Job: Cable Systems Installer-Maintainer (25L)

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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.


As one of the largest ground forces in the world, the U.S. Army needs to make sure that all forces can get the correct information. The Army communications maintenance team is responsible for making sure that all communications equipment is in top working order. This equipment allows the Army to track and direct troop, aircraft and ship movements. Cable Systems Installer-Maintainers are primarily responsible for installing, operating and performing maintenance on cable and wire communications systems, communication security devices and associated equipment. Some of your duties as a Cable Systems Installer-Maintainer may include:

* Install, operate and maintain communication security devices
* Perform test on cable communications systems to ensure circuit and system quality
* Test circuits/groups to detect and locate line faults
* Operate manual and motorized cable construction equipment
* Install and repair circuits and wiring
* Install, operate and perform maintenance on power generators
* String overhead communications and electric cables between utility poles

Job training for a Cable Systems Installer-Maintainer requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and eight weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction, including practice with equipment. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

* Mechanical, electronic and electrical principles
* Preventive maintenance procedures
* Line installation and wiring techniques
* Communication security policies and procedures

Helpful attributes include:

* An interest in working with electrical, electronic and electromechanical equipment
* An interest in solving problems

Advanced level Cable Systems Installer-Maintainers provides guidance, supervises and train other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Cable Systems Installer-Maintainer, you may be involved in:

* Coordinate and supervise the construction, installation and recovery of cable and wire communications systems and auxiliary equipment
* Coordinate remote trunking operations with switching central personnel
* Interpret and update line route maps and overlays
* Coordinate team logistic requirements

The Army offers certified apprenticeship training programs for some specialties within this occupation. The skills you learn as a Cable Systems Installer-Maintainer will help prepare you for a future with civilian companies that design and make communications and electronic equipment or with the federal government.

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