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Military Signals Intelligence Officers

Military Career

General Information

Description

Signals intelligence officers oversee the collection and exploitation of electromagnetic signals, including communication and non-communication signals. They manage personnel and technical equipment engaged in intercepting, decoding, and analyzing communication traffic for content of possible intelligence value. These officers establish priorities of intercept missions for acquisition of desired data and coordinate the work to carry out those missions. They may also participate in jamming operations to disrupt an adversary’s communications.

Work Environment

Signals intelligence officers work in offices on land and aboard ships.  They may work in the field on maneuvers and military exercises.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Signals Intelligence Officers in the Military

1,556

No Information for this section

Salary

Average Salary

$108,743

What makes up a Military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Military training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for signals intelligence officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include: Air, ground, and sea intelligence operationsPhotograph interpretationUse of surveillance equipmentReconnaissance equipment and weapons systemsTarget identification and operational patternsAnalyzing communications information using technical referencesPreparing technical and tactical intelligence reports

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Military training

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Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for signals intelligence officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Air, ground, and sea intelligence operations
  • Photograph interpretation
  • Use of surveillance equipment
  • Reconnaissance equipment and weapons systems
  • Target identification and operational patterns
  • Analyzing communications information using technical references
  • Preparing technical and tactical intelligence reports

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
No Information for this section

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.