COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS ENGINEER

The Job

The Communication Systems Engineer is the technical expert in the challenging and rewarding environment of Army communication technology. You will be responsible for the engineering, management and maintenance of a wide range of information and communication systems at the leading edge of military communications. The Communication Systems Engineer will deal with different forms of digital and satellite communications, wireless and internet based systems, while also working hand in hand with hardware and software from industry leaders such as Microsoft and Cisco.

The Right Job For Me?

Communication Systems Engineers are highly motivated soldiers with an ability to deal with technical, sometimes complex information. They must have real interest in the maintenance and repair of communications equipment and for IT knowledge. This role requires soldiers to be able to work as an individual or as part of a team. The vital role this job undertakes means you should be prepared to accept responsibility early in your career.

What Skills Will I Learn?

The principles, techniques and operations of Information Communications Systems (ICS). How to deploy, maintain and sustain static and tactical ICS equipment.Engineering, monitoring and configuring Information Systems (IS) networks.Computer skills and knowledge of IT systems. How to drive Category B+E vehicles (car/trailer) for your driving licence.

What Training Will I Do?

Initial training Your military career will start with 42 weeks at the Army Technical Foundation College (ATFC) Winchester in Hampshire. You will learn military skills such as foot drill, how to handle and fire a weapon, how to live and work in the open and how to tackle an assault course as well as developing your stamina and fitness. You will take part in an education and leadership training package which includes adventurous training and sport. The additional education offered at the AFC covers several Key Skills, including Level 2 in IT. Although the training at AFC is hard work, you will remember it for the rest of your career as a soldier and at the end of it all you will take your place in the Passing Out parade in front of an invited audience of parents, relatives and friends.Further training On completion of basic training, you will move to Blandford Forum in Dorset to commence trade training (Phase 2) at the Royal School of Signals. This next phase of your training consists of 36 weeks of trade training and includes: Basic Computer Software Systems How to install computer workstations into a systems network and then maintain, engineer and control these systems. IS Systems Computer systems training and other Information Systems skills to complete elements of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) to Level 2 Standard. Specialist You will work on High to Ultra High Frequency and Bowman radio equipment, satellite and theatre-wide area network Information Systems. Teleconferencing. Operate In-Service Video Teleconferencing (VTC) Equipment and Digital Exchanges. Resource Management Provide help-desk support to Information Systems (IS) users, including the setting up and closing down of IS applications; monitoring and configuring IS networks. Driving You will learn to drive cars with or without trailers.

What Qualifications Could I Get?

You can achieve your category B+E (car/trailer) driving licence. You can attain qualifications such as European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Level 2, Units 1 to 7; Key skills in Application of Numbers, Information and Communication Technology at Level 2; City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support) and City and Guilds Level 3 Advanced Diploma for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support); the Advanced Apprenticeship Communication Technologies Professional (ICTP). (All qualifications are subject to successful passes in exams and the level of practical experience required).

Future Prospects

After trade training you will be posted to your unit as a Class 3 trained soldier and could be promoted to Lance Corporal. With a year’s experience, you will become eligible for upgrading to Class 2 and a pay rise. As you progress, you will be rewarded with promotions and pay rises. If you become a Warrant Officer, you may apply to be a Royal Signals Officer and, if accepted, will be granted a Late Entry Commission as a Captain. Your training and experience will help you become the technical expert on the communications battlefield of the future. You can also volunteer to serve as a Parachutist, Royal Marine Commando or with Special Forces. It’s also possible to join the famous White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team.