Here we grow:The First Air Operations Support Technician at 22 Wing North Bay - Finding Purpose in Life

Magazine Article / March 11, 2021 / Project number: RCAF-Excelsior-Winter-2021-02C

By Captain Leah Pierce, RCAF Reservist, 22 Wing Public Affairs

Redefining oneself can happen at any time in a person’s life and for any reason. For Aviator (Avr) Marc Church, his inspiration was the birth of his son in 2019.

A North Bay, Ontario and surrounding-area native, Avr Church was a typical high school student at Widdifield Secondary School. Enjoying sports and a teenage social life, he spent two years at Voyageur Aviation Corp as a co-op student exposed to the avionics industry; however, once he found out he was to be a father, his focus shifted. Completing his high school education online was now a must and, more importantly, putting food on the table. Along with the practicalities of being responsible for another life, Avr Church also realised what kind of person he wanted to be in the eyes of his son.

When he applied, he learned of a brand new occupation specifically for RCAF Reservists, the Air Operations Support Technician (AOS Tech). Unlike other occupations that require extensive training or other trade experience, an AOS Tech is someone who can be trained right off the street in as little as six months. Training includes a 10-week Basic Qualification Course followed by local occupation training. The roles and responsibilities for an AOS Tech can vary wing to wing; at 22 Wing, AOS Techs augment the Wing Security Force.

A good entry level occupation, the AOS Tech provides flexible employment with the possibility of advanced training. For now, Avr Church is just thrilled and honoured to be the first AOS Tech enrolled at 22 Wing.

As a child, Avr Church wanted to go into policing and even thought of a career in Police Foundations. When he learned that his role as an AOS Tech would be to support the Wing Security Force, he looked forward to learning about force protection and contributing to the safety of the people who work at 22 Wing.

During his enrolment ceremony on 4 December, 2020, Avr Church knew 22 Wing was the right place for him and his family.