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Technology & Networking in the North Dakota Army National Guard

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Technology & Networking
Control Communications

Knowledge is power, and the Guard relies on an advanced communication network to get it—and protect it. From Soldiers on the ground to command centers to attack helicopters, technical experts make communication possible—and global.

Information technology (IT) and networking specialists maintain devices, troubleshoot malfunctions and run network facilities. The Guard trains these Soldiers in those vital skills, which are more than tactical—they’re also marketable to civilian employers in this Information Age.

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Enlisted MOS Options

OVERVIEW
An Information Technology Specialist maintains and troubleshoots systems that support the Army’s logistics and classified data. They build firewalls that can withstand any cyberattack and the programs that Guard Soldiers rely on to accomplish their mission.

JOB DUTIES

  • Perform maintenance on networks, hardware and software
  • Help others learn to use networks and software
  • Build and test your own computer applications

REQUIREMENTS
To serve in the Guard, you must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identifies which Army National Guard job is best for you. You must also be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance.

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Skilled Technical (ST): 95

Learn more about the ASVAB.

TRAINING
Job training for an information technology specialist, requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 19 weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, GA with on-the-job instruction.

  • Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
  • Use of computer consoles and equipment
  • Computer systems concepts
  • Planning, designing and testing computer systems

HELPFUL SKILLS

  • Interest in computer science
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Experience in installation of computers

OVERVIEW
The Telecommunications Operator-Maintainer  performs specialized computer network defense duties, including infrastructure support, incident response, auditing and managing. The Cyber Network Defender also protects against and detects unauthorized activity in the cyberspace domain and uses a variety of tools to analyze and respond to attacks.

JOB DUTIES

  • Test, implement and deploy infrastructure hardware and software
  • Respond to crisis or urgent situations within the network to mitigate immediate and potential cyber threats
  • Use defensive measures and information collected from a variety of sources to identify, analyze and report events that occur or might occur within the network in order to protect information, information systems and networks from threats
  • Provide detailed analysis reports as necessary
  • Use mitigation, preparedness, and response and recovery approaches as needed
  • Conduct assessments of threats and vulnerabilities

REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify as a Telecommunications Operator-Maintainer, the successful candidate must have:

  • An SSG, MOS immaterial, with at least four years of experience in IA and IT; this experience must be verified by the personnel development officer
  • Top Secret security clearance

Contact your recruiter for additional requirements.

TRAINING
Job training for a Telecommunications Operator-Maintainer is conducted under the auspices of the USA Signal School at Fort Gordon, GA. Training will last 14 weeks at Fort Gordon, GA and will be both in the classroom and hands-on. Contact your commanding officer for inquiries regarding waivers.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

  • Conducting defensive cyberspace operations
  • Conducting offensive cyberspace operations
  • Analyzing information

HELPFUL SKILLS

  • Self-discipline, confidence and intelligence
  • Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
  • Ability to make quick decisions
  • Capability to bear numerous responsibilities

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)

  • General Technical (GT) : 105
  • Skilled Technical (ST) : 105

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

COMPENSATION
Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

EDUCATION BENEFITS
In the Army National Guard, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships; allowances for books and fees; and an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in certain government agencies, as well as jobs in private electronic/communication companies.

OVERVIEW
The Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager watches over and manages the electromagnetic spectrum used by our forces’ variety of communication devices, ensuring that forces stay in contact with one another.

JOB DUTIES

  • Develop, produce and distribute the Signal Operating Instructions (SOI) using computer software programs
  • Maintain a database of frequency requests and assignments, and perform periodic reviews and updates
  • Take steps to resolve frequency interference reports and maintain a database of interference incidents
  • Prepare and forward properly formatted frequency requests to the appropriate military or civilian agency for coordination and approval
  • Perform unlimited frequency planning, selection and deconfliction using automated tools
  • Perform system field-level maintenance on authorized signal equipment and associated electronic devices
  • Operate and perform preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) on assigned vehicles and power generators

TRAINING
To become an Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager, a candidate must be a Staff Sergeant with less than 12 years in service and have Advanced Leader Course (ALC) or Structured Self Development (SSD) II completed.

A candidate may be a Sergeant with a waiver granted by the Commandant, U.S. Army Signal School. If the candidate is a Sergeant, they must be promotable with Advanced Leader Course (ALC) or Structured Self-Development (SSD) II completed.

Formal Training (completion of MOS 25E Course) is mandatory unless waived by the Commandant, U.S. Army Signal School.

HELPFUL SKILLS

  • Interest in electronics and communications
  • Clear writing and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to analyze issues, and identify and solve problems
  • Computer knowledge and skills
  • Confident decision-making skills
  • Ability to work as a team member

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn and use will help prepare you for a career with companies that produce communications and electronic equipment. Additional study and two years of electronics experience will also qualify you for certification as an associate certified electronics technician.

OVERVIEW
The Network Communication Systems Specialist is critical to keeping our forces communicating via computer and video feeds. They ensure that communication flows through every kind of cable and network.

JOB DUTIES

  • Supervise, install, operate and perform limited field-level maintenance on commercial and tactical fiber, cabling and wiring, and IP-based high-speed electronic nodal systems
  • Work with integrated network control centers, network management facilities, associated multiplexing and subscriber interface equipment, multichannel line‑of‑sight systems and associated relays, tropospheric scatter communications systems, tactical terrestrial satellite communication systems, anti-jam reliable tactical terminals, communications security (COMSEC) devices, and associated equipment
  • Perform network management functions in support of maintaining, troubleshooting and reengineering of associated network assets in support of operational requirements
  • Install, operate and perform strapping/re-strapping, preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS), and field-level maintenance on COMSEC devices
  • Operate and perform PMCS on assigned vehicles, power generators and equipment

TRAINING
Job training for a Network Communication Systems Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 19 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction.

Advanced Individual Training: 19 weeks at Fort Gordon, GA

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)

  • Electronics (EL): 100
  • Aptitude (ST): 102

Learn more about the ASVAB.

HELPFUL SKILLS

  • Preference for physical work
  • Understanding of math and computer networks
  • Ability to work independently

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
Your experience and knowledge of cabling could prepare you for work with computer network installation for cable, internet and phone companies or the federal government.

OVERVIEW
Multimedia Illustrators are primarily responsible for operating multimedia-imaging equipment in order to produce visual displays and documents. They produce graphic artwork that is used in Army publications, signs, charts, posters, and television and motion picture productions.

JOB DUTIES

  • Create illustrations, layouts, map overlays, posters, graphs and charts
  • Produce computer-generated graphics
  • Draw cartoons for filmstrips and animation for films
  • Work with television and film producers to design backdrops and props for film sets

TRAINING
Job training for a Multimedia Illustrator requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and nine weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field. Advanced Individual Training is 21 weeks, 3 days at Fort Meade, MD.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

  • Introduction to graphics, lettering, drawing and layout techniques
  • Illustration and television graphic techniques
  • Theory and use of color

HELPFUL SKILLS

  • Interest in artwork or lettering
  • Ability to convert ideas into visual presentations
  • Neatness and an eye for detail

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)

  • Electronics (EL): 93
  • Skilled Technical (ST): 91

Learn more about the ASVAB.


FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career as a graphic designer or illustrator at a multimedia company or private business.

OVERVIEW
As a Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainer, you help keep open the line of communication that missions and lives depend on. Maintain a multichannel radar system that spans the entire Army. Everyone will depend on you, from first-class privates to four-star generals.

JOB DUTIES

• Maintain satellite communications equipment and associated devices
• Conduct network operations
• Prepare system- and equipment-related forms and reports

TRAINING
Job training for a Satellite Communications Systems Operator-Maintainer requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 26 weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, GA with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

  • Use of various types of communications equipment
  • Working with codes
  • Maintenance and care of communications equipment

HELFUL SKILLS

  • Interest in communications equipment and satellite systems
  • Ability to perform physically and mentally under pressure
  • Can thrive in a team environment

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Electronics (EL): 117

Learn more about the ASVAB.

WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
225N Network Management Technician
948B Electronic Systems Maintenance Warrant Officer (with approved feeder MOS waiver)

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career as a communications equipment operator at airports, telephone companies and police/fire stations.

OVERVIEW
Signal Support Systems Specialists are primarily responsible for working with battlefield signal support systems and terminal devices. This equipment needs to work in order for the Army to direct the movement of its troops.

JOB DUTIES

  • Maintain radio and data distribution systems
  • Perform signal support functions and technical assistance for computer systems
  • Provide technical assistance and training for local-area networks
  • Maintain equipment, terminal devices, assigned vehicles and power generators

TRAINING
Job training for a Signal Support Systems Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 17 weeks and four days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, GA with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

  • Mechanical and electrical principles
  • Preventive maintenance procedures
  • Line installation and wiring techniques
  • Communication security policies and procedures

HELPFUL SKILLS

  • Interest in working with electronic equipment
  • Strong problem-solving skills

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)

  • Surveillance & Communications (SC): 92
  • Electronics (EL): 93

Learn more about the ASVAB.

WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
255A Information Services Technician

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with companies that produce communications and electronic equipment. Additional study and two years of electronics experience will also qualify you for certification as an associate-certified electronics technician.

OVERVIEW
Combat Documentation/Production Specialists are primarily responsible for supervising, planning and operating electronic and film-based still, video and audio acquisition equipment in order to document combat and noncombat operations.

JOB DUTIES

  • Operate and perform unit-level maintenance on motion, still and studio television cameras
  • Prepare captions for documentation images
  • Operate electronic and film-based processing, editing, audio and printing darkroom equipment

TRAINING
Job training for a Combat Documentation/Production Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 29 weeks and 3 days of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field. Advanced Individual Training is 29 weeks, 3 days at Fort Meade, MD.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

  • Motion picture equipment operation
  • Audio recording and using sound equipment
  • Scripting and special effects techniques

HELPFUL SKILLS

  • Interest in creative/artistic work
  • Preference for working as part of a team
  • Experience in school plays or making home movies
  • Interest in photography, graphics, art, speech and drama

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)

  • Electronics (EL): 93
  • Skilled Technical (ST): 91

Learn more about the ASVAB.

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with civilian film production companies, government audiovisual studios, radio and television stations, and advertising agencies. You’ll be qualified to pursue a career as a motion picture camera operator, audiovisual production specialist, sound mixer, recording engineer, or broadcasting and recording technician.

OVERVIEW
The Chief Signal NCO plans, coordinates and directs the installation, operation, maintenance and management of integrated C2 telecommunications and information management networks.

JOB DUTIES

  • Write Command and Control Communications policy
  • Provide technical advice and assistance to commanders, staff and subordinate units
  • Coordinate Signal activities with higher, lower and adjacent headquarters
  • Perform Signal staff and senior operations NCO functions, to include writing policy, procedures, operations plans, orders and reports
  • Use computers to control and monitor network status in an operational environment
  • Develop battlefield Signal operations plans in support of organizations at battalion and higher levels, and for Joint and Combined Commands and activities

TRAINING
A Chief Signal NCO is proficient in performing the duties of a 25S, 25U and 25W MOS. They must also complete the CMF 25 Senior Leaders Course conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army Signal School, unless a waiver of formal training is granted by the Commandant, U.S. Army Signal School.

HELPFUL SKILLS

  • Knowledge of high-tech telecommunications and computer networking
  • Leadership
  • Clear writing and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work as a team member

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS 
Your experience and knowledge in this area can lead to employment in businesses as computer and information systems managers, information technology project managers, and telecommunications technology managers.

Officer MOS Options

OVERVIEW
The Signal Officer leads the Signal Corps, which is responsible for the Army’s entire system of communication. Signal Officers plan and execute all aspects of communication on a mission and are critical to the Army’s continued success.

JOB DUTIES

  • Maintain the Army’s voice, data and information systems
  • Make tactical decisions
  • Coordinate employment of signal Soldiers at all levels of command

TRAINING
Job training for a Signal Officer requires completion of the Signal Officer Basic Course, where you learn the skills and operational aspects that are used in the Signal Corps.

HELPFUL SKILLS

  • Self-discipline, confidence and intelligence
  • Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
  • Ability to make quick decisions
  • Ability to bear numerous responsibilities

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in fields such as business management. Being an officer in the Army National Guard is closely related to holding a managerial position in a corporation.

Warrant Officer MOS Options

OVERVIEW
Information Services Technicians supervises and manages information system assets associated with Automated Information Systems (AIS) and Internet Protocol (IP) local-area networks (LAN).

JOB DUTIES

  • Plan, develop, implement and test myriad state-of-the-art, real-time voice and data tactical information systems
  • Lead personnel and sections and manage the training of personnel on the installation, administration, management, maintenance, operation, integration, securing and troubleshooting of tactical AIS, intranets and video teleconferencing (VTC) systems
  • Perform system integration and administration, develop policy recommendations, and create and implement Information Assurance/Computer Network Defense (IA/CND) programs to protect and defend information, computers and networks from disruption, denial of service, degradation or destruction.
  • Develop policy recommendations and advise commanders and staffs on planning, installing, administering, managing, maintaining, operating, integrating and securing information systems on Army, joint, combined and coalition networks

MINIMUM PREREQUISITES

  • Be a SGT (E-5) or above.
  • Be a Warrior Leader Course (WLC) graduate.
  • Have Security+ (CompTIA) certification.
  • Have completed battery (not survey) of Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE), level A 9/10, with all categories (reading, total math and language) at 12th-grade level (12.9+). Applicants with an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree meet this requirement.
  • Four years of documented practical experience in information systems administration, Army Battle Command System (ABCS) administration, local-area network (LAN) administration, and/or Information Assurance/Computer Network Defense (IA/CND).
  • A minimum of 36 months of rated time documented in NCOERs.
  • A minimum of six semester hours of college composition from an accredited academic institution. Speech and public speaking courses are not considered as meeting this requirement even if administered by the English department of an institution. Successful completion of the CLEP (not composition modular) or an associate degree or higher (when the preponderance of college credit is from college instruction via credited experience) are the only acceptable alternatives.

Practical experience may be documented through NCOERs and award citations. In some instances, practical experience acquired from civilian employment may be acceptable provided the experience can be documented by employee evaluations or performance appraisals and determined to be equivalent to military experience.

This is the minimum prerequisite; all NCOERs must be submitted for consideration.

Applicant’s three most recent NCOERs must reflect outstanding duty performance ratings.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Advanced Leader Course (ALC) graduate
  • 60 semester hours of college

NOTE 1: A letter from a Senior Warrant Officer (CW3-CW5) is required. It is preferred that the letter comes from a Senior Signal Warrant Officer. Additionally, though not a requirement or prerequisite, technical certifications also add great weight to the overall strength of the packet and should be cited in the resume and included in the packet. Examples: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).

NOTE 2: Due to the large number of qualified applicants with under 12 years’ Active Federal Service for 255A, the Signal Regiment is discouraging applicants with over 12 years of AFS from applying at this time. Applicants with extenuating circumstances and exemplary files are encouraged to apply.

NOTE 3: Applicants from other military services (Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy) who can substantiate their qualifications with performance evaluations, awards and certificates are encouraged to apply for MOS 255A.

OVERVIEW
Network Management Technicians supervise and manage the operation of tactical and strategic information networks, systems, and associated personnel at the local and wide area network (LAN and WAN) level.

JOB DUTIES

  • Plan, install, administer, manage, maintain, integrate, operate, service, secure, optimize and troubleshoot information networks and systems
  • Lead personnel and sections and manage the training of personnel on the planning, installing, administrating, managing, maintaining, integrating, operating, servicing, securing, optimizing and troubleshooting of information networks and systems
  • Supervise and manage electronic keying equipment and information at the LAN and WAN level
  • Develop policy recommendations and provide technical guidance and advice to commanders and staffs on the management and operation of Army, Joint, intergovernmental, interagency and multinational information networks and systems.

MINIMUM PREREQUISITES (ALL GENERAL PREREQUISITES APPLY)

  • Be a SGT (E5) or above.
  • Be a WLC Graduate.
  • Have Security Plus (CompTIA) certification.
  • Have completed the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), complete battery, level A 9/10. Complete test (not survey) with all categories (reading, total math and language) at 12th grade level (12.9+). Applicants with an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree meet this requirement.
  • Four years of documented practical experience in voice and data internetworking, local and wide area networks (LAN and WAN), and/or network planning.
  • A minimum of 36 months of rated time documented in NCOERs.

This is the minimum prerequisite; all NCOERs must be submitted for consideration.
Applicant’s three most recent NCOERs must reflect outstanding duty performance ratings.

  • A minimum of six semester hours of College Composition (not modular) from an accredited academic institution. Speech and public speaking courses are not considered as meeting this requirement even if administered by the English department of an institution. Successful completion of the CLEP College Composition examination or an associate degree or higher (when the preponderance of college credit is from college instruction via credited experience) are the only acceptable alternatives.

Practical experience may be documented through NCO evaluation reports and award citations. In some instances, practical experience acquired from civilian employment may be acceptable, provided the experience can be documented by employee evaluations or performance appraisals and determined to be equivalent to military experience.

This is the minimum prerequisite; all NCOERs must be submitted for consideration.

Applicant’s three most recent NCOERs must reflect outstanding duty performance ratings.

PREFERRED PREREQUISITES

  • Advanced Leader Course (ALC) graduate
  • 60 Semester Hours of College

NOTE 1: A letter from a Senior Warrant Officer (CW3-CW5) is required. It is preferred that the letter comes from a Senior Signal Warrant Officer. Additionally, though not a requirement or prerequisite, technical certifications also add great weight to the overall strength of the packet and should be cited in the resume and included in the packet. Examples: CISSP, CCNA, and CCNP.

NOTE 2: Due to the large number of qualified applicants with under 12 years’ Active Federal Service (AFS) for 255N, the Signal Regiment is discouraging applicants over 12 years AFS from applying at this time. Applicants with extenuating circumstances and exemplary files are encouraged to apply.

NOTE 3: Applicants from other military services (Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy) who can substantiate their qualifications with performance evaluations, awards, and certificates are encouraged to apply for MOS 255N. Please contact the proponent POC below only for questions regarding ANY qualifications. Address all other inquiries to the Warrant Officer Recruiting Branch at wo-team@usarec.army.mil.

OVERVIEW
An Information Protection Technician provides forces with expertise for the proper employment, support and defense of strategic and tactical information networks, systems and services in the cyberspace domain.

JOB DUTIES

  • Design, build, configure, operate and maintain cybersecurity capabilities and the implementation of a defensible network architecture in support of cyber operations internal defensive measures within the DODIN in order to enumerate, illuminate, locate ad eradicate threats and respond to unauthorized activity, security alerts, attempted exploitation, data exfiltration, escalation and any additional threats to mission command
  • Implement cybersecurity policies at all echelons, direct internal defensive measures across the integrated enterprise and tactical network, assist in cryptographic network (cryptonet) planning and support Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) to reduce detection by electronic signature
  • Advise the Commander or Signal Operations Officer on the management and operation of Army cybersecurity efforts to include the identification of key terrain, mission-critical networks, nodes, applications and systems while operating within optimal, degraded, intermittent or latent environments
  • May serve as an Information Protection Technician in a Brigade Combat Team, Multifunctional Support Brigade, Cyberwarfare Support Battalion, Security Forces Assistance Brigade or Functional Support Brigade

TRAINING
An Information Protection Technician is an accession MOS. Any enlisted MOS, to include other military services, who can substantiate their qualifications with performance evaluations, awards and certificates in the Information Technology (IT) field in cyber security, computer network defense, information systems administration, local and wide area networks (LAN & WAN), and/or voice and data internetworking as assessed through the accession process meets current requirements. Candidates must successfully complete the MOS 255S Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC). Analyst and IAM Level II certifications are desired.

HELPFUL SKILLS

  • Interest and knowledge of computers
  • Ability to do detail work
  • Work toward fulfilling an objective
  • Interest in the cyberspace domain

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
Your experience and knowledge in this area can lead to employment as a network architect, computer and information systems manager, computer systems analyst, information security analyst, or network or computer system administrator.

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