At a glance
- Soldier
- engineering
Trained to use digital radio systems, you’ll help us keep in contact. It’s a crucial job, which comes with qualifications and an exciting Army life.
Communication is vital in the Army. You’ll be in charge of cutting-edge systems that help us keep in contact, wherever we are in the world. You could be a Soldier on the ground or you could be part of a crew in an armoured vehicle. Either way, you may have to deal with secret information and work as part of a team. First-class training will teach you everything you need to know: telecommunications, communications engineering, computing and IT. It’s a great skill set for a career outside the Army too. With sports and Adventurous Training, you’ll have a full, exciting life.
Digital Communications Technician is a Combat role in the Royal Engineers. All the Royal Engineer soldier job roles are divided into 5 groups. When you apply to the Engineers, you will apply to the trade group rather than the specific trade.
The Corps of Royal Engineers allows the Army to work all over the world, whether it's involved in active combat or disaster relief. The Corps are ‘first in’, setting up bases ready for the rest of the Army to arrive and ‘last out’, closing down patrol bases and military camps. The Corps is at the forefront in disaster-relief operations, effecting rapid repairs to damaged infrastructure in stricken areas.
Key Responsibilities
Operate radios and communications equipment
Learn about communication engineering
Become proficient in IT
Drive military vehicles
Have the responsibility of dealing with classified information
Have any questions? Talk with us
Reserve (part time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 17 years & 9 months to 42 years & 6 months
Qualifications:
No formal qualifications or experience required.
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3m
MSFT (beep test) level 7.5
Army Reserve standards
Mid Thigh Pull: 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw: 2m 70cm
MSFT (beep test): Level 5 shuttle 8
Training for the role
Step 1
You start Basic Training, this consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.
Module 1: Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre OR a nine-day residential course.
Module 2: Battlecamp. 15-day residential course at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.
Step 2
You head to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment near Camberley, Surrey, for 2 weeks. Here, you learn military engineering skills, such as knots and lashings, explosive demolitions, mine warfare and bridge building.
Step 3
Your DCT Trade Training will happen during a further 2-week course at RSME. Here, you will learn all about Digital Communication, both portable and fitted to vehicles.
Qualifications you could get after training
Cat B and C+E driving licence
Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeship (NVQ Technical Certificate and Functional Skills) in Communication Technologies and Telecoms (EdExcel)
Pay & benefits
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £63.27 in training and once you're a Private and increasing as you rise through the ranks. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.
How to Apply
When you decide to apply, your local unit will help you through the process - you don't need to wait until you've finished Army Assessment to get involved.
To join, you have to apply online. The application process will take some time, but you can also ring the unit you're interested in joining - the team there will help often invite you to join them for drill nights, and you'll get support for your application.