'All the courses are now recognised in civvy street. I'm happy where I am, but it's a comfort to know that there's a demand for our skills'
Radio Operator

THE JOB

As a Royal Signals Communication Systems Operator you will be taught how to use, maintain and the theory behind various communication systems, including analogue and digital radio, satellite equipment and network communications. In essence all these systems go together to provide the equivalent of BT or your Mobile Phone coverage for the Army where ever they are deployed in the world. The type of equipment you will use in your first unit will vary depending on the role of the unit to which you are posted. Currently we use a range of sophisticated military and civilian systems including the Bowman secure tactical system, Cormorant digital voice and Local Area Network, and Ptarmigan, the current secure digital tactical system.

REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRESSION

Armoured HeadquartersTo become a Royal Signals Communication Systems Operator, you'll need a minimum of two GCSE grades D or better in English Language plus Mathematics or a Science based subject. Your trade training lasts for 28 weeks. On completion of trade training you will be posted to the Field Army as a Class 3 trained soldier and after a year's experience you will become eligible for upgrading to Class 2 and a pay rise. Promotion is earned and based upon experience, ability and merit. Each upgrading and promotion is accompanied by a pay rise.

BASIC TRAINING

In line with the rest of the Army, you will receive a minimum of 14 weeks basic military training which will include drill, how to handle and fire a weapon, field craft, map reading, first aid and physical fitness training.

TRADE TRAINING

On completion of basic training you will move to 11 Signal Regiment Blandford Forum, Dorset to commence trade training at the Royal School of Signals for a 28 week course. You will be given a sound foundation in area communication systems and will be taught how to use mobile multi-channel microwave radio relay, civilian and military satellite, and public switched telephone networks. You will also receive extensive computer systems training, procedures training, learn keyboard skills and complete elements of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). The final stage of training is driver training that can last from two to four weeks dependent on your ability or previous experience. You will be taught to drive a car.

CIVILIAN RECOGNITION

You can achieve your category B (car) driving licence in Phase 2 and while in the Field Army you may gain your B+E (car/trailer) and C+E (LGV/trailer) driving licence. During Trade Training you can achieve elements of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) at Level 1, Units 1, 2, 3 and 7. On completion of your trade training you will be eligible for Key Skills Level 2 and Technical Certificate in Telecommunications (AES). At a later stage in your career you will be eligible for NVQ Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship Communication Technologies Professional (ICTP). If you are selected to become Yeoman of Signals you will undertake an EDEXCEL Higher National Diploma in Communications Systems Management. (All qualifications are subject to successful passes in exams and the level of practical experience required).

JOB DESCRIPTION

On the right hand side of this page you will see hyperlinks to PDF Documents. These are the Job Descriptions for the Communication Systems Operator and the associated Territorial Army(TA) Operator Trades. An explanation of each document is as follows:

• Communication Systems Operator - Regular Army Adult entry
• Communication Systems Operator(ADC) - Army Development College
• Communication Systems Operator(AFC) - Army Foundation College
• Area Systems Operator(V) - TA (Voice/Data/IT) Operator deployable worldwide
• Radio Systems Operator(V) - TA Radio Operator deployable worldwide
• ICS Operator (UK Ops) (V) - TA Operator deployable in the UK only