The Duties of Army MOS 25W Telecommunications Operations Chief

A telecommunications operations chief in the Army overseas information systems supports functions for command, control, communications, and computers used at all echelons of the Army.

It is not an entry-level position; the four military occupational specialties (MOS) that feed into this one, which is 25W, are Radio Operator-Maintainer (MOS 25C); Cable Systems Installer-Maintainer (MOS 25L), Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainer (MOS 25N) and Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator (MOS 25Q).

Duties of MOS 25W

It is a crucial role in the Army’s telecom sector. These soldiers do everything from planning, coordinating, configuring and supervising Army telecommunications to maintain, operate and install telecom networks.

They work with all manner of Army telecom equipment, including radio, switching, cable, and automation equipment. These soldiers supervise the installation, operation, strapping, re-strapping, preventive maintenance checks, and services and unit level maintenance on communication security devices.

They provide technical assistance and advice both to commanders and subordinates and disseminate operations information to ensure that all telecommunications are working as intended. That also means ensuring that logistical support is available at all times and that personnel is trained and ready.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the duties MOS 25W performs but is a glimpse into the complex and technical nature of this Army job. 

Training Requirements for MOS 25W

Since this isn't an entry-level position, there are no corresponding test scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. To qualify for this job, soldiers need to graduate from an advanced NCO (non-commissioned officer) course that is under the auspices of the USA Signal School. It can be waived with the appropriate experience.

The ASVAB requirements for the entry-level Army jobs that feed into MOS 25W are as follows:

• Radio Operator-Maintainer (MOS 25C): score of 98 on surveillance and communications (SC) segment and an 89 in electronics (EL)
• Cable Systems Installer-Maintainer (MOS 25L): 89 in EL and 89 in SC
• Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainer (MOS 25N): 102 in EL and 102 in SC
• Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator (MOS 25Q): 98 in EL and 98 in SC

A secret security clearance is required for soldiers in MOS 25W. since they are privy to highly sensitive Army communications. A history of drug conviction or activity and personal financial problems could disqualify applicants from receiving this clearance from the Department of Defense. But by the time a soldier is in this job, he or she has likely already received such clearance. Secret DoD clearances are valid for 10 years. 

Soldiers in MOS 25W must be U.S. citizens. 

Civilian Occupations Similar to MOS 25W

There isn't an exact equivalent in the civilian workforce, but the mechanical skills you'll learn will prepare you for jobs involving the installation and repair of communications equipment.