EW specialists employ similar skills and technology to those in used in SIGINT. The main difference is that EW tends to work at a tactical level, close to where the fighting is, intercepting battlefield transmissions. To work effectively in this field, soldiering skills are of critical importance. To keep pace with the battle, EW operators need to move frequently and safely within a potentially hostile environment.

EW specialists usually work on several levels simultaneously, in real time. They piece together enemy communications to identify key facts, such as the location of the enemy's headquarters, and the location or movements of artillery units and tanks for example. Language skills can be vital in this role, as transmissions need to be interpreted and analysed quickly in order to be of use to operational commanders. At the same time as doing this, the EW operator may also jam transmissions to prevent the enemy from successfully using their own communications.