Communications Managers

Background

Instant worldwide communication among air, sea, and land forces is vital to military operations. The services operate some of the largest and most complex communication networks in the world. Communications managers manage personnel in communications centers and relay stations. Communications managers plan and direct the operation of military communication systems. 

What They Do

Communications managers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Develop budgets for communications centers
• Develop rules or procedures for sending and receiving communications
• Develop ways to track and ensure security of communications equipment
• Direct personnel who maintain and repair communications equipment
• Direct personnel who operate computer systems and electronic telecommunications and satellite communications equipment

Physical Demands

No information available.

Special Requirements

A four-year college degree, preferably in engineering, math, computer science, or related fields, is usually required to enter this career.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in planning and directing the work of others
• Interest in technical work
• Interest in working with computers, radios, and electronic equipment

Helpful School Subjects

No information available.

Helpful Fields of Study

No information available.

Work Environment

Communications managers usually work in communications centers on land or aboard ships.

Services offering this career:

• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard
• Marine Corps
• Navy

Hiring Practices

To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.

This position is for officers.

Wages

The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.

Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay. 

Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.

There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.

Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 12 to 32 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty.

Course content typically includes:

• Communications theory and security
• Communications-electronics management
• Electronic principles, technologies, and systems
• Satellite communications
• Tactical combat communications systems

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian communications managers work for organizations in business and government to plan, develop, and manage their communications systems and networks. For example, large global companies with offices around the world often have their own systems and networks to make it easier for managers and employees to share information and communicate by phone, e-mail, or teleconference. With the exception of duties related to combat situations, civilian communications managers perform duties similar to their military counterparts.

Employment and Outlook

In peace time the services have about 2,000 communications managers. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new communications managers to meet the changing demands in the field. After job training, communications managers are assigned to manage or assist in managing a communications center. With experience, they may advance to senior management or command positions.