The Army Satellite Communications Systems Operator-Maintainer (PMOS 25S) is a versatile, highly skilled soldier that receives concentrates and retransmits satellite communications traffic. They provide cryptographic security for these transmissions. The transmitter-receiver operator-maintainer supervises the installation, operation, and Maintenance of satellite networks on tactical battlefields in all weather conditions using a variety of equipment. The broader responsibility of this MOS includes the mission planning necessary to ensure optimum use of communications capabilities from orbiting satellites.
MOS 25S is a part of List of All Army Mos.
Table of Contents
MOS 25S Requirements: Qualifications and Skills
In order to become a MOS 25S, there are a few requirements you need to acquire:
Qualification
Applicants should have a high school diploma or be a GED graduate with experience as a civilian technician or operator/maintainer for satellite communication systems. There are no age restrictions to enlist into this MOS, but applicants must have been U.S. citizens.
ASVAB scores must be valid at the time of application to qualify for consideration. To be an Army Satellite Communication System Operator, applicants will undergo rigorous training, including the U.S. Army Signal School Basic Course for 10 weeks and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for 18 weeks. A 117 score on the Electronics segment is required.
The course includes extensive simulations and hands-on experience operating satellite ground terminals and satellite communication systems. You’ll also learn how to install, configure, operate and maintain equipment; perform switching operations; provide customer service; take measurements; assemble mechanical devices; use power tools; read blueprints for the layout of parts needed for fabrication work.
Work under stress
Operators, maintainers, and repairmen of the MOS 25S are often faced with changing needs and unforeseen obstacles. They may be required to work under stressful conditions such as long hours or working weekends. This job requires operators to monitor software progress during live operations.
Thrive in a team environment
Operators will often work alone on some tasks but would also work in a team environment for the integration of future systems or more complex components that require coordination. Operators provide oversight on multiple technicians at once who are responsible for monitoring, implementing changes, resolving errors, troubleshooting coordination problems, and communicating with each other through walkie-talkies or cell phones.
The need for continual communication is essential to maintaining SATCOM’s operation. For instance, if the satellite system is experiencing errors, operators are required to break down the error code and determine how it can be corrected. Furthermore, systems must be programmed according to the system’s capabilities rather than following what was originally intended by developers.
However, programmers or maintainers may work independently if needed to address other issues. This job also requires operators to work with many other types of professionals such as electrical technicians, engineers, computer specialists, and software specialists in order to complete the mission effectively. Thus this job requires strong teamwork skills that allow operators to communicate with each other and other personnel on a regular basis in order to complete the mission effectively.
Job Responsibilities
A few main responsibilities are associated with MOS 25S, including satellite communications, quality control tests, paperwork, network operation, and preventive maintenance.
Satellite Communications
Satellite Communications (S.C.) is the provision of communications capabilities through the use of geostationary (satellite) earth-orbiting satellite systems. Army personnel must possess an Army Qualification Test that has earned entry into S.C. and then serve as an operator/maintenance to provide the high-level management of operations for satellite equipment. After understanding how S.C. works, they must be able to install, operate, maintain, and test this equipment in order to meet mission requirements.
The MOS 25S is responsible for providing satellite communications (SATCOM) services through point to point, point to multi-point, and broadcast. They plan, set up, operate, maintain and monitor Satellite Ground Equipment (SGD). SATCOM operators provide instructions to the SATCOM system concerning the transmission of information between two or more locations. These instructions are provided by them using Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS) equipment which enables the operator to communicate with both terrestrial and satellite facilities. The ATIS equipment consists of VHF/FM equipment used in providing initial instructions to aircraft or ships, or ground stations upon request. They will also monitor data link messages which are sent between computers by way of radios via satellites. Operators are responsible for providing the essential command information between two or more points via satellite equipment.
Quality control tests
Quality control tests for MOS 25S are used to measure the performance of an item in use. This is typically done when an operation has begun or when there are insufficient parts available for a complete test. The quality control testing process specifies the types of tests which should be performed in order to assess whether or not an operation is being executed effectively.
The Quality control tests specified by MOS 25S include: Inspection, sample preparation, beam power measurements, checkerboard pattern generation, carrier lock-on/off measurements, as well as coupler sensitivity and signal power measurements. In the United States Army, quality control testing is used to measure the performance of a product in use. For example, a soldier may need to know how well the antenna on his radio works during certain conditions, such as on a cloudy day or when there is a lot of interference.
Two types of quality control tests for MOS 25S are system performance tests and subjective tests. System performance tests are used to assess the overall operation of an item during the performance of an operation. The purpose of these tests is to determine an item’s capability for its intended purpose. System performance tests check for failures, identifying whether or not there are any problems with the instrument so that corrective action can be taken before it malfunctions and causes damage. Subjective tests assess the condition or performance of an item based on human input. The purpose of these tests is to verify that a product meets acceptable criteria for its intended purpose. Subjective testing requires a trained technician who will use his or her knowledge and experience to evaluate whether or not the item is operating as it should be
System and Equipment Paperwork
The MOS 25S is responsible for preparing and filing records, data, reports, work requests, equipment transfers, etc. To complete this job duty, the MOS 25S will utilize the AFDD 13-8 to ensure all paperwork is filed correctly. Conduct network operations: The MOS 25S performs system testing using various test equipment plants to ensure the SCCS is operating properly. This includes conducting voice and data tests on satellite links. When an anomaly occurs, the MOS 25s must troubleshoot the problem to determine the cause of failure. They are also required to provide recommendations on how to correct problems discovered during testing.
Conduct network operations
The MOS 25S performs system testing using various test equipment plants to ensure the SCCS is operating properly. This includes conducting voice and data tests on satellite links. When an anomaly occurs, the MOS 25s must troubleshoot the problem to determine the cause of failure. They are also required to provide recommendations on how to correct problems discovered during testing.
Preventive Maintenance
It is a series of planned or unscheduled repairs that are done before the satellite communication system fails. A preventive maintenance schedule is developed by communication site personnel. Preventive Maintenance may be accomplished by the operator/maintainer on his/her own or under contract to a third-party contractor.
Preventive Maintenance Includes: Maintaining inventory on consumables and expendables, performing on-going preventive maintenance tasks, performing periodic inspections by qualifying personnel for satellite communication system operating positions, scheduling replacements of failed components, preparing for emergencies, including tests of communication equipment prior to use in field operations.
Salaries
As in the Army, the salary depends largely on the individual’s rank or time in service. Here is a list of Pay Grade, Rank, and Minimum Monthly Pay:
Private (E-1), Min Pay: $1785
Private Second Class (E-2), Min Pay: $2001
Private First Class (E-3), Min Pay: $2104
Specialist (E-4), Min Pay: $2330
Corporal (E-4), Min Pay: $2330
Sergeant (E-5), Min Pay: $2542
Staff Sergeant (E-6), Min Pay: $2775
Sergeant First Class (E-7), Min Pay: $3208
Master Sergeant (E-8), Min Pay: $4480
First Sergeant (E-8), Min Pay: $4480
Sergeant Major (E-9), Min Pay: $5473
Command Sergeant Major (E-9), Min Pay: $5473
Sergeant Major of the Army (E-9), Min Pay: $5473
Benefits
There are several benefits associated with MOS 25S, including medical insurance, paid sick time, vacation time, free housing and food, as well as tuition assistance:
Medical Insurance
The Army MOS 25S provides a wide variety of medical benefits, including mandatory health and accident coverage. Medical coverage is obtained through the special Program. The Program offers a wide variety of medical services at participating facilities where you can visit for routine checkups, routine hospitalization and inpatient care, and outpatient care. Service members’ dependents may qualify for coverage too!
Paid sick time
Active-duty soldiers and airmen receive paid sick leave in the service, which is vital for physical, mental, and emotional health. The Soldier may use up to three days of sick leave for minor illnesses such as colds, flu, and upset stomachs. Paid sick leave may be used concurrently with any other paid leave time the Soldier is entitled to receive in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
Vacation Time
Sick leave and annual leave earned as a Soldier or as an Officer may be used as vacation (vacation leave). Vacation hours earned as a soldier may be used for any purpose the Soldier desires, except those military obligations that require immediate retention on active duty. Vacation hours earned as an officer cannot be carried over to the next calendar year.
Free Housing and food
The Army MOS 25S provides a wide variety of benefits, including housing and food allowances. Soldiers are eligible for the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). The BAH is paid into your bank account each month and will cover rent, utilities, furniture rental, and other miscellaneous expenses related to quarters. This allowance can be used to help offset any housing expenses not covered by the BAH, such as mortgage or interest payments on loans secured by Army-owned real estate.
Tuition Assistance
The Army MOS 25S is eligible for Tuition Assistance (T.A.) to help pay for college courses. To qualify, the Soldier must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a qualifying institution. The tuition assistance courses must lead to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree or another credential such as a vocational certificate that will make the Soldier more valuable to the Army and U.S. society in general or improve the Soldier’s performance of his or her duty assignments.
Job Opportunities
The Army satellite communication system operator/ maintainer (MOS 25S) is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing Army satellite communications equipment. These specialists are trained to operate and maintain various types of satellite equipment, including ground stations, telecommunication antennas, receive-only terminals (ROT’s), transmit-only terminals (TOT’s), mobile terminals (M.T.’s), and land mobile radios. A few job opportunities of MOS 25S are listed as below:
Communications Equipment Operators
In the U.S. Army, Soldiers in this job are responsible for operating and maintaining a variety of communications equipment, including satellite systems, transceivers and transmitters, and cryptographic equipment. They must also operate a computer terminal used by communications specialists to troubleshoot problems with communications equipment. All these operators work for Signal Support Teams that provide combat commanders with voice or data communication capabilities. These Signal Support Teams are organized into three tiers based on the type of network they can access: wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), or tactical backhaul/satellite terminal (TAS/STL).
Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Installers and Repairers
These Soldiers install, operate, and repair electronics in homes. Many of the products they work on are entertainment systems. Their workstations are equipped with modern equipment, such as digital audio tape players, televisions, digital video disc (DVD) players, and laserdisc players. They operate audiovisual test equipment to ensure that electronic components are functioning correctly. These Soldiers also perform preventative maintenance checks on audiovisual systems for customers based on manufacturer’s schedules or when customers request special checks be performed.
First-line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
These Soldiers oversee the work of mechanics in Army depots who repair all types of Army trucks and other vehicles. They also supervise the work of laborers who perform routine Maintenance on Army vehicles. These supervisors keep detailed records of mechanics’ work, training records, and inspection reports. They must be able to read blueprints, shop drawings, and technical manuals to interpret repairs that are needed.
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
They are responsible for developing and delivering state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems. These systems protect Army forces by preventing the enemy from using electromagnetic energy, disrupting enemy electronic equipment, and jamming enemy electronics. Electrical engineers work closely with vehicle electrical engineers to design and test combat vehicle electrical systems. They also work with software developers to ensure that their designs can be operated remotely over long distances. Electronics engineers must be able to read technical manuals, magazine articles, and scientific journals about electronics technology. They must also have an aptitude for using computers to design electronic circuits.
Summary of MOS 25S
MOS 25S is the entry-level skill level in the Army Satellite Communication System Operator/ Maintainer career field. This particular military occupation is located in the Army Satellite Communications Branch. Serves as a satellite communications systems operator/maintenance person who supervises and participates in multi-satellite communications system operations, troubleshoots satellite equipment issues, operates satellite system equipment associated with uplinks and downlinks, disseminates information to field units, analyzes orbital positions of satellites for the effectiveness of operations.
FAQs
What does a MOS 25S do?
MOS 25S satellite communication systems operator-maintainer (SOCM) operators and maintainers prepare systems to meet operational requirements, keep satellite equipment operating and maintaining during operation, troubleshoot issues with the equipment, and operate and maintain ground terminals.
MOS 25S training will teach you to operate space-based communication equipment on ground stations, installation, ships, and aircraft to communicate with satellites orbiting the Earth. You’ll be trained in the navigation of geosynchronous orbits, managing assets from orbiters or from on-the-ground systems, operating equipment that transfers data from one location to another via a live satellite connection or through stored data files; sending messages; monitoring information output; conducting electronic correspondence; completing records of activities; performing software updates.
How much does a MOS 25S make?
The salary for SOCM is determined by their qualifications and experience. A MOS 25S earns a salary of $49,430 a year.
What is a satellite communications operator?
SOCMs operate and maintain ground terminals, accomplish space-to-ground communications, perform remote terminal operations, and use software to plan satellite network configurations. They communicate with other SOCMs or other satellite operators through voice or data networks. SOCMs may work directly with Army field units or communications stations to provide satellite communications, conduct signal monitoring, analyze communication signals for quality assurance purposes, use computer systems to control video teleconferencing systems for internal conferences, and formal instruction programs pertaining to the MOS 25S specialty area.
How long is AIT for MOS 25s?
AIT consists of 18 weeks of training, which includes basic information on the military occupation, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), mission task organization (MTO), and procedures for application, handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials.