The field of communications in the Marine Corps is an interesting one. It has many different specialties, and one of them is the Marine High Frequency Communications specialist. It is a specialty in the Command and Control area of the Marines, and an occupational communications field. Marines in this specialty operate radios, and various communications equipment. A high frequency communications specialist performs maintenance and preventive service on computers, cryptographic, radio, switching, Teletype, and telephone equipment.
Marines who are interested in this MOS or job specialty must be able to read and speak English well. They should have basic to advanced skills with the English language, and must be able to tolerate and manage stress. A candidate for this job will have an ability to pay attention to details. A candidate should have the ability to work closely for long periods of time in cramped or stressful situations with other people also.
A candidate for this job specialty must have the ability to obtain a security clearance, in some cases a top secret clearance is necessary because of the sensitive nature of the items and issues involved. Entry-level jobs in this job specialty include working as a multichannel equipment operator, satellite communications equipment operator, small computer systems operator, or as a radio operator.
The high frequency communications designator identifies Marines who operate, perform, install, and align equipment and radio communications gear and equipment systems.
Some of the requirements to become a High Frequency Communications specialist include:
-Score on EL test of one hundred or higher.
-Complete the Communications Marine Central system installer course
-Must be a US citizen at time of application.
A Marine High Frequency communications operator is in the thick of the action. By its very nature the communications systems are located near where the command and control decisions are made. As you rise in rank and responsibility, you will be responsible for enlisted men and women beneath you. You will be responsible for supervising their work on communications equipment, and systems, and helping to train them in various communications systems and repair.
As a senior enlisted, you will increasingly be able to plan, and implement training for more junior personnel. As technology increases, you will be part of the cutting edge; the Military is always on the crux of new discovery and state of the art increases in systems, methods and equipment. Being a Marine High frequency communications technician and operator will allow you to gain valuable skills for later use in the private sector.
