Intelligence communications interceptor

Intelligence communications interceptors work in the air force in the development of intelligence in places like headquarters and command posts. They search and intercept electromagnetic traffic transmitted in different languages.

The following job titles also refer to intelligence communications interceptor:

signal intelligence voice interceptor
communications intelligence intercept operator
communications interceptor, intelligence analyst
communications interceptor
electronic intelligence intercept operator
intelligence intercept operator
military intelligence communications interceptor
communications locator

High school diploma is generally required to work as intelligence communications interceptor. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Intelligence communications interceptor is a Skill level 1 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to intelligence communications interceptor.

air force pilot
warfare specialist
sergeant
special forces officer
bomb disposal technician

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of intelligence communications interceptor. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of intelligence communications interceptor with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

telecommunications equipment maintainer
aircraft dispatcher
railway electronic technician
aircraft marshaller
cattle pedicure

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of intelligence communications interceptor.

Electronic signals intelligence: The types of military intelligence-gathering by the use of electronic sensors.
Geographic information systems: The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
Electromagnetism: The study of electromagnetic forces and the interaction between electric and magnetic fields. The interaction between electrically charged particles can create magnetic fields with a certain range or frequency and electricity can be produced by the changing of these magnetic fields.
Global navigation satellite system performance parameters: Know the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) performance parameters, and the requirements that an GNSS system should possess in specific conditions.
Air force operations: The operations, procedures and compliant behaviour of a military air force, and of a specific air force base.
Surveillance radars: Know that Mode A/C Secondary Surveillance Radar stations continuously interrogate all aircraft within their range. Know that Mode S Secondary Surveillance Radar stations carry out interrogations of aircraft within their coverage.

These skills are necessary for the role of intelligence communications interceptor.

Operate radio equipment: Set up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones. Understand the basics of radio operator language and, when necessary, provide instruction in handling radio equipment correctly.
Analyse transmitted communications: Monitor and analyse data, waveforms, measurements, images or transmitted communications and emissions and identify elecrical anomalies.
Operate radio navigation instruments: Operate radio navigation instruments to determine the position of aircraft in the airspace.
Operate two-way radio systems: Use radios that can receive and transmit sound signals in order to communicate with similar radios on the same frequency such as mobile phones and walkie talkies.
Develop military intelligence records: Analyse information and develop military intelligence records by putting multiple types of information with other sources of information in perspective.
Use different communication channels: Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
Use geographic information systems: Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Write routine reports: Compose routine reports; identify appropriate forms or documents to record data from manual inspections and/or electronic systems. Write clear observations as required. A written report is usually a summary of readings from the routine performance of the reticulation system.
Identify electronic signals: Perform signal identification by analysing collected parameters in different languages and by electromagnetic radiation. These signals mostly originate in defense networks and are emitted from electronic parts such as radars and aircraft.
Perform scrambling operations: Control and monitor the air force radio network and perform scrambling operations or intrusions, which mean to disrupt the functioning of adverse emissions. Scrambling is mostly performed on voice communication and signals by the use of Digital Signal Processors (DSP).
Operate radar equipment: Operate radar screens and other radar equipment; ensure that aircraft fly at a safe distance from one another.
Coordinate the allocation of mode s radars to interrogator codes: Ensure correct and safe operation of Mode S Secondary Surveillance Radars. Ensure they are configured with an Interrogator Code (IC) allocated specifically to each radar.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of intelligence communications interceptor. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Geographic areas: Know the geographic area in detail; know where different organisations carry out operations.
Aircraft flight control systems: Know the setting, features and operation of aircraft flight control systems. Manage flight control surfaces, cockpit controls, connections, and operating mechanisms required to control the flight direction of an aircraft. Operate aircraft engine controls in order to change aircraft speed.
Radars: Systems that can use radio waves or microwaves to capture the speed, direction, range, and altitude of objects. It can be used for the detection of aeroplanes, ships, and weather formations.
Military code: The code language used in specific intelligence or military organisations and operations, how to use and decipher them.
Electronics principles: The study of electric energy, more specifically electron, control and its prominent principles regarding integrated circuits and electrical systems.
Military aviation: The rules and regulations concerning military aviation procedures, such as military air space, aviation procedures in civilian air space, and specific military aviation equipment.
Aviation meteorology: Understand aviation meteorology to deal with the impact of weather on air traffic management (ATM). Understand how thorough changes in pressure and temperature values at airports can create variations in head and tail-wind components, and may impose low visibility operating conditions. Knowledge of aviation meteorology can help to reduce negative impact on the ATM system by diminishing disruption and the consequent problems of disturbed flow rates, lost capacity and induced additional costs.
Civil aviation regulations: Know civil aviation regulations, rules and signals, including marshalling signals.
Common aviation safety regulations: The body of legislation and regulations that apply to the field of civil aviation at regional, national, European and International levels. Understand that regulations aimed at protecting citizens at all times in civil aviation; ensure that operators, citizens, and organisations comply with these rules.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of intelligence communications interceptor. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Gather technical information: Apply systematic research methods and communicate with relevant parties in order to find specific information and evaluate research results to assess the information’s relevance, relating technical systems and developments.
Gather data: Extract exportable data from multiple sources.
Perform risk analysis: Identify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation’s functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.
Perform data analysis: Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.
Translate foreign language: Translate words, sentences, and concepts from a foreign language into your mother tongue or another foreign language.
Apply air force procedures: Apply the procedures present in a military air force and on a specific base and being compliant with all the regulations and policies.
Perform electromagnetic geophysical measurements: Measure the structure and composition of the ground using electromagnetic devices which are either on the ground or airborne.
Apply military aviation regulations: Apply the procedures and regulations present in military aviation operations and missions, ensuring compliance with policies, safety and security.
Apply frequency management: Develop and manage multiple communication channels to produce extra capacity in the VHF-COM band.

310 – Armed forces occupations, other ranks

 

 

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References

1. Intelligence communications interceptor – ESCO