Job Details

Other Ranks (Non Technical)

Interested in entering the world of Signals Intelligence?

What do Cryptologic Systems sailors actually do?

They work in the field of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and are responsible for the interception and exploitation of electromagnetic emissions for the benefit of the Command and the warfare team in warships and Australian Intelligence Organisations.

They specialise in Technical Signals (Techsig) Analysis, which is the analysis of machine-generated communications. In other words, they use sophisticated state of the art search receivers and other specialised equipment to intercept, record, analyse and disseminate technical parameters and other intelligence of signal transmissions.

TECHNICAL SIGNALS (TECHSIG)

The Cryptologic Systems sailor is responsible for performing the detection, acquisition, identification and exploitation of machine-generated communications. Some of the duties that a Cryptologic Systems sailor may perform include:

• Manually tuning or programming radio receivers and manipulating automated systems to prosecute known or unknown frequencies within the radio frequency spectrum;
• Searching, identifying, analysing and reporting on transmissions of interest;
• Utilising state of the art high-tech equipment to record selected or unknown transmissions to enable in-depth analysis of these signals;
• At sea conduct initial real-time (tactical), as well as post intercept in-depth analysis of communications utilising sophisticated equipment in conjunction with a maths and physics based analytical process;
• Provide tactical indication of possible threats to warships or unit being supported, in addition to producing technical reports and summaries on transmissions of interest; and
• Operate other specific systems as required to support Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) tasking and reporting requirements.

All CTS sailors will receive training on:

• Communications theory, including radio wave propagation;
• Operation of acquisition, recording, and processing equipment;
• Analytical techniques including methodical problem solving methods;
• Communications networks;
• Formats, terminology, and theory of pattern analysis (traffic analysis);
• The fighting structure or the ‘order of battle’ of foreign military forces;
• Procedures for processing and distributing intelligence data; and
• Methods for handling, distributing, and safeguarding intelligence information.

Cryptologic Category sailors are a key component of the Navy Warfare Community, and part of a highly trained and internationally respected maritime force. The ability of the Navy to conduct combat operations depends on a number of factors with the professional skills and dedication of CTS sailors an integral part of this capability.

Whilst all CTS personnel have specialist skills, they are first and foremost sailors. As such, they are expected to take part in normal Navy activities when at sea and ashore. Some of these activities include:

• Responding to emergencies such as a fire or flood;
• Cleaning communal areas of the ship, including your own living space;
• Loading supplies such as food, water and equipment; and
• Working outside of your normal working hours as required.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What kind of people does the Navy want?

For CTS sailors the selection process is designed to determine people who can quickly grasp technical concepts, and are willing to work in a demanding environment as a key member of a Warfare or Intelligence Team. Usually the people that perform well in this role have a sound background in mathematics and are comfortable with the fundamentals of physics.

Do I have to get some sort of a security clearance?

Yes. The day-to-day employment of CTS sailors is of a highly sensitive nature. If the details of their employment were to be compromised, then lives of Australian servicemen and women could be jeopardised.

For this reason, candidates for selection as CTS sailors undergo a detailed security evaluation. The security clearance procedure is necessary to ensure only suitable persons are granted access to sensitive information. All CTS sailors must be suitable to hold a Top Secret Positive Vet (TSPV) security clearance. There can be no exceptions to this requirement.

Where will I work?

At sea you will be employed in a tactical environment and utilise your specialist skills to provide situational awareness to Commanding Officers and Warfare Teams, in the form of early warning information. This enables possible threats to be avoided or neutralised, and helps to assure a winning edge in combat.

When serving ashore, you will be either remotely supporting tactical war fighters at sea or the ADF in direct support of Coalition operations. You may also be involved in Australia’s strategic intelligence collection effort.

Whilst ashore you can expect to spend time in Canberra (ACT) and Nowra (NSW), and you may also have the opportunity to work in Toowoomba (QLD), Melbourne (VIC) or other localities depending on Navy requirements. During these non-sea postings, you can expect to work in a joint Defence environment with members of the Army and Air Force, as well as civilian personnel.

Are women employed as CTS sailors?

Certainly, female CTS sailors are employed under identical conditions as their male colleagues and have even been offered the opportunity to serve on submarines if they wish.

Do all CTS sailors serve on ships at sea?

Yes, all CTS sailors are required to serve at sea and can be deployed on any platform from an Armidale Class Patrol Boat (ACPB) to the new Landing Helicopter Docks (LHD) scheduled to enter service in the near future.

You may also be required to deploy on submarines as part of a specialist team.

Service on submarines and surface ships attracts payment of substantial allowances that are additional to your normal salary. These allowances are tiered depending on length of service at sea.

By virtue of Navy’s core role of fighting and winning at sea the obligation for sea service will continue throughout each stage of your career progression. This service is fundamental to your professional development as a CTS sailor.