones to do surveying work, not in a chair all day in Ottawa; thus the question.

 

[63 Delta]

What type of work do Geotechs do when they get deployed. Can they find themselves in combat zones?

The video shows a soldier taking the measurements in the field...I hope that isn't that case all the time.

This part seemed to imply it.

I dont know a lot about survey but they seem to deploy on short notice for many things. Lots of Canada taskings surveying bases. I think they do some arctic related survey as well.

I know in Afghanistan they were employed to survey part of KAF. To what capacity I dont know.

As well there was an aerial survey component that could be employed over a combat zone to do survey. I dont know a lot about it.

If you dont want to be stuck in a chair in Ottawa you might be looking at the wrong trade.

IMHO. I would join a combat arms trade first to get a feel for the army. You wont be sitting in an office chair, will get a chance to be on the frontlines, and will know what it means to make a good map product.

You can say you have been there and done that when someone questions you on why you made a map a certain way.

 

[methionine]

Perhaps you mis-understood as I said "I hope that isn't the case".

I have thought about that as well, joining as infantry or aciss, and then trying to switch over to Geomatics. I have heard that it can take years some times to switch over, which would be a real shame.

 

[Pwegman]

Never a good idea to pick a trade just to get quicker in , simple reason, you probably wont enjoy it and like you said , it may take allot of times before you're allowed to switch . So in that case lot of chance of VR  and never be able to get back in.
And you take the place from someone who probably really want to do it and for me its a selfish move to do.

 

[methionine]

If it makes any difference, Aciss and infantry were my other 2 choices.

I understand, and agree, with what you are saying.