Job: Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainer (25N)

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To be a U.S. Army Soldier is to be a part of the strongest fighting force in the world. You'll spend your days training, working and serving together to protect America's freedoms. But you'll also have time after work for family, friends and personal interests. From recruitment to retirement, the U.S. Army provides a unique and diverse lifestyle for Soldiers.


With communication being such an integral and critical part of the Army, Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainers are responsible for making sure that the lines of communication are always up and running. They install, operate, maintain and repair strategic and tactical nodal systems. Some of your duties as a Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainer may include:

* Install, initialize, operate and perform field level maintenance on electronic nodal assemblages, combat net radios, and ancillary communications equipment
* Use computers and software tools to perform system/network operations
* Interpret system and equipment error codes to correct system faults
* Install, operate, maintain, perform maintenance and unit level maintenance on all internal communications systems and COMSEC devices
* Execute the installation, operation, PMCS and field level maintenance on numerous network management systems

Job training for a Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainer requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 18 weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field under simulated combat conditions. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

* Electronics/electronic switching systems repair and WAN network
* Installing, operating and maintaining telephone exchange or primary branch exchange systems
* Installing, operating and maintaining of Internet Protocol (IP) based switching, multiplexing, Video Teleconferencing (VTC) systems

Helpful attributes include:

* An interest in working with nodal equipment
* A knowledge of Internet Protocol (IP) based switching, multiplexing or Video Teleconferencing (VTC) systems
* A proficiency at the configuration, operation and troubleshooting of routers and E-switches
* An ability to remain calm in an emergency
* Top physical and mental shape
* An ability to work as a team member

Advanced level Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainer provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainer, you may be involved in:

* Supervise and perform as team chief or team member, in the installation, operation, employment, and field level maintenance on electronic IP based nodal assemblages and associated equipment
* Perform and assist subordinate operators to execute nodal and security operations, associated computer and software related technical tasks
* Interpret orders and compile system statistics for the shift and node
* Assist in reconfiguration of IP based nodal systems equipment as needed
* Implement network operations center generated changes to support operational requirements
* Direct or assist in conducting maintenance procedures on assigned equipment

The skills learned as a Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainer can easily be transferred to the civilian workforce. You'll be able to work as a network support technician, data processing technician or computer programmer in just about any company that uses computers.

* Microwave Systems Operator-Maintainer (25P)
* Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer (25Q)
* Network Switching Systems Operator-Maintainer (25F)
* Radio Operator-Maintainer (25C)
* Information Technology Specialist (25B)
* Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainer (25S)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.