Communications Systems Operator - ADF Gap Year
As a Communications Systems Operator, you’ll join an elite team of communications experts, the signallers, on a Gap Year like no other. 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 get a taste of what it’s like to be responsible for delivering vital military communications within fast moving, highly challenging environments.
You’ll gain skills for life in your 12-month Gap Year experience. You’ll also learn how to operate the radio and satellite systems that keep the Army connected and communicating effectively. Along the way, you’ll benefit from incredible support and training, make lifelong friends and get a unique insight into life in the Army.
What you'll do
Working in a range of environments, from rural locations to high density urban areas, you’ll operate satellite terminals, radios and advanced security equipment to enable effective communications across the Army. It’s a rewarding role that offers unmatched variety. One week, you could be working from the back of an armoured vehicle, the next a secure communications centre.
Your training will give you the skills you need to become proficient in tactical voice and data communications, advanced field antenna construction, network security and a variety of specialised software applications.
Your duties may include assisting with:
- 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.
After finishing your Gap Year program, you can choose to continue your full-time career in the Army or change to a part-time role in the Army Reserve.
There is no obligation to serve in the ADF beyond the 12-month Gap Year program period. You can take your new skills and experiences to gain an edge in future careers outside the ADF.
You'll undertake your recruit course at Kapooka, NSW before moving to your Initial Employment Training location at the Defence Force School of Signals (DFSS) at Macleod, Vic. Once you have completed your training, you’ll be posted to a unit across Australia.
Communications Systems Operators are employed in all Army signal tactical units and in a number of strategic units that operate throughout Australia. Most positions are based in Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne, Sydney and Townsville.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map.
Requirements and training
You need to be an Australian citizen to be eligible for the ADF Gap Year program.
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.
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.
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 achieved. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Course: Common Signals Training
Duration: 54 days
Location: Defence Force School of Signals, Simpson Barracks Macleod, Vic
You’ll learn about the Corps’ history along with the basic skills to operate common in-service Communications and Information Systems. This course also serves to qualify graduates as basic combat communicators, operate basic in-service power generation equipment and progress to subsequent courses.
Course: Battlespace Communications Specialist
Duration: 80 days (approximately)
Location: Defence Force School of Signals, Simpson Barracks, Macleod, Vic
You’ll learn about 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. Battlespace Communications Specialists will 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’ll be provided with both meaningful employment and refresher training.