Communications MOS??

[Jut0816]

So today I got a call from my recruiter about my MOS occupational field I had three choices, Supply, Accounting, and Communications. I chose communications after I chose I started searching for information about this MOS. I went on "http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/06.htm" but I still have some questions like where would I go for schooling and what this MOS field is like on a daily basis. I understand that some of you have TSSC so you wont be able to discuss some things but any information would be greatly appreciated. Im just looking for some insight into my future. Thank you for you time and service!

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[crazymjb]

Do you want to be comm?

Field radio operator is a pretty good gig, except people are always angry at you like it's your fault he lowest bidder million dollar garbage radio isn't working, and don't expect to sleep all that much. School is in 29 Palms, everyone deserves to go there at least once.

Mike

[Tennessee Top]

COMM Schools:
MCAGCC 29 Palms, CA: 0612/0621/0622/0623/0651
Sheppard AFB, TX: 0613
Ft Gordon Army Base, GA: 0627

Some communicators man a 24-hour comm center (shift work). When I was on embassy duty, most (maybe all) of the communicators I knew who worked in the embassy comm center were former military (they were employed by the State Department or CIA). Depending on what you learn, combined with the security clearance you're given, your MOS could translate into civilian/federal employment.

[madsox]

Radio up!

Comm can be a good MOS, you can end up anywhere from out with the grunts to working on tippity-top-secret gear in the big joint ops centers.

It was 2500 when I was in (2531 - Field Radio Operator, aka "grunt with a big f'ing target on him") and I actually had my MOS school at Pendleton, which was a nice surprise!

Just remember - the bad guys know to aim for the shiny things (why don't officers wear silver or gold in the field?) and the antennas. Ant hill == deposit ordnance here! 8-)

But seriously, Comm is a good field to be in. Lots of MOS choices that, like TN Top said, can lead you right into a good job in the civilian world later. I do a lot of work with Feds in various IT things, and there are a lot of former military comm guys in the agencies I visit often.

"Radio: If you can't truck it, f*ck it!"

[MAD MAN]

When you say comm what type of comm are you talking about MOS 06XX, 28XX, or 59XX or what else this makes a big difference on what you will be doing.
MADSOX 0621 is now Field Radio Operator

[psaechao]

So today I got a call from my recruiter about my MOS occupational field I had three choices, Supply, Accounting, and Communications. I chose communications after I chose I started searching for information about this MOS. I went on "http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/06.htm" but I still have some questions like where would I go for schooling and what this MOS field is like on a daily basis. I understand that some of you have TSSC so you wont be able to discuss some things but any information would be greatly appreciated. Im just looking for some insight into my future. Thank you for you time and service!

Okay, I think I can answer this question.

0600 is the MOS designator for Communications. Within 0600, we have our our Field Radio Operators (0621) being the bulk of the Marine Corps Communications, Wiremen (0612), Data Network Specialists (0651), our radio repair technicians and other communication MOS's.

After MCT, we continue onto our MOS training at the Marine Corps Communication Electronics School in 29 Palms. Upon completion of our MOS training, we are assigned to our unit in the Fleet.

Now even though the 0600 field is broad, I am only going to tell you about the 0621 field radio operator because this is what I know. I was an 0621 Field Radio Operator and I have been deployed to Afghanistan twice. Let me tell you that the FRO does a lot. It has it's ups and it has it's downs. It really all depends on who you're with and what you're doing.


Essentially, the FRO sets up radios to make them talk. You provide a source of communications for the people you're working for. We aren't limited to just radios, though. We also work with GPS devices, truck-towed Satellites, portable satellites, computer systems, truck-towed antennas, portable antennas, and vehicular communication system. Here are some examples of what I've done as a Field Radio Operator:

1. Carrying a radio on your back during a foot patrol. This is what people usually think of Radio Operators. The guy walking in a patrol carrying a heavy PRC-117F and a huge antenna sticking out of his day pack. In infantry units, usually the Company RO has the pleasure of this task. It sucks.

2. Radio Watch. After setting up multiple radio systems inside the COC (Combat Operations Center), running all kinds of lines, putting up all kinds of antennas, you have the pleasure of monitoring the radios. This is radio watch and it's similar to 911 Dispatching. All incoming traffic from the foot units outside are contacting you. It's your job to relay all the incoming traffic.

3. Maintenance and management. Radio Operators in the Headquarters Company are the ones who maintain radio equipment. They are the ones who are in the warehouse with all the communications equipment. Organizing equipment, reading off serial numbers, cleaning equipment, making sure equipment works, making sure the documentation to each piece of equipment is up to date, etc. etc. The hardest part about this is that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of radio equipment.

4. Instruct. I don't know if a lot of other 0621's got to do this, but my unit came up with what's called the "Combat Radio Operators Course". Basically, myself and a few other NCOs gave classes to other Marines in our unit. We taught them, tested them and gave them certificates. Teaching my knowledge to others definitely helped me hone in my skills as a Radio Operator.

5. Classes. If you're unit is smart, they will organize training events for you to go to. I was fortunate enough to go to many outside training courses. One of the biggest ones was when my unit flew me out to Bridgeport, CA, to attend the Marine Corps Mountain Command, Control and Communications course.

Hope this helps.

[psaechao]

Like I said, it also depends on who you're with.

For a short while, I was attached to the FST (Fire Support Team) as their radio operator. They are the ones who sit atop a hill somewhat close and spot the enemy using binoculars and what not to call artillery fire.

[Chief23A]

Back in 1963, I had my Comm school at Camp Hansen, Okinawa. was a 2532 (radio relay operator) In the 'nam, When the parabolic antenna went up, you had about ten seconds to get out before artillery barrages started. (needed a new job!!)

[madsox]

Speaking of Comm MOS and schools, does anybody have their school manuals from FROC school within 5-10 years of 1985? That's when I went, lost the books somewhere along the way but would love to have some for old times sake (how to calculate the length of a field expedient antenna based on frequency, specs of the different gear we were using then, all that good stuff).

If you have some, or can point me at electronic copies somewhere, that would be great!