As one of the largest ground forces in the world, the U.S. Army needs to make sure that all forces can get the correct information. The Army communications maintenance team is responsible for making sure that all communications equipment is in top working order. This equipment allows the Army to track and direct troop, aircraft and watercraft movements.

A Radio/Communications Security Repairer is an essential member of the Army communications maintenance team. The Radio/Communications Security (COMSEC) Repairer performs or supervises field and sustainment level maintenance on radio receivers, transmitters, communication security (COMSEC) equipment, controlled cryptographic (CCI) items and other associated equipment. Some of your duties as a Radio/Communications Security Repairer may include:

• Use Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE), Test Program Sets (TPS) and Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETM) to troubleshoot and repair radio and COMSEC equipment
• Install and repair circuits and wiring
• Calibrate and align equipment components
• Repair systems, equipment and subassemblies
• Perform bench equipment tests to make sure that repaired equipment is operational
• Perform preventive maintenance checks and services on equipment

Job training for a Radio/Communications Security Repairer requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 24 weeks and two days of Advanced Individual training and on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

• Mechanical, electronic and electrical principles
• Preventive maintenance procedure
• Line installation and wiring technique
• Communication security policy and procedure

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in mathematics
• Interest in working with electrical, electronic and electromechanical equipment
• Ability to do work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
• Interest in solving problems

Advanced level Radio/Communications Security Repairers provide guidance, supervise and train other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Radio/Communications Security Repairer, you may be involved in:

• Establish workload, work schedules, and repair priorities
• Supervise calibration and safety programs
• Perform complex repairs of defective components
• Ensure that the National Security Agency-approved components are used in communication security/controlled cryptographic items repairs
• Supervise final or quality control inspection of repaired equipment

The skills you learn as a Radio/Communications Security Repairer will prepare you for a future with civilian companies that design and make communications and electronic equipment. Radio repair, radio mechanics, teletype repair or station installation are all potential civilian positions to consider. Through your extensive Army training and experience and some additional study, you may be able to qualify for Electronics Technician Association (ETA) certification.

• Avionic Communications Equipment Repairer (94L)
• Avionic and Survivability Equipment Repairer (94R)
• Computer/Detection Systems Repairer (94F)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.