Training
Job training for Soldiers in the Signal and Military Intelligence career field consists of ten weeks of
Basic Combat Training
Basic Combat Training:
Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a 10-week course of intense physical and mental training, during which recruits develop essential Soldier skills, discipline and values. plus 7-44 weeks of
Advanced Individual Training
Advanced Individual Training:
(AIT) Following Basic Training, Soldiers attend AIT to learn a military job skill. Depending on the specialty, training ranges from 1 month to 1 year., depending on your specialty. Training in the Signal field ranges from installing, operating and maintaining computer systems, various types of communication systems and communications security devices, to creating graphic illustrations and film/video productions. Military Intelligence agents and specialists train in methods of intelligence gathering, reporting and analysis, as well as foreign communication, counterintelligence and security operations. For some specialties, foreign language training may require a course lasting up to 12 months.
Civilian Related
The skills you learn in the Signal career field can be put to use in the civilian workplace as a network support technician, data processing technician or computer programmer with nearly any company that uses or designs communications and electronic equipment. You could also pursue a career with telecommunications and cable companies or communication networks as an equipment repairer, mechanic or installer. Your illustration experience could lead to a future as a graphic designer or web designer, and the experience you gain with film and video production could help you move toward a career in broadcast news, industrial or feature film editing and production. Skills gained in the Intelligence field can steer you toward a career with investigative or information agencies; as a business research and planning specialist; or as a translator for embassies and foreign companies.
Computers are an important part of every division of the military, and Information Technology (IT) Specialists have the responsibility of maintaining military computer systems and operations. IT Specialists' duties include installing and configuring networks, hardware and software, and providing administration services such as passwords, electronic mail accounts and security. They also assist in the design, preparation, editing and testing of computer and system programs.
As part of one of the largest ground forces in the world, the Guard communication maintenance team assures proper transmission of information by making sure that all communications equipment is in top working order. Radio Operator/Maintainers are primarily responsible for all maintenance checks and services on assigned radio communication equipment, allowing the Army to track and direct troop movements.
Spectrum management is the planning, coordinating, and use of the electromagnetic spectrum. The Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager is responsible for enabling electronic systems to operate across the battlefield without causing or experiencing unacceptable interference. This Noncommissioned Officer will manage frequency assignments and radio frequency usage in the field units and obtain approved frequency licenses from controlling authorities at the international, national, host nation, unified command, allied or military department level.
A strong communication network is critical to the Army's success. Network Switching Systems Operator/Maintainers install and perform maintenance on electronic switches, control centers, combat radios and other equipment associated with networks. They also use computers and diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot the system when errors occur.
The Guard communication maintenance team assures proper transmission of information by making sure that all communications equipment is in top working order. Cable Systems Installer/Maintainers are primarily responsible for installing, operating and performing maintenance on cable and wire communications systems, communication security devices and associated equipment, including communications and electric cables between utility poles.
As part of the Guard’s multimedia team, the Multimedia Illustrator produces graphic artwork, drawings, cartoons and other visuals for use in training manuals, newspapers, reports and promotional materials. Illustrators may also work on signs, charts, posters, TV and film/video productions. They may also produce maps and graphs for combat operations.
With communication being such an integral and critical part of the Army, Nodal Network Systems Operator/Maintainers are responsible for making sure that the lines of communication are always up and running. They install, operate, maintain and repair strategic and tactical nodal systems, and perform field level maintenance on electronic nodal assemblages, combat net radios and ancillary communications equipment.
As part of one of the largest ground forces in the world, the Guard communication maintenance team assures proper transmission of information by making sure that all communications equipment is in top working order. Microwave Systems Operator/Maintainers are primarily responsible for installing, operating and maintaining microwave communications systems and circuits, including technical control equipment and associated devices, antennae, multiplexing and communications security equipment.
A strong communication network is critical to the Army's success. Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator/Maintainers work directly on communication devices and equipment that communicate through more than one channel. They are responsible for installation, repair, operation and maintenance of these devices, antennae and associated equipment.
Visual Information Equipment Operator/Maintainers work within the Guard’s video production area, overseeing the proper use and repair of broadcast equipment and systems. Responsibilities range from camera and lighting operation to maintaining TV receivers/monitors, cameras, computer-controlled video switchers and audio consoles and other production systems.
The Army's success depends on a strong communications network. Satellite Communications Systems Operator/Maintainers work directly on multi-channel satellite communications systems and networks. They also install, operate and maintain ground terminals, communication security (COMSEC) devices and associated equipment.
As part of the Guard communication maintenance team, the Satellite/Microwave Systems Chief assists in the proper transmission of information by making sure that all microwave communications equipment is in top working order. Satellite/Microwave Systems Chiefs plan and supervise the configuration, operation and maintenance of microwave communications, large satellite earth terminals and transportable satellite systems. They also provide technical advice to commanders on the integration of telecommunications systems and networks.
As part of the Guard communication maintenance team, Signal Support Systems Specialists are primarily responsible for working with battlefield signal support systems. Signal Support Systems Specialists install and maintain signal support systems and terminal devices, including radio, wire and battlefield automated systems. They also train signal equipment users and provide technical assistance.
The Guard employs films for training personnel, and for recording military operations, ceremonies and news events. Combat Documentation/Production Specialists work as writers, producers, directors and technicians, and their duties may include all aspects of film and video production, from script creation to camera operation, lighting, audio recording, editing and post-production.
As a member of the Guard communication maintenance team, the Telecommunications Operations Chief is primarily responsible for directing the installation, operation and maintenance of telecommunications systems and networks. The Telecommunications Operations Chief is also in charge of overseeing information systems support for command, control, communications and computers used throughout the Army. The Telecommunications Operations Chief provides advice and technical assistance and oversees training programs for Signal personnel. This is strictly an advanced position.
The Senior Signal Sergeant serves as the principal enlisted assistant to commanders and heads of staff, and as staff Noncommissioned Officer for units engaged in signal operations and combat development or training. A Senior Signal Sergeant's job is to ensure proper communication between subordinates and superiors. The Senior Signal Sergeant will plan, develop and oversee all aspects of integrated C2 telecommunications and information management networks, and develop battlefield signal operations plans in support of organizations at battalion and higher levels, and for Joint and Combined Commands and activities.
Note: This MOS requires completion of the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course (BNCOC) and the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course (ANCOC).
Having the correct information about enemy forces and potential battle areas is absolutely necessary to plan for our national defense. Intelligence Analysts work with other intelligence specialists to gather and study aerial photographs, electronic monitoring and human observation. Intelligence Analysts are primarily responsible for analysis, processing and distribution of strategic and battlefield-related intelligence needed by Army personnel to design defense plans and tactics.
Having the correct information about enemy forces and potential battle areas is absolutely necessary to plan for our national defense. Imagery Analysts work with other intelligence specialists to gather and study images and information required for designing defense plans and tactics. The Imagery Analyst is primarily responsible for analyzing aerial and ground photographs and electronic imagery, such as aerial photographs of foreign ships, bases, missile sites and industrial facilities. They also identify enemy weapons and equipment defenses, and study land and sea areas that could become battlegrounds in time of war.
Having the correct information about enemy forces and potential battle areas is absolutely necessary to plan for our national defense. Counterintelligence Agents use aerial photographs, electronic monitoring and human observation to gain information about individuals, foreign bases, missile sites, ships, troop movements and codes in order to process counterintelligence evidence, support anti-terrorism operations and counteract threats to national security.
Having the correct information about enemy forces and potential battle areas is absolutely necessary to plan for our national defense. Intelligence specialists such as the Human Intelligence Collector (HUMINT) provide information about enemy forces and potential battle areas. Human Intelligence Collectors primarily conduct interrogations and debriefings in English and foreign languages, and debrief U.S. prisoner-of-war returnees, refugees, defectors and other friendly sources to obtain information for military intelligence.
Analyzing foreign communications helps our military experts better plan our nation's defense. Signals Intelligence Analysts intercept and analyze foreign communications and relay intelligence reports regarding combat, strategic and tactical intelligence information. Analysts also study and locate radio signals to understand the tactics and organization of foreign military forces.
The nation's defense depends on information from foreign language newspapers, magazines, radio broadcasts and other sources. The Cryptologic Communications Interceptor/Locator, also known as a Cryptologic Linguist, is able to read and understand other languages, and is primarily responsible for detecting and identifying foreign communications using signals equipment. Cryptologic Linguists translate written and spoken foreign-language material and broadcasts, making sure to preserve the original meaning, while scanning for key words and indicators. They may also question prisoners of war, enemy deserters and civilian informers in their native languages.
Collecting and analyzing foreign electronic signals is vital to our nation's defense. The Signals Collector/Analyst detects, identifies and reports on foreign electronic intelligence, signals and non-voice communications. The Signals Collector/Analyst is primarily responsible for searching the radio frequency spectrum to collect, identify and record target communications and selected electro-optic or foreign instrumentation signals. Signals Collector/Analysts may also install and operate electronic intelligence collection systems.
Learning what foreign governments and forces are involved in helps our military experts better plan our nation's defense. The Military Intelligence (MI) Systems Maintainer/Integrator is responsible for maintaining and integrating intelligence gathering systems, computers and networks used by MI Soldiers, as well as extracting data from fixed, portable and wireless storage/communication devices.
The Intelligence Senior Sergeant serves as the principal enlisted assistant to commanders and supervises intelligence surveillance, collection, analysis, processing and distribution activities at group, division, corps, Army and comparable or higher echelons. An Intelligence Senior Sergeant's job is to ensure proper communication between subordinates and superiors.
Note: This MOS requires completion of the Advanced Leadership Course (ALC) and the Senior Leadership Course (SLC).
The Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence Senior Sergeant serves as the principal enlisted assistant to commanders, and supervises the collection, processing, development and dissemination of counterintelligence, counter-signals intelligence and human intelligence information. A Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence Senior Sergeant's job is to ensure the proper communications between subordinates and superiors.
Note: This MOS requires completion of the Advanced Leadership Course (ALC) and the Senior Leadership Course (SLC).