Security & DefenceISCO 0310

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.

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Rate 5 of the 18 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

operate radio equipment

operate radio navigation instruments

collect real-time geolocation information

use geographic information systems

write routine reports

About intelligence communications interceptor

As an intelligence communications interceptor working in the air force, you will be positioned at the forefront of national security operations, tasked with searching, monitoring, and intercepting electromagnetic communications transmitted across various frequencies and languages. Your work involves sophisticated signal intelligence (SIGINT) operations designed to detect, identify, and analyze hostile or suspicious communications activities. You will operate advanced radar equipment, radio navigation instruments, and electronic intelligence systems in headquarters and command posts, providing real-time information crucial to military decision-making. Your role requires acute technical expertise, situational awareness, and the ability to work under pressure in dynamic operational environments.

Your daily responsibilities will include operating and monitoring complex radio and radar equipment, analyzing transmitted communications to identify patterns and extract intelligence, developing detailed military intelligence records, and performing scrambling operations when necessary. You will need to understand electromagnetism, global navigation satellite systems, and air force operational procedures thoroughly. The work demands precision and accuracy, as intelligence you gather directly impacts tactical and strategic military decisions. You will coordinate with other intelligence personnel, manage sophisticated geolocation technologies, and maintain comprehensive documentation of your findings. Staying alert to emerging communication technologies and threat patterns is essential to your effectiveness.

The intelligence communications interceptor role in Poland's air force offers meaningful career service with opportunities for advancement into senior intelligence positions. You will work with cutting-edge technology and contribute directly to national defense. Career progression can lead to positions in signal intelligence leadership, specialized cyber defense roles, or intelligence analysis management. This profession demands intellectual capability, dedication to national security, and the ability to work as part of an elite intelligence team in a highly specialized and secure environment.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a intelligence communications interceptor.

Signal Detection and Interception Operations

Operate radio equipment to search, detect, and intercept electromagnetic communications
Monitor communications across multiple frequencies and language channels
Identify and classify electronic signals and their sources
Perform scrambling operations and signal encryption procedures

Communication Analysis and Intelligence Development

Analyze transmitted communications to extract and interpret intelligence
Develop military intelligence records from intercepted communications
Identify patterns and threats in electromagnetic communications traffic
Generate detailed intelligence reports for command staff

Radar and Navigation Equipment Operations

Operate radar equipment and surveillance systems
Operate radio navigation instruments and global positioning systems
Coordinate allocation of Mode S radars to Interrogator Codes
Monitor and interpret radar and navigation data in real-time

Geolocation and Data Collection

Collect real-time geolocation information from intercepted signals
Use geographic information systems to map and analyze signal sources
Manage and organize large volumes of intelligence data

Documentation and Reporting

Write detailed routine reports documenting interception activities and findings
Maintain comprehensive intelligence records and archives
Document communication channels and technical specifications

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (18)

electronic signals intelligenceelectronic signals intelligenceThe types of military intelligence-gathering by the use of electronic sensors.geographic information systemsgeographic information systemsThe tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).electromagnetismelectromagnetismThe 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 ...global navigation satellite system performance parametersglobal navigation satellite system performance parametersThe performance parameters for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and the requirements that any GNSS system should possess in specific conditions.air force operationsair force operationsThe operations, procedures and compliant behaviour of a military air force, and of a specific air force base.surveillance radarssurveillance radarsTypes of surveillance radars such as Mode A/C Secondary Surveillance Radar stations, which continuously interrogate all aircraft within their range, and Mode S Secondary Surveillance Radar stations, w...operate radio equipmentoperate radio equipmentSet 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 ...analyse transmitted communicationsanalyse transmitted communicationsMonitor and analyse data, waveforms, measurements, images or transmitted communications and emissions and identify electrical anomalies.operate radio navigation instrumentsoperate radio navigation instrumentsOperate radio navigation instruments to determine the position of aircraft in the airspace.develop military intelligence recordsdevelop military intelligence recordsAnalyse information and develop military intelligence records by putting multiple types of information with other sources of information in perspective.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake 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.collect real-time geolocation informationcollect real-time geolocation informationUse tools, techniques, and procedures to remotely exploit and establish persistence on a target. Provide real-time, actionable geolocation information utilizing target infrastructures.use geographic information systemsuse geographic information systemsWork with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).write routine reportswrite routine reportsCompose regular reports by writing clear observations on the monitored processes in a respective field.identify electronic signalsidentify electronic signalsPerform signal identification by analysing collected parameters in different languages and by electromagnetic radiation. These signals mostly originate in defense networks and are emitted from electro...perform scrambling operationsperform scrambling operationsControl 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 com...operate radar equipmentoperate radar equipmentOperate 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 Codescoordinate the allocation of Mode S radars to Interrogator CodesEnsure correct and safe operation of Mode S Secondary Surveillance Radars. Ensure they are configured with an Interrogator Code (IC) allocated specifically to each radar.

Optional (18) — show

aircraft flight control systemsaircraft flight control systemsThe setting, features and operation of aircraft flight control systems such as flight control surfaces, cockpit controls, connections, and operating mechanisms required to control the flight direction...radarsradarsSystems 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 codemilitary codeThe code language used in specific intelligence or military organisations and operations, how to use and decipher them.electronics principleselectronics principlesThe study of electric energy, more specifically electron, control and its prominent principles regarding integrated circuits and electrical systems.military aviationmilitary aviationThe rules and regulations concerning military aviation procedures, such as military air space, aviation procedures in civilian air space, and specific military aviation equipment.civil aviation regulationscivil aviation regulationsThe body of regulations, rules and signals that apply to the field of civil aviation, including marshalling signals.common aviation safety regulationscommon aviation safety regulationsThe body of legislation and regulations that apply to the field of civil aviation at regional, national, European and International levels.gather technical informationgather technical informationApply 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 sy...gather datagather dataExtract exportable data from multiple sources.perform risk analysisperform risk analysisIdentify 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 analysisperform data analysisCollect 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 languagetranslate foreign languageTranslate words, sentences, and concepts from a foreign language into your mother tongue or another foreign language.apply air force proceduresapply air force proceduresApply 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 measurementsperform electromagnetic geophysical measurementsMeasure the structure and composition of the ground using electromagnetic devices which are either on the ground or airborne.apply military aviation regulationsapply military aviation regulationsApply the procedures and regulations present in military aviation operations and missions, ensuring compliance with policies, safety and security.log transmitter readingslog transmitter readingsLog transmitter observations such as calibrations of remote control equipment, equipment performance measurements, antenna field strength measurements, and other readings.apply frequency managementapply frequency managementDevelop and manage multiple communication channels to produce extra capacity in the VHF-COM band.geographic areasgeographic areasThe detailed knowledge of a geographical area where different organisations carry out operations.

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Frequently asked questions

What does an intelligence communications interceptor do?

What skills does an intelligence communications interceptor need?

An intelligence communications interceptor needs 18 essential skills, including electronic signals intelligence, geographic information systems, electromagnetism, global navigation satellite system performance parameters, air force operations.

Will AI replace intelligence communications interceptor jobs?

The AI disruption score for intelligence communications interceptor is 55/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: log transmitter readings, write routine reports, translate foreign language. Most resilient: electromagnetism, surveillance radars, air force operations.

AI Replacement Risk

55/ 100

High Risk

Low riskHigh risk

Skills most at risk from AI

log transmitter readings write routine reports translate foreign language

Skills resilient to automation

electromagnetism surveillance radars air force operations

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Quick Facts

SectorSecurity & Defence

ISCO GroupArmed forces occupations, other ranks

Essential Skills18

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