Service Branches
Work Environment
Communications equipment operators may work either indoors or outdoors, depending on the specialty. They may be assigned to ships, aircraft, land bases, or mobile field units.
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Military Status
Enlisted
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Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$75,544
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
$24,900 - $243,743
Overview
Communications equipment operators are responsible for generating, transmitting, tracking, and routing military communications. They operate sophisticated, state-of-the-art, electronic receivers and associated analysis and recording equipment to collect airborne, shipborne, land-based Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR), and other signals within the electromagnetic spectrum. They use this equipment to communicate a wide range of information, including operational plans and the transmission of classified information.
Military Training
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for communications equipment operators consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction, including practice in operating a variety of communication systems. Training content varies depending on specialty, and may include:
- Radio/satellite equipment installation, operation, and maintenance
- Communications security
- Message encoding and decoding
- Communications plan development
- Signals exploitation
Helpful Attributes
- Ability to remain calm in an emergency
- Interest in working with codes
- Interest in working with communications equipment
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