There are plenty of challenges in the job and you learn to use state-of-the-art communications equipment'

THE JOB

The Communication Systems Engineer is the technical expert in the challenging and rewarding environment of Army communication technology. You will be responsible for the engineering, management and maintenance of a wide range of information and communication systems at the leading edge of military communications. The Communication Systems Engineer will deal with different forms of digital and satellite communications, wireless and internet based systems, while also working hand in hand with hardware and software from industry leaders such as Microsoft and Cisco.

THE RIGHT JOB FOR ME?

Communication Systems Engineers are highly motivated soldiers with an ability to deal with technical, sometimes complex information. They must have real interest in the maintenance and repair of communications equipment and for IT knowledge. This role requires soldiers to be able to work as an individual or as part of a team. The vital role this job undertakes means you should be prepared to accept responsibility early in your career.

BASIC TRAINING

Every Royal Signals recruit is firstly trained to become a soldier and then a tradesman. Recruits will begin their military career at Army Training Regiment (ATR) Pirbright in Surrey. Recuits will complete a 14-week course which teaches key military skills such as foot drill, how to handle and fire a weapon, how to live and work in the open and how to tackle an assault course. They will also develop their stamina and fitness. When you have completed the course, you will take your place in the Passing Out parade in front of an invited audience of parents, relatives and friends

TRADE TRAINING

On completion of basic training, you will move to Blandford Forum in Dorset to commence trade training (Phase 2) at the Royal School of Signals. This next phase of your training consists of 36 weeks of trade training and includes:

    * Basic Computer Software Systems How to install computer workstations into a systems network and then maintain, engineer and control these systems.
    * IS Systems Computer systems training and other Information Systems skills to complete elements of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) to Level 2 Standard.
    * Specialist You will work on High to Ultra High Frequency and Bowman radio equipment, satellite and theatre-wide area network Information Systems.
    * Teleconferencing. Operate In-Service Video Teleconferencing (VTC) Equipment and Digital Exchanges.
    * Resource Management Provide help-desk support to Information Systems (IS) users, including the setting up and closing down of IS applications; monitoring and configuring IS networks.
    * Driving You will learn to drive cars with or without trailers.

CIVILIAN RECOGNITION

You can achieve your category B+E (car/trailer) driving licence. You can attain qualifications such as European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Level 2, Units 1 to 7; Key skills in Application of Numbers, Information and Communication Technology at Level 2; City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support) and City and Guilds Level 3 Advanced Diploma for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support); the Advanced Apprenticeship Communication Technologies Professional (ICTP). (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 Engineer and the associated Territorial Army(TA) Operator Trades. An explanation of each document is as follows:

Communication Systems Engineer - Regular Army Adult entry
Communication Systems Engineer (AFC) - Army Foundation College
Systems Engineering Operator(V) - TA (Voice/Data/IT) Operator deployable worldwide
Radio Systems Technician(V) - TA Technician deployable either UK only or worldwide dependant on Unit