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Signal Support Systems Specialist

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

Signal Support Systems Specialists are primarily responsible for working with battlefield Signal support systems and terminal devices.

Some of your duties as a Signal Support Systems Specialist may include:

• Integrating signal systems and networks
• Installing, operating and maintaining designated radio and data distribution systems
• Performing signal support functions
• Performing unit level maintenance on authorized signal equipment and associated electronic devices
• Training and providing technical assistance to users of Signal equipment
• Operating and performing preventive maintenance checks and services on assigned vehicles and power generators

If you qualify, you will also receive these great benefits

• Signing Bonus
• A Monthly Paycheck
• Montgomery G.I. Bill
• Up to 100% Tuition Assistance for College
• Student Load Repayment Program
• Retirement Benefits
• Low-cost Life Insurance (up to $400,00 in coverage)
• Base Privileges
• Veterans Administration Home Loans
• Fly For Free Program

Training

Job training for a Signal Support Systems Specialist consists of nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 17 weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction, including practice with equipment. 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 procedures
• Line installation and wiring techniques
• Communication security policies and procedures

Skills

Helpful attributes include:

• An interest in working with electrical, electronic and electromechanical equipment
• An interest in solving problems

Responsibilities

Advanced level Signal Support Systems Specialists supervise and train other Soldiers. As an Advanced level Signal Support Systems Specialist, you may be involved in:

• Supervising, installing and maintaining signal support systems and terminal devices, including radio, wire and battlefield automated systems Providing technical assistance and training for automation and communications equipment
• Preparing maintenance and supply requests for unit level signal support
• Operating and performing preventive maintenance checks and services on assigned vehicles and power generators

Civilian Related

The skills you learn as a Signal Support Systems Specialist will help prepare you for a future with civilian companies that design and make communications and electronic equipment or with the federal government. You'll be qualified to work as a communications equipment repairer, radio repairer, radio mechanic, teletype repairer or station installer/repairer, depending on your specialty.

Through your extensive National Guard training and experience, some additional study and two years of electronics experience, you'll have the opportunity to qualify for certification as an Associate Certified Electronics Technician.

The Army National Guard offers certified apprenticeship training programs for some specialties within this occupation.