In the summer of 1983, West joined the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve as a signalman. In January 1985, he transferred to the Regular Force and was posted to CFB Esquimalt. In 1987, he was promoted to able seaman and posted to HMCS Gatineau. During his time in the Navy, he sailed in a number of ships on the East Coast of Canada.
In 1990, he underwent an occupational transfer to the Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator Trade and therefore became a member of the Air Force. In the rank of corporal he undertook basic aircrew training at 19 Wing Comox and then Maritime Operational Aircrew Training at 404 Squadron. In 1991, having received his wings, he was posted to No. 415 Maritime Patrol Squadron.
In 1995, he was promoted to sergeant and deployed on several operations including Op Sharp Guard in support of the United Nation sanctions in Bosnia. Promoted to Warrant Officer in 1998, he was posted to 405 MP squadron and in 2000 he was promoted to Master Warrant Officer and posted to 1 Canadian Air Division HQ. In 2006 was as promoted and posted to Canadian Forces Air Navigation School as the school CWO. In June 2007, CWO West was appointed as the first Non-Commissioned Member (NCM) Commandant of the NCM Professional Development Centre in Saint-Jean, Quebec. In 2009 he was appointed 8 Wing CWO before deploying as the Joint Task Force-Afghanistan Air Wing CWO in 2011. In 2011, CWO West was presented the CDS Commendation by General Walt Natynczk for holding "not only the base but the surrounding community together in the aftermath of the horrific murders carried out by Trenton's former commander, Russell Williams."
He received the Meritorious Service Medal for his 2011 leadership efforts in Afghanistan.
