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 ship movements.

Microwave Systems Installer/Maintainers are primarily responsible for installing, operating and maintaining microwave communications systems. They also work with associated antennas, multiplexing and communications security equipment. Some of your duties as a Microwave Systems Installer/Maintainer may include:

• Configuring and maintaining microwave communications and technical control equipment and associated devices
• Monitoring and restoring telecommunications circuits, trunk groups and systems
• Installing, operating and maintaining communications security devices
• Maintaining circuit, link, system and station records and reports
• Operating and maintaining telecommunications equipment, vehicles and power generators

Through your extensive Army 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.

Job training for a Microwave Systems Installer/Maintainer consists of nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 26 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 learn are:

• Mechanical, electronic and electrical principles
• Preventive maintenance procedures
• Line installation and wiring techniques
• Communication security policies and procedures

Helpful attributes include:

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

Advanced level Microwave Systems Installer/Maintainers supervise and train other Soldiers. As an advanced level Microwave Systems Installer/Maintainer, you may be involved in:

• Performing complex microwave system troubleshooting and maintenance tasks
• Providing technical assistance in the operation and maintenance of microwave communications systems
• Identifying and reporting electronic jamming and deception
• Activating and inactivating circuits, trunk groups and systems
• Requesting logistic support and evacuating equipment to higher level maintenance facilities

The skills you learn as a Microwave Systems Installer/Maintainer 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.

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

• Visual Information Equipment Operator/Maintainer (25R)
• Cable Systems Installer/Maintainer (25L)
• Network Switching Systems Operator/Maintainer (25F)
• Radio Operator/Maintainer (25C)
• Satellite Communication Systems Operator/Maintainer (25S)