For employers seeking candidates with technical skill, discipline, and real-world operational experience, veterans of the Royal Corps of Signals offer a talent pool that is often overlooked. These soldiers don’t just communicate in battle, they operate and maintain the critical digital infrastructure that modern military operations rely on.
In this article, we’ll explore the typical roles and responsibilities of service leavers from the Royal Corps of Signals and how their capabilities align with the needs of commercial employers in sectors such as Information Technology (IT), telecoms, cyber security, engineering, project management, and more.
What Is the Royal Corps of Signals?
The Royal Corps of Signals is the British Army’s communications and information systems (CIS) specialists. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that troops have secure, reliable, and efficient communication, whether on a battlefield, humanitarian mission, or during peacekeeping operations.
Their work spans voice and data communications, satellite and radio systems, network engineering, and cyber defence. Crucially, they operate in high-pressure environments and are trained to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems quickly and effectively.
Key Skills Developed in the Royal Corps of Signals
1. Network & Systems Engineering
Royal Signals's oldiers often gain Cisco, CompTIA, or Microsoft certifications during their military service. They are trained to install, configure, and manage secure communications networks, making them a strong fit for roles in network administration, systems support, and infrastructure engineering.
2. Cyber Security Awareness
Many soldiers work with classified communications and understand how to operate within high-security environments. Some go on to specialise in cyber defence roles, making them well-suited to jobs in penetration testing, risk management, or cyber incident response.
3. Project & Operations Management
As they rise in rank, soldiers in the Royal Corps of Signals may lead teams and coordinate large-scale deployments of comms equipment, often across international locations. These are valuable skills in project coordination, logistics, and team leadership roles.
4. Technical Troubleshooting
From deploying fibre optic lines in remote environments to maintaining satellite links under fire, personnel develop a calm, solution-oriented mindset ideal for technical support and field engineering roles.
5. Adaptability and Resilience
Soldiers are trained to operate in extreme conditions, under pressure, and often with limited resources. These qualities translate into civilian roles where flexibility, problem-solving, and independence are key.
Where Do Their Skills Translate in Civilian Jobs?
Signals soldiers transition well into multiple sectors, such as:
- Telecommunications – Field engineer, network technician, infrastructure installer
- IT Services – 1st/2nd/3rd line support, systems administrator, cloud services
- Cyber Security – Security analyst, threat detection, penetration testing
- Broadcast and Media – Audio Visual (AV) technician, transmission support
- Defence and Government Contracting – Secure communications, project management
- Renewable Energy & Utilities – Infrastructure monitoring and control systems
- Emergency Services & Public Sector – Comms coordination, IT infrastructure support
Certifications and Training Often Held
Many service leavers from the Royal Corps of Signals leave with recognised qualifications, including:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- CompTIA Security+, Network+
- ITIL Foundation
- PRINCE2 Project Management
- MOD-specific cyber defence training
- Satellite communications and radio operation certifications
The Commercial Advantage of Hiring theseVeterans
Hiring ex-military personnel from the Royal Corps of Signals gives businesses a unique edge:
✅ Security Cleared Candidates – Many hold active Security Clearance (SC or DV).
✅ Immediate Readiness – Highly motivated, punctual, and accustomed to working under pressure.
✅ Team-Focused – Embedded in a culture of teamwork and responsibility.
✅ Lifelong Learners – Used to continual upskilling and professional development.
Summary
If your business needs reliable, adaptable, and technically skilled professionals, the Royal Corps of Signals is a goldmine of talent. With expertise ranging from secure network management to cyber defence and project coordination, these service leavers are well-positioned to contribute immediately to commercial success.
At CivvyJobs.com, we make it easier for employers to tap into this exceptional talent pool. If you're looking to fill roles in IT, communications, cyber, or technical support, browse our listings or post a vacancy today, just click here.