INFORMATION COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS OPERATOR (UK OPERATIONS) (V)

The Job

You will be central to the engineering of communication networks set up to deal with any civil crisis arising in the UK, such as local flooding or foot and mouth. Trained in the operation of the latest secure radio and information systems technology, you will ensure that commanders, officers and soldiers are provided with a reliable range of tactical, area, digital, satellite and mobile communications. Among the networks you will operate are the O2 AIRWAVE system, in conjunction with the emergency services, and a wide variety of commercial communications and information systems. You will also be trained to provide communications support to the Army’s operations worldwide.

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 Information Communication 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 engineering and maintenance of the tactical, area, digital, satellite and mobile communications systems used by the Army.

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.