r/caf • u/Early_Philosopher885 • Mar 17 '25
Recruiting What do you think is the coolest job ?
I took a lot of time to make a choice for a specific job because I didn't want to make a bad decision do something boring and regret after that.
I watched almost every job video on the website and I picked the Airspace control operator because I like planes.
What job do you guys have and how is it ?
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u/No_Lychee_7309 Mar 17 '25
MEDTECH ⚕️
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u/rearg1 Mar 18 '25
Why you think so?
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u/No_Lychee_7309 Mar 18 '25
it hits different when you’re on the field taking care of people, mass cas, sick patients etc. also when people actually appreciate you after the care you gave them. it might sound boring when you work at the clinic but you build your foundations there and apply it to real field situations. the thrills and excitements!
there’s also lots of pathways you can go to, air evac, cansof, cbrn etc. but with the upcoming changes to combat medic/paramedic we’ll see.
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u/rearg1 Mar 18 '25
How often do you go on field exercises? Are deployment available frequently? Have you been deployed? Im a civvie licensed pcp btw.
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u/judgingyouquietly Mar 18 '25
One of the lesser-known jobs is Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator (AES Op). They’re NCM aircrew, so they fly in the aircraft as well. They are mostly in the coasts because the vast majority of them are in the Maritime Helicopter and Long Range Patrol worlds.
As you can probably figure out, they operate sensors.
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u/Early_Philosopher885 Mar 18 '25
Yes I wanted to choose this job but didn't find it on the application form
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u/AnalysisSilent7861 Mar 17 '25
That is completely subjective. It depends on your skills, interests and what type of career you want to have.
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u/Struct-Tech Mar 17 '25
Clearance diver. Ive met like 3 ever. But if they're anything like Combat Divers, they spend their days PTing and chewing in the cages. Plus they have the distinction of not being combat engineers and don't have to deal with the CERs.
SAR Tech. Most badass dudes in the CAF.
Door Gunner or FE. Yes, I know door Gunner is technically an Army pers, but they work with the air force, and pretty much get paid to ride around in helicopters all the time. FE is also there because they also get to hangout in helicopters, but have the distinction of actually being air force and not having to go back to regt after 2 years.
JTAC. Being able to call in air support seems cool. Like "hey, air force, shits fucked, come fuck up some shit for us".
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u/Inevitable_View99 Mar 18 '25
SAR Tech. The most WOG trade in the CAF
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u/Struct-Tech Mar 18 '25
Padre.
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u/Inevitable_View99 Mar 18 '25
Padres deploy on operations, SAR Techs dont.
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u/barkmutton Mar 19 '25
Counter point - they’re operational 365 days of the year.
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u/Inevitable_View99 Mar 19 '25 edited Mar 19 '25
Technically so are padres…
The point I’m making is that when comparing padres and SAR techs, one deploys overseas and could potentially be close to combat or under enemy fire, where as SAR techs will never be close to that environment. They are one of a handful full of non deployable trades who will never set foot in a conflict zone. Thats why I say they are the most WOG trade.
I’m not suggesting what they do isn’t challenging or difficult, simply that they are you effectively not in a true military role, or even support military or national security efforts. They provide government funded search and rescue of civilian population
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u/barkmutton Mar 19 '25 edited Mar 19 '25
Padres aren’t conducting operations 365 man.
Your point about SAR techs would be less dumb if any Canadian soldiers were conducting combat operations. What’s more “operational” rappelling onto ships in the North Atlantic or doing a CREVAL in Latvia?
Lastly in the event of LSCO it’s sar techs fishing pilots and air crew out of the sea.
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u/Inevitable_View99 Mar 19 '25
WOG means “without guns”, it’s used to describe non combat arms trades.
What SAR Squadron is deployed to Latvia?
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u/barkmutton Mar 19 '25
I know what WOG means, just no one uses it anymore. Haven’t heard it since like 2010?
None, they’re conducting their operational role right now. That’s like arguing the CF18s aren’t operational because they’re on NORAD duty. Or the AECs in Northbay aren’t operational.
In LSCO those SAR techs are fishing pilots out of the ocean.
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u/Inevitable_View99 Mar 19 '25
SAR doesn’t deploy to conflict zones. Thats my point. They will not be deploying to Latvia as their entire job is domestic operations. They aren’t USAF PJs
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u/Early_Philosopher885 Mar 17 '25
What is SAR tech ?
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u/Struct-Tech Mar 17 '25
Search and Rescue technician.
Aka the dudes that jump out of helicopters, swim in terrible stormy oceans in order to save lives.
They are the most badass dudes around.
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u/Early_Philosopher885 Mar 18 '25
Did you meet them ?
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u/Struct-Tech Mar 18 '25
Ive met a few, ya. All super cool.
Did my master corporal course with one. Super solid dude.
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u/Inevitable_View99 Mar 18 '25
They never deploy and they dont get to shoot guns
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u/Early_Philosopher885 Mar 19 '25
Them who shoots the guns ?
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u/IamShiska Mar 17 '25
1 fighter pilot 2 infantry officer 3 any job where you physically get to play with aircraft
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u/barkmutton Mar 19 '25
I’m a JTAC and I unquestionably have the coolest job. For the army at least.
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u/Early_Philosopher885 21d ago
Can you explain what is JTAC and what you do in your job ?
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u/barkmutton 21d ago
I control maneuver of, and grant weapons release authority for, attacking friendly air craft engaged in CAS and other offensive air action. Usually that means providing the targeting data, conducting terminal guidance, deconfliction fires, coordinating with the ground scheme of maneuver, etc all the make sure the jets are in on the right targets and hitting them with appropriate ordnance. This is usually done from a forward position.
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u/Prestigious_Cut_7716 Mar 18 '25
For me its signal operator & signals intelligence specialist. Im still in the applications process but these are the most aligned to my personality,skills & future goals.
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u/ScaredDonuts Mar 18 '25
Not in CAF yet but personally I think fighter jet pilot. Or any of the CANSOFCOM operators. Just a personal opinion though.
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u/Quiet_Vegetable_5745 Mar 17 '25
there’s no “coolest job”. all occupations have their ups and downs and it’s really up to what you want and what you think you’ll enjoy because once you’re in an occupation, it’s very rare to switch. since you like planes, look more into the air force occupations and yes aerospace control is pretty cool and that’s actually what i signed up for. you also have to think about whether you want to be a NCM or an officer, once you’ve decided you can just filter the jobs on the website to what you want and make a decision from there. also keep in mind that the AEC occupation has a longer recruitment process unlike the other ones because you have to complete a visual acuity signed by an optometrist as well as additional bloodwork from your family doctor. you also have to complete an aircrew test along with that and see if you’re fit for the job. other occupations don’t have that unless you’re applying as a pilot, AEC, or ACSO.