Signal Operator or Naval Communicator

[Bowley88]

My name is Jacob and I'm 21 years old.  I'm in college right now doing my upgrading to get my grade 12 because I was originally a high school drop out due to my attitude towards school.  I've always had an interest in computers and even landed a job as a junior PC technician when I was 17 and from my research on the army websites, SigOp or NavCom jobs seem to be what would encompass my interest in computer and networking technology.  The recruiting site lists NavCom has an in demand occupation but not SigOp which would be my first choice.

I've wanted to join since I was 17 but I was an heavily overweight HS drop out.  In these last few months I've finally started to get my ass in gear and fix these things and to date 40lbs has been dropped(with about another 40 or 50 to go) and have moved into college residences while doing these courses.

I don't think I have any specific questions that can't be answered with a little research, but instead I was hoping for some insight into these occupations other then what is officially listed.  Are there many Signal Operators on these forums? and what kind of experiences have you had?  Do you really enjoy the occupation?

I'm the kind of person that loves to learn, but just lacks the discipline to finish things I start.  The hope of an army career has been my motivation to start fixing myself and learning discipline is one of the main things I hope from the military.  I haven't formally contacted a recruiter yet because I'm sure I already know what is going to be said, which is to finish what I've already started doing and then go talk to them.

 

[MikeL]

Yes, theres Sig Ops on this board, an yes we have talked about our jobs.

Search. And also check out the Communication & Electronics forum.  Also look into the merge of all the Signals trades.


FYI theres a lot more to the trade than IS/Networking, etc  Myself an others have never even touched that stuff, just radios an field time.

 

[PuckChaser]

my interest in computer and networking technology.

I have a 2 year diploma in Computer Networking and Tech Support, it has definately assisted me in my career thus far, and I haven't even done any IT related jobs yet.

That recruiting website is just out to lunch... NavComm is in need of people just as much as SigOp is (might need less even, I can't remember the numbers off the top of my head).

 

[Ksiiqtaboo]

so having a passion in networking and IT Etc. would make you a good candidate for Sig Op? i am leaving for BMQ on the 22nd of Feb for Sig Op

 

[MikeL]

so having a passion in networking and IT Etc. would make you a good candidate for Sig Op? i am leaving for BMQ on the 22nd of Feb for Sig Op

It wouldn't hurt, but it's not a must have. Also, doing networking, IT, etc as your job as a Sig Op is dependent on where you get posted. Theres also the chance the you may have a job that doesn't involve computers. On your QL3 course you will have very limited exposure to Computers, ie just basics how to make documents, this is a mouse.. right click does this, etc. The majority of your QL3 is learning radios, voice procedure, etc and it ends with a week in the field doing TACRAD stuff, ie set up dets, operate in a radio det, etc.  An that could very well be(TACRAD) what you do at your first posting, etc. There is also jobs you can get that have you doing nothing but IT stuff or working with satalites, or any number of things. The Sig Op trade encompasses a lot of things.

 

[PuckChaser]

You have to be able to apply your skills outside the norm. Being able to understand a complex network architecture can and will help you with troubleshooting connectivity problems within a vehicle, or with a radio net. Your passion will definately help you out, but as Skeletor said, its not all computer networks and air conditioned server rooms.