Working in the Field Communications area is a challenging job for many people. It involves using operating various computers, radios and other communication type gear. It also includes the installation, connecting, design, and operation of information and communication networks. These networks are used to transmit and receive data and information
Serving as a Marine Corps Field Communication specialist operate on both software and hardware systems, including computer, cryptographic, Teletype, telephone, switching, radio, and other network systems. These are the systems that are vital in the overall control and command missions of the Marine Corps. A Soldier in this specialty must have good basic to advanced language and manual skills and be able to quickly master new concepts, new ideas and new methods. The soldier in this job specialty will be required to interact with others in technical matters on a daily basis, and should be able to study and master computer, communications, and other systems.
The Field Communications specialist should have good ability to work with others in a team approach, and to also work alone without a lot of supervision. They should possess a high degree of attention to detail, and the ability to work under a deadline in stressful conditions.
The typical Command and Control Billet for Field Communications Specialist requires a Top Secret security clearance, so the ideal candidate should be free of any sort of criminal history and not have ever been convicted of a crime. Entry-level applicants in the Field Communications specialty may be assigned related work as a field radio operator, radio equipment operator, or field-switching operator.
Training for Field Communications Specialist involved the passage of Basic Combat training, the same as every Marine. After graduation from Boot Camp, the Field Communications Specialist Candidate will attend individual Advanced Training School for a number of weeks. They will be instructed on basic electric theory, radio communications procedures, software and hardware, advanced state of the art electronics, as well as number of other important issues involved in becoming a Marine Field Communications Specialist.
One of the advantages in becoming a Marine Field Communications Specialist is the availability to obtain apprenticeship credit in some locations for use later in the Civilian Field. Depending on the work and type of work completed, some Marine Field Communications Specialists candidates can receive apprenticeship credit as they move through their career and receive additional training. Civilian Careers in satellite technology, small computer systems or data network careers are possible after a soldiers Marine Career.
