RADIO SYSTEMS OPERATOR (V)

The Job

During military operations, secure and effective lines of communication are essential. Radio Systems Operators engineer and maintain these communication networks using all types of radio platforms, ranging from analogue and digital systems to satellite equipment. Establishing effective communication within the UHF, VHF and HF bands requires a thorough knowledge of the electronic magnetic spectrum, and Radio Systems Operators will be expected to become fully conversant with all principles of radio. Depending on your unit, you will be required to engineer radio networks set up to deal with civil crisis in the UK (eg: floods, foot and mouth) or in support of wide area overseas-deployed networks.

The Right Job For Me?

You do not need to be super-fit to join the Territorials but the training can sometimes be physically challenging so you need a good standard of health and stamina. As part of a larger unit, an ability to take orders is essential, but you must also be able to act on your own initiative if the situation calls for it. It is important that Radio Systems Operators have no form of speech or hearing defect. You will need to be resourceful, with a flair for improvisation, and have an interest in IT and communications.

What Skills Will I Learn?

The key skills you will acquire cover the operation and maintenance of the Army’s tactical communications systems.

What Training Will I Do?

Initial trainingRecruits carry out a number of training weekends with their new unit and the nearest Regional Recruiting Team. After completing this series of weekend courses, you then attend a two-week residential course at an Army Training Regiment, where you complete your initial training. The whole process takes around 12 months, and will equip you with the skills needed to fight and survive in the field, as well as boosting your fitness. Further trainingOn completion of initial training, you will go on to complete your trade training, which takes nine days at a central location.As a member of a Territorial unit that recruits on a regional basis, your minimum annual training commitment is 27 days. This is broken down into 15 days of continuous training with your unit, either on exercises or on a course, and 12 days made up of evening and weekend training and other activities. You will normally be expected to attend for training on one evening a week, and might at first have to exceed the minimum requirement so you can get your qualifications.

What Qualifications Could I Get?

You will have access to a Continuous Professional Development Plan and Personal Development Record. Together, these will help you identify and develop your skills, which may be of help to you in your civilian career and may lead to recognised civilian qualifications. The communications and IT experience you gain could prove very useful in some areas of civilian employment.

Future Prospects

You will have opportunities to deploy with Regular units and undertake sporting and adventurous training activities in various parts of the world.As well as keeping you fit and helping you make friends for life, being in the Army gives you a major advantage in the increasingly competitive job market. Employers recognise Territorial soldiers as committed individuals who work well in a team and who are always looking for challenges and opportunities to extend their skills. They will know you are flexible, self-motivated, dependable, confident and responsible. Above all, being a Territorial soldier demonstrates that you can handle pressure, and have professional expertise backed up by solid experience.