Army Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer (MOS 25Q) operates and maintains equipment that communicates through more than one channel.
Soldiers in this Army MOS complete troubleshooting and repairs on any assigned multi-channel transmission system.
This is an entry-level position that requires security clearance.
Qualifications, Training and Duty Stations
To enter into this MOS recruits must meet all secret security clearances in addition to medical and physical requirements.
A minimum score of 98 on the Electronics (EL) and 98 on the Surveillance & Communications (SC) portions of the ASVAB test is required.
After taking all portions of the ASVAB test, recruits will attend 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training.
Upon successful completion of Basic Combat Training, individuals will attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Gordon, Georgia, Cyber Center of Excellence for 15 weeks.
AIT consists of classroom and hands-on training.
Skills that are helpful in this MOS:
- Problem solving
- Interest in a job involving work with electronics and fiber optics
- Ability to apply electronic concepts and principles
- Enjoys working with radios and transmissions
Related Article –Air Force Radio Frequency Transmission Systems (3D1X3): Career Details
Duty Stations
Those serving in the Army as an MOS 25Q can expect to be potentially based at one of the following duty stations:
Inside the Continental US (CONUS)
- Ft. Benning, GA
- Ft. Bliss, TX
- Ft. Bragg, NC
- Ft. Campbell, KY
- Ft. Carson, CO
- Ft. Drum, NY
- Ft. Gordon, GA
- Homestead AFB, FL
- Ft. Hood, TX
- Ft. Huachuca, AZ
- Ft. Hunter, CA
- Ft. Lewis, WA
- MacDill AFB, FL
- Ft. Meade, MD
- Ft. Polk, LA
- Ft. Riley, KS
- Ft. Sill, OK
- Ft. Stewart, GA
Outside the Continental US (OCONUS)
- Ft. Richardson, AK
- Ft. Wainwright, AK
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Grafenwoehr, Germany
- Katterbach, Germany
- Mohringen, Germany
- Patch, Germany
- Smith, Germany
- Vilseck, Germany
- Schofield, Hi
- Smith, Hi
- Wheeler, Hi
- Vicenza,Italy
- Carroll, South Korea
- Casey, South Korea
- Hovey, South Korea
- Humphreys, South Korea
- Red Cloud, South Korea
- Seoul, South Korea
- Yongsan, South Korea
What are the Job Duties in MOS 25Q?
Overall, the soldiers in this MOS are the ones who ensure all signal communications are set up and running smoothly to allow for quick, clear communication.
Their work is important because it allows for signal communication to exist that could greatly impact the success of a mission.
The Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer completes maintenance on any assigned vehicles, equipment, power generators and security devices.
The operator-maintainer is required to learn how to operate and diagnose a large range of equipment and systems.
The specialist not only learns how to perform maintenance on the equipment, but the associated transmission vehicles as well.
They can work on electrical systems, computer systems and communication systems.
Communication systems are not just wired, they involve communication through air, satellites and the stratosphere.
They are required to supervise, operate, maintain and install different multichannel transmission systems.
Some of those systems include:
- Multichannel line-of-site
- Tropospheric scatter communication systems
- Communications Security devices (COMSEC)
- Power Generators
- Radios
- Antennas
- Secure Mobile Anti-jam Reliable Tactical terminal
- Tactical Relay Tower
- Any associated equipment
Specialist will use electronics theory, the fundamentals of radio and multichannel transmissions and mobile field communication functions to complete necessary work.
They will also use the proper protocol for how to transmit secure information without any possibilities of leaking information.
At times, the position may require individuals to set up transmitters, receivers, ultra-high frequency antennas, cable modems and secure/non-secure internet protocol.
Following specific procedures for satellite and radio communication will be necessary to completing the work in this MOS.
This means learning the use of primary and back-up radio systems to ensure coverage is adequate, but not duplicated.
They are required to analyze BIT/BITE diagnostics to isolate faults in Line Replaceable Units.
When equipment completely fails, they have to diagnose the issue quickly.
Once the faults are isolated, the specialist will work to repair or replace the issue.
The issue may involve the operator-maintainer having to replace circuit card assemblies or the whole piece of equipment.
Any maintenance that is performed will be documented by the operator-maintainer for later reference and future issue supporting documentation.
This position can be in a strategic or tactical location and is just as important in a deployed situation.
Each day in this position could pose a different issue than the day before.
It is important to be knowledgeable in different areas of electronics, computer science, wiring and communications in order to be successful.
The Army video below provides more information on what daily tasks and the training required for this MOS.
What does a Multi-Channel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer get paid?
All individuals in the Army will receive the same base pay that is based on rank and time of service.
As an entry-level recruit, with no experience, individuals can expect to receive around $20,000 a year.
This amount changes throughout the training period and as rank increases.
The Army does not just provide base pay, there are recruiting opportunities that could allow for large bonuses, special pay scenarios, allowances and benefits that all add to your pay.
Follow the base pay table below for a general idea of Army income.
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Private | PVT | $1,917.60 | |
 | E-2 | Private Second Class | PV2 | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Specialist | SPC | $2,503.50 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | CPL | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | SGT | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSG | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Sergeant First Class | SFC | $3,445.80 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1SG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SGM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Command Sergeant Major | CSM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major of the Army | SMA | $6,055.50 |
Related Article –Army Nodal Network System Operator-Maintainer (MOS 25N): Career Details
Benefits
When referencing pay for the Army, benefits have to be considered.
The Army pays for both housing and food while living on-base.
This is a huge expense that comes out of your income when in a civilian position.
The Army also provides an annual military clothing allowance or civilian clothing allowance, if the position requires it.
Additional benefits include:
- Free/Low-cost medical and dental
- Low-cost life insurance
- Paid sick time
- 30 days paid vacation annually
- Tuition assistance
Job Reviews
The reviews for the Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer position are very positive.
The main aspect that previous soldiers discuss about the position is the great skills that are learned.
Other positive reviews discuss the diverse working environment and benefits.
Negative reviews discuss the potential for long hours or long deployment/field training, that take your time away from your family.
The reviews below discuss what Multichannel Transmission System Operators learned in their position.
Related Article –Army Intelligence Analyst (MOS 35F): Career Details
Civilian Career Opportunities
This MOS requires soldiers to learn a lot of information in a large variety of communication areas.
Learning a variety of skills is useful in the civilian world because it offers more career path opportunities.
Soldiers in this MOS can use their skills for civilian:
- Electrical Installer/Repairer
- Radio Operator
- Telecommunications Line Installer
- Tower Equipment Installer
Using the Army’s COOL program, soldiers can work towards credentials while in the Army that help with civilian career choices.
One of these opportunities would be to receive the Associate Electronics Technician (CETa) credential that could be GI Bill funded and assists with both Army promotions and civilian career opportunities.
Summary
Army Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer (MOS 25Q) is responsible for the installation, repair and maintenance of equipment that communicates through more than one channel.
These individuals are important because their work allows for communication to command locations all over the world.
Individuals in this position must meet secret security clearance, pass all medical/physical evaluations and meet ASVAB testing requirements.
This is an entry-level position that follows the basic pay table with additional benefits.
Previous Operator-Maintainers like the work that they perform, and generally recommend the position on reviews.
Working in MOS 25Q allows for civilian career opportunities in electrical, computer science and communication fields.
Related Article –Army Intel. Systems Maintainer (35T): Career Details
References
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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