Army Nodal Network System Operator-Maintainer (MOS 25N) is responsible for the set-up, maintenance, troubleshooting and repairing of communications systems.
The individuals in this Army MOS will maintain strategic and tactical nodal systems.
This is an entry level position that is best suited for an individual who has an interest in working with nodal equipment.
Related Article: 20 Reasons to Join the Military (and 7 reasons not to)
Qualifications, Training and Duty Stations
To enter into this MOS, recruits must receive a score of at least 102 on the Electronics (EL) and 105 on the Surveillance & Communications (SC) portions of the ASVAB test.
You must meet and maintain a secret security clearance.
After passing all entry physical/medical examinations and ASVAB tests, recruits will attend Basic Combat Training for 10 weeks.
Basic Combat Training is followed by 18 weeks of Advanced Individual Training.
Advanced Individual Training consists of classroom and hands-on field training.
Skills that are helpful in this MOS include:
- Knowledge of internet Protocol
- Interest in a job surrounding nodal equipment
- Ability to configure, operator and troubleshoot routers and e-switches
- Team member attitude
Duty Stations
Those serving in the Army as an MOS 25N can expect to be potentially based at one of the following duty stations:
Inside the Continental US (CONUS)
- Ft. Belvoir, VA
- Ft. Benning, GA
- Ft. Bliss, TX
- Ft. Bragg, NC
- Ft. Campbell, KY
- Ft. Carson, CO
- Ft. Drum, NY
- Eglin Air Force Base, FL
- Ft. Gordon, GA
- Homestead Air Force Base, FL
- Ft. Hood, TX
- Ft. Huachuca, AZ
- Ft. Hunter, CA
- Ft. Lewis, WA
- MacDill Air Force Base, FL
- Ft. Polk, LA
- Ft. Riley, KS
- Ft. Roberts, CA
- Ft. Sill, OK
- Ft. Stewart, GA
Outside the Continental US (OCONUS)
- Ft. Richardson, AK
- Ft. Wainwright, AK
- Daumerie, Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Grafenwoehr, Germany
- Kaiserslautern, Germany
- Katterbach, Germany
- Landstuhl, Germany
- Mohringen, Germany
- Panzer, Germany
- Patch, Germany
- Rhine, Germany
- Smith, Germany
- Wiesbaden, Germany
- Guam
- Hickam, Hi
- Schofield, Hi
- Shafter, Hi
- Smith, Hi
- Wheeler, Hi
- Vicenza,Italy
- Kadena, Japan
- Okinawa, Japan
- Torii, Japan
- Carroll, South Korea
- Casey, South Korea
- Coiner, South Korea
- Henry, South Korea
- Humphreys, South Korea
- Osan, South Korea
- Red Cloud, South Korea
- Seoul, South Korea
- Stanley, South Korea
- Walker, South Korea
- Yongsan, South Korea
- Arifjan, Kuwait
- Brunssum, Netherlands
- Sayliyah, Qatar
What Are the Job Duties of a Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainer?
Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainer must play a critical thinking role.
In this position, soldiers will be required to complete electronic switching systems and WAN Network repair.
It requires individuals to know how to both find and fix an issue.
They will maintain both telephone exchange and internet protocol.
25N operator-maintainers supervise, install, operate and perform field-level maintenance on internet protocol based high speed electronic communications systems.
Soldiers in the MOS will perform the maintenance on all internal communications systems devices.
Completing maintenance and being responsive to repairs could mean the difference between highly-important information being related between troops or to the battle field.
The specialist perform system/network operations and work to correct any system faults or errors that arise.
They will be required to enter the field and complete maintenance on electronic nodal assemblages or combat net radios.
MOS 25N also work on ancillary communications equipment.
Their position can be in integrated network control centers and in network management facilities.
At times they will be required to work on COMSEC devices.
The job involves working with computer and software tools to ensure that system operations are running smoothly, to interpret error codes, work on system faults and perform preventative maintenance.
Soldiers will learn how to operate and maintain generators in this MOS.
This position can have assignment in a fixed location or field assignment working with other networking operator-maintainers.
The Army recruiting video below provides more information about MOS 25N job functions.
What Does a Nodal Network System Operator-Maintainer get Paid?
Even though this position requires security clearance, it is still an entry-level position.
The pay for this position will be based on rank and time of service.
Most non-experienced entry-level recruits can expect to be paid around $20,000 a year.
The Army base pay table can be followed to get an idea on base pay.
| 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 Intelligence Analyst (MOS 35F): Career Details
Benefits
In addition to the base pay described above, the Army offers:
- Housing and Food
- Medical and Dental
- Paid Sick Time
- Vacation
- Low-Cost Life Insurance
- Tuition Assistance
- Special Pay Opportunities
Most of the benefits listed above are offered to soldiers for free or at very low rates in comparison to civilian plans.
Job Reviews
Reviews of the Nodal Network System Operator-Maintainer discuss the changing duties of the job.
Some days the job is working on basic maintenance or assignments and the next day there could be a large issue that requires critical thinking and perseverance to repair.
Positive reviews discuss the teamwork aspect of the work and being able to complete advanced training.
Negative reviews discuss the potential for long hours or long deployments.
The reviews below give an outlook into both positive and negative aspects of the position as well as daily job functions.
Civilian Career Opportunities
Working in this MOS will provide individuals with skills in network support and computer programming.
Civilian positions related to Nodal Network System Operator-Maintainer:
- Computer System Analyst
- Network and Computer System Administrator
- Information Technology
- Radio and cellular Repair
- Electronics Engineering Technicians
Pay for these positions will vary depending on the company and location.
To improve civilian career pay potential and job opportunities, recruits can take advantage of the advanced training opportunities the Army provides.
Soldiers can work towards certificates such as CompTIA Network+ ce that helps earn promotions while in the Army, can be mostly/completely Army funded and is a training that leads to additional civilian career opportunities.
Related Article – Army Geospatial Engineer (MOS 12Y): Career Details
Summary
Army Nodal Network System Operator-Maintainer (MOS 25N) is responsible for working with Nodal Network Systems.
This position includes set up, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of high speed electronic communications systems.
To enter into this position recruits must meet security clearances as well as ASVAB testing requirements.
This MOS will follow the base pay table for the Army and recruits will have access to the many Army benefits.
Job reviews of the position are positive and note the changing tasks that can occur when working on equipment.
After working in this MOS, soldiers will have experience in computer programming and network troubleshooting that would directly relate to similar civilian career opportunities.
Related Article – Air Force Signals Intelligence Analyst (1N2X1): 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.
- Replacing Dog Tags: 6 Things You Need to Know - June 28, 2024
- Navy OAR Test Study Guide - June 24, 2024
- 10 Best Sniper Movies of all Time - June 20, 2024
