Communications Systems Operator
As a Communications Systems Operator, you’ll join an elite team of communications experts – the signallers. Dedicated leaders in telecommunications, information systems and cyber security, the signallers enable secure and reliable voice and data networks across the Australian Army and wider defence establishment. As a member of this highly trained team, you’ll be responsible for delivering vital military communications within fast moving, highly challenging environments in peace and conflict, both in Australia and overseas.
What you'll do
Working in a range of environments, from rural locations to high density urban areas, you'll be responsible for operating satellite terminals, radios and advanced security equipment to enable effective communications anywhere in the world. You'll do whatever it takes to ensure your commander can communicate over a range of different networks, whether that's constructing advanced field antennas, maintaining network security or operating a specialised suite of software. It's a rewarding role that offers unmatched variety – one week you'll be working from the back of an armoured vehicle, the next could see you working from a Navy vessel or communications centre. In this role you’ll provide communications, information systems and electronic warfare support to the Australian Army and the ADF to allow command and control of deployed forces in peace, crisis and conflict on any operation, anywhere in the world.
Your duties may include:
- engineering, operating and maintaining a wide range of military radio, satellite and data network services
- handling and protecting sensitive and classified information and material
- communicating vital information across cyber networks in support of frontline troops and their supporting headquarters
- mentoring fellow and junior soldiers on the skills and knowledge required to be an effective soldier and cyber network operator
- maintaining continuous personal and professional growth in developing your core skills and knowledge of your role
- learning to drive and operate a range of military vehicles, ranging from G-Wagons to fully armoured protected mobility vehicles.
As you develop your skills and knowledge, you’ll become responsible for the planning, design and management of a wide range of cyber networks providing voice and data services.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Army will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training, which will strengthen your skillset. You’ll gain a range of technical and non-technical skills and knowledge, enabling you to specialise in the establishment and maintenance of tactical voice and data networks, and battle management systems and applications. These valuable skills and knowledge will enable you to support Army land and strategic operations.
Following training, Communications Systems Operators are employed in all RA Sigs tactical units and in a number of strategic units that operate throughout Australia. Most positions are located in Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney and Townsville. You may also have opportunities to serve on board one of Navy’s Landing Helicopter Detachments or even deploy overseas on operations during your career.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map.
At the end of most days, I accomplish something. That gives me a sense of job satisfaction.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 56 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 4 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling, and shooting, first aid, drill, and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose, and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Key components of the course include:
- Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
- Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
- Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
- Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
- First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
- Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
- Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.
On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.
Course: Common Signals Training
Duration: 35 Days
Location: Defence Force School of Signals, Simpson Barracks Macleod, Vic
You’ll learn the basic skills to operate common in-service Communications and Information Systems. You’ll also graduate as a basic combat communicator, capable of operating basic in-service power generation equipment and eligible to progress to subsequent courses.
In addition to your trade training courses, you’ll continue to develop your military skills which will allow you to be a soldier as well as a Communications Systems Operator. This will allow to you attain the technical skills you need as well as develop your ability to work in diverse teams, understand tactical considerations of deploying communications networks in a variety of environments and give you the opportunity to fulfill a range of leadership positions.
Course: Battlespace Communications Specialist IET
Duration: 110 Days
Location: Defence Force School of Signals, Simpson Barracks Macleod, Vic
Subjects include:
- the operation and maintenance of military High Frequency (HF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) radios, portable Ultra High Frequency (UHF) satellite terminals
- using contemporary waveforms and cryptographic equipment.
You’ll also be trained to deploy specialised battle management networks and operate computer-based communications applications. This training will be conducted in a range of simulated environments based upon vehicle and Command Post operations.
It should be noted that there might be periods of time between courses conducted at DFSS. Should this occur, you will be provided with both meaningful employment and refresher training.