Job satisfaction - intelligence /signals

[Offwidth]

Hello,

I am 29 with an itch to retrain into a more fulfilling career. Being realistic, I would probably be looking to serve for 8 - 10 years (though anything is possible).

Electronic warfare and signals intelligence looks like a fascinating role - are the skills transferable into civvie life after a relatively short stint in the army?

How have people found it joining at at older age? Free and single so no issues there, but would hope to start a family in the next 5 years. I'm on 40k/yr currently and so the pay cut is significant. Whilst money isn't the main motivator (or I wouldn't be here), for that drop in beer tokens, I'd want to be learning an extremely valuable skill, using it to make a difference and having a laugh along the way.

I'd consider officer but my main focus is to retrain and be a do-er - really get my fingernails into the technical aspects of the role. Plus I'm too old. I've plenty of management experience that I can pick up again later in life and would hopefully stand me in good stead for promotions. I've got a master's degree so had something between the ears once, but really it's just a tick on a bit of paper now, only really useful for impressing my gran.

Another option would be the reserves, but I don't have a fixed location right now.

All responses appreciated - happy to be told I'm barking up the wrong tree. Especially interested how ex signals / intelligence people have got on in civvie street.

Cheers

 

[old_bloke]

Have an ex RAF mate . Did his 22 got out , Comms was his background for the 22.

Now been out 4 years , changed his job 4 times since , now very happy , working near Cheltenham.

At 29 I would go for the RAF myself.

 

[Tuffty]

Give the Army a miss mate and go for the RAF or Navy if they have the equivalent.

People arent leaving the Army in droves "cos its great" now are they

 

[Tyk]

I've worked with loads of serving and ex mil signals (from all 3 branches and several nationalities) types either as team members or suppliers to my projects and I'd certainly say their backgrounds have come in handy and been transferable. Not the least being they know how to knuckle down and get the work done or suggest better options for what they are tasked with.
As the basis for a post military career if you exploit the opportunity to learn then I'd say you could certainly do worse.

 

[Rikki_Tikki_Tavi]

No experience of the RAF, though on the Int side they have a good rep and tend to get more roles in the joint space (I think). Be aware to be an EW Op you need some fairly detailed clearances, if you don't pass them you may well end up as another trade in Signals. On those grounds Int Corps may be a safer bet to ensure you end up in the right area of interest. You may also wish to look at the career options in "Cyber" (******* hate that word), but if you have a penchant for programming and windowless rooms - worlds your oyster (possibly).

 

[Glad_its_all_over]

No experience of the RAF, though on the Int side they have a good rep and tend to get more roles in the joint space (I think). Be aware to be an EW Op you need some fairly detailed clearances, if you don't pass them you may well end up as another trade in Signals. On those grounds Int Corps may be a safer bet to ensure you end up in the right area of interest. You may also wish to look at the career options in "Cyber" (******* hate that word), but if you have a penchant for programming and windowless rooms - worlds your oyster (possibly).

Clearance requirements in the Int Corps are identical or higher to those of the specialist R Signals trades.

EW/Sigint roles can be incredibly interesting, challenging and are fantastic for post-Service days; on the other had, there are some unique stresses and requirements and they're not for everyone. As a postgrad, you wouldn't be all that unusual in the ranks in either cap badge. As you say, your age may go against you, especially when your fitness and health start to decline while your peers (with whom you're competing) are still at their prime.

 

[Dalef65]

At 29, earning 40k and with management experience under your belt, are you sure you want to/have the patience to go through the buggeration of basic and the bullshit treatment you will encounter as a lower rank.?

 

[Offwidth]

At 29, earning 40k and with management experience under your belt, are you sure you want to/have the patience to go through the buggeration of basic and the bullshit treatment you will encounter as a lower rank.?

I'm certainly not sure! I've seen some of the similar roles you can come out of phase 2 as a L Cpl which might evade some of the bullshit?

And then there is also the option of the reserves whilst working my regular job - I shall do some research into the skills you can learn there.

 

[old_n_fat]

As has already been said. At 29, join the Air Farce. Better conditions, less bullshit.

 

[Offwidth]

As has already been said. At 29, join the Air Farce. Better conditions, less bullshit.

Thanks - I've taken that on board and am awaiting a call back from the careers office.