📡 Signal & communications
Setting up and running the radios, networks, and satellite links that keep units connected in the field.
What they do
Signal and communications specialists build and run the tactical networks that make command possible — radios, satellite and microwave links, cable and fiber, and the switching and transmission equipment behind them. In the field they set up, secure, and troubleshoot communications under time pressure.
It overlaps with cyber/IT but is focused on the transport and radio-frequency layer.
Jobs & codes by branch
Representative jobs in this field and their military occupation codes — not a complete list; each branch has many more and codes change. Use the official job finders below for the full, current list.
Army
25U Signal Support Systems Specialist · 25S Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainer · 25L Cable Systems Installer-Maintainer · 25Q Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer · 25P Microwave Systems Operator-Maintainer · 25C Radio Operator-Maintainer · 25N Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainer · 25M Multimedia Illustrator · 25V Combat Documentation/Production Specialist
Navy
IT Information Systems Technician · ET Electronics Technician · CTM Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance)
Air Force
3D1X1 Client Systems · 3D1X2 Cyber Transport Systems · 3D1X3 RF Transmission Systems · 3D1X4 Spectrum Operations · 1C3X1 Command Post
Marine Corps
0611 Tactical Communications Wireman · 0621 Radio Operator · 0627 SATCOM Operator · 0629 Radio Chief · 0631 Network Administrator · 2822 Electronics Maintenance Technician
Coast Guard
IT Information Systems Technician · ET Electronics Technician
ASVAB areas that matter
Electronics Information (EI) and General Science (GS), with Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) and Math Knowledge (MK). Your AFQT score decides whether you can enlist; individual subtests combine into “line scores” that set which jobs you qualify for. Prepare with our free ASVAB practice tests.
How it transfers to civilian work
Transfers to telecommunications and network technician, RF/satellite and fiber-optic technician, and field-service roles in telecom and IT. Credentials: CompTIA Network+, fiber-optic (FOA) certification, FCC license, and Cisco networking certs.
See every job & the exact requirements
Codes, availability, and ASVAB minimums vary by branch and change often — confirm on each branch's official job finder: Army ↗ · Navy ↗ · Air Force ↗ · Marine Corps ↗ · Space Force ↗ · Coast Guard ↗.