The majority of Army communications personnel receive their communications training at the Defence Force School of Signals (DFSS) at Macleod, VIC. You won't find technical and communication schools with a better teacher/student ratio or better equipment and facilities. DFSS is dedicated to giving you the best technical and communications qualification possible.

So you'll have a real edge in life and be assured of success in whatever employment category you choose. Unlike any other school of its kind, you will be paid while you learn and guaranteed a job when you graduate. The Australian Army is a Registered Training Authority, therefore, you'll be accredited with nationally recognised civilian and military qualifications.

And because you'll learn to be a soldier as well as a qualified Communication Systems Operator, you'll also develop a wide range of additional skills including self-discipline, confidence and a real sense of leadership.

Communication Systems Operator (ECN 662) RA Sigs

Duration: 25 weeks

Course Description:

Trainees will be instructed in the configuration, deployment, operation and maintenance of military High Frequency (HF) radios, Very High Frequency (VHF) radios and portable satellite terminals along with ancillary equipment including frequency hopping and cryptographic equipment. Communication Systems Operators will also operate various computer based communications and command support systems, additionally typing and IT networking skills will be trained. This training will be conducted in a range of simulated environments based upon vehicle and Command Post operations.

On the successful completion of this course you will be entitled to Pay Group 3. After posting to your first unit and upon successful completion of your Advanced Operator Training (after approximately 18 months) you will advance to Pay Group 4.

Location of Training:

Defence Force School of Signals, Simpson Barracks, Macleod, VICTORIA.

It should be noted that there might be periods of time between courses conducted at DFSS. Should this occur, soldiers will be provided with both meaningful employment and refresher training.

Combat Signaller (ECN 204) - 3 x 11 day modules

This course provides basic Royal Australian Corps of Signals skills in radio, line laying and computing and is a prerequisite for all RA Signals trade courses. On the successful completion of module 1 you will be entitled to Pay Group 1 and Pay Group 2 on completion of all three. The course can either be undertaken at the local Reserve unit or at the Defence Force School of Signals, Simpson Barracks, Macleod, VIC.

Communication Systems Operator (ECN 266) - 3 x 16 day modules

Training incorporates all aspects of communications used in RA Sigs units. Subjects include operation and maintenance of radio equipment, cryptographic equipment and field antennas. On the successful completion of all three modules you will be entitled to Pay Group 3. The course can either be undertaken at the local Reserve unit or at the Defence Force School of Signals, Simpson Barracks, Macleod, VIC.

Communication Systems Operators can progress to be Warrant Officer Class One, Manager Communication Systems on Pay Group 6.