Communications play a vital role in how the military conveys information. Enlisted military personnel and veterans typically have strong communications skills so they can lead others and gather critical information. Listed below are careers that contribute to that effort. Explore the duties and responsibilities for each career below.
Career Comparison
| Job Title | Annual Base Pay (2018)* | Applicable Military Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainer | $18,176 (E-1) | Teamwork, Performs Under Pressure |
| Electronic Communications Technician | $18,176 (E-1) | Critical Thinking, Attention to Detail |
| Communications Officer | $37,292 (O-1) | Leadership Skills, Attention to Detail |
| Basic Communications Marine | $18,176 (E-1) | Organizational Skills, Analyzing Skills |
| Signals Intelligence Analyst | $18,176 (E-1) | Math and Science Skills, Critical Thinking |
Source: *Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Communications Careers for Military Personnel
Communications is crucial to military readiness and defense against attacks. From special forces to basic communications, the careers listed below represent one of the five branches of the military.
Satellite Communications Systems Operator-Maintainer
The satellite communications systems operator-maintainer is an enlisted position responsible for the Army's multichannel satellite communications. They maintain satellite communications equipment and their parts. These workers also prepare reports and forms on system and equipment use. In addition, they perform network operations that are both stressed and unstressed.
Electronic Communications Technician
The electronic communications technician is an enlisted Navy position. They calibrate and repair a multitude of the Navy's electronic communication equipment including portable equipment plus equipment located on both shore and ship. These technicians update the Navy's equipment records, manuals, and calibration requirements. They may also fix communications equipment using casualty control procedures and implement training programs and supervise personnel who support logistics.
Communications Officer
The communications officer is a commissioned-level pay grade in the Coast Guard. These officers are specialists in telecommunications management. The communications officer analyzes the Coast Guard's finances and are responsible for all telephone systems and radio communication networks. Their work often affects and influences the computer and information systems.
Basic Communications Marine
As an enlisted member of the Marine Corps, the basic communications marine is primarily responsible for all communication networks. They develop, install, and operate the information systems and communication networks that broadcast information for the Marine Corps. These Marine's operate the essential links to software and hardware for computers; telephones; and switching, teletype, cryptographic, and computer systems. Preventive maintenance is also a task the basic communications marine performs on these software and hardware systems.
Signals Intelligence Analyst
Signals intelligence analysts are enlisted in the Air Force, and their primary responsibility is to retrieve signals using antenna manipulation and receiver tuning. These individuals investigate and produce Air Force communication signals intelligence. The foreign activity from electromagnetic emissions is studied and identified using sophisticated equipment. The findings are documented by the signals intelligence analyst in Air Force combat, tactical and strategic intelligence reports.