Closeup of a Signals soldiers badge as they focus on a computer screen

Combat Cyber Operator

Royal Signals

At a glance

  • Featured
  • Soldier
  • intelligence

Are you ready to join an organisation at the leading edge of cyber security as a Combat Cyber Operator? As part of the Royal Signals you will immerse yourself in the rapidly developing information battlespace and protect our nation in cyberspace.

  • £26,334The minimum amount you’ll earn during training
  • £34,083Your pay after completing basic trade training
  • AgeFrom 17 years & 9 months to 35 years & 11 months
  • QualificationsGCSEs or Scottish equivalent
Closeup of a Signals soldiers badge as they focus on a computer screen

As a Combat Cyber Operator, you will detect, defend against and respond to cyber threats, ensuring the Army’s information and technology remain secure in any environment.

A Future Built on Innovation and Expertise

Joining the Royal Signals as a Combat Cyber Operator offers more than just a job; it’s a career with purpose, challenge and exceptional professional growth. Whether you’re defending our digital systems, safeguarding mission‑critical data, or protecting the technology that powers military operations, you’ll be part of an elite technical Corps fighting and winning the digital battle.

Your Role

As a Combat Cyber Operator, you’ll be responsible for protecting the Army’s digital battlefield. Deploying with our frontline units, you’ll defend the warfighting systems that enable commanders to plan, fight and win.

From the networks enabling our battlefield communications, to armoured vehicles, attack helicopters and advanced sensors, you’ll be at the heart of safeguarding the technology that gives the Army its edge.

Opportunities also exist to support wider Defence and you will be involved in future development and training opportunities as your career progress, both in terms of continuous professional development but also to meet a threat that will almost surely evolve.

The Combat Cyber Operator is divided into two exciting specialisations:

  • Cyber Operator:

  • Cyber Analyst / Engineer:

If you are looking for a challenge; a role that will keep you on your toes as a deep technical expert but also offer camaraderie, travel and opportunity, then this is the role for you.

Why join as a Combat Cyber Operator

  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with the latest in military technology and cyber security systems.

  • Dynamic Environment: Fast-moving and constantly evolving, offering chances to develop new capability at the forefront of defence.

  • Impactful Role: Directly contribute to mission success and the safety of your fellow soldiers.

If you're driven by a passion for technology and a desire to make a significant impact in the field of Cyber Security, join the Royal Signals as a Cyber Security Engineer, where you will play an integral part in information security for Defence.

Royal Signals

Fast moving and game changing, the Royal Signals are leaders in IT, Cyber and Telecommunications, providing battle-winning communications to every part of the Army. The Royal Signals are experts in engineering and operating systems, networks and cyber equipment.

Apply now

Key Responsibilities

Combat Cyber Operators will be vital across a large swathe of critical missions. Once you complete your training you may find yourself:

  • Reacting to Cyber Threats to UK Defence.

  • Deploying into diverse environments with a wide range of Combat units.

  • Collaborating with Special Forces, Strategic Intelligence Partners and allies

Have any questions? Talk with us

Regular (full time)

Entry requirements

  • Age:

    From 17 years & 9 months to 35 years & 11 months

  • Qualifications:

    • 3 x GCSE grade 4/C, Scottish National 5 grade C, or above in Maths, Science and English Language,

    • or RQF level 2 equivalents.

    Security Clearance Required:

    • CTC (Counter Terrorist Check)

    • SC (Security Check) at Phase 1 Training

    • DV (Developed Vetting) at Phase 2 Training

  • Basic physical fitness assessment:

    • Mid-Thigh Pull 50kg

    • Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m

    • 2km run 11 min 30 sec

    More information about the fitness test

Training for the role

Step 1
You'll start with your initial military training which will teach you how to be a soldier - this will cover everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. This will be the regular adult basic training.

Step 2
This is the start of your technical training designed to introduce basic signalling and communication skills while building on your existing military skills. You will be taught basic principles and skills, such as siting, operating and talking on military radios, radio logs, map marking, working at heights, health and safety and of course security. As training progresses, you'll learn how to build and configure networks before you begin to specialise in the defence of those networks.

Qualifications you could get after training

  • Driving licences: B+E,

  • Level 2 functional skills in Maths, English and IT

  • Level 3 Cyber Technician Apprenticeship

  • Qualifications in communications and intelligence reporting gained through life developing towards, for example, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Intelligence and Cyber Security

  • Level 4 Team Leading

  • Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring

  • Level 6 Leadership and Management

  • Become a Chartered Engineer or IT professional 

Pay & benefits

You'll earn £26,334 a year from the start of your training. On completion of Phase 2 training, you will join your unit as a Lance Corporal earning £34,083 a year.

Find out more about pay and benefits.

How to Apply

Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre, you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.

More about the joining process

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