From the SPAR comment on NPRM 05-235
"33. There have also been reports and statements that the military no longer uses Morse code and has no
need for people who know it, the exception being for a few people in Special Forces. To illustrate the
spread of misinformation, we note the following information listed as Military Occupational Specialties.
34. Field 98 -- Communications Intelligence (cf.
http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/arjobs/bl98h.htm )
MOS 98H Communications locator/interceptor (requires Top Secret clearance)
“Major duties. The communications locator/interceptor performs and supervises detection, acquisition,
identification, exploitation and location of foreign communications employing International Morse Code
(IMC) and radio-printer (non-Morse) using signals intelligence/ electronic warfare (SIGINT/EW) collection
and location equipment and operates ground surveillance systems engaged in intelligence and information
gathering at all echelons. Performs collection management.”
35. Army Warrant Officer Jobs (cf.
http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/arwarrant/bl352h.htm )
MOS 352H - Morse Intercept Technician
“Duties: Manages the personnel and technical assets of INSCOM intercept/EW activities. Coordinates,
plans, and supervises personnel engaged in intercept activity. Knows analytical techniques and has
training and experience in COMINT and EW. Conducts training of and employment of Morse intercept
equipment and personnel. Establishes work schedules and evaluates training and performance of
personnel. Conducts a continual training program to ensure Morse personnel are adept at their MOS.
Advises the commander and staff officers on employment and deployment of Morse intercept operations.
Conducts studies, analysis, and evaluation of collection evaluation statistics and is prepared to present
results to commander. Must know antenna theory and wave propagation.”
36. From the actual Army enlistment site (
http://www.goarmy.com/JobDetail.do?id=96 ) :
“The nation's defense depends on information from foreign language newspapers, magazines, radio
broadcasts and other sources. Therefore, it's very important that some members of the Army be able to
read and understand the many languages of the world.
The Communications Locator/Interceptor is primarily responsible for performing and supervising the
detection, acquisition, location and identification of foreign communications using International Morse Code
(IMC) and radio-printer (non-Morse), as well as signals intelligence/electronic warfare (SIGINT/EW)
collection and location equipment. Some of your duties as a Communications Locator/Interceptor may
include: ...” (see website above for more details)
37. The U. S. Army also requires knowledge of Morse Code in the following 2 MOS's, both of which also
require Top Secret Security Clearance. It is of interest that the Army is presently offering enlistment and reenlistment
bonuses for all these Morse MOS's which means that people who qualify are in short supply. The
Army has about 130 MOS's most do not offer bonuses.
38. From
http://goarmy.com/JobDetail.do?id=174Signals Intelligence Analyst (98C)
“As a Signals Intelligence Analyst, you may be involved in:
Recording radio signals coming in from foreign forces
Studying radio signals to understand the tactics used by foreign military forces
Locating the sources of foreign radio signals
Translating Morse code
Keeping logs of signals interceptions “
39. From
http://goarmy.com/JobDetail.do?id=30Special Forces Communications Sergeant (18E)
“Special Forces Soldiers in the Army will conduct offensive raids, demolitions, intelligence, search and
rescue and other missions from air, land or sea. Special Forces Communications Sergeants can operate
every kind of communications gear, from encrypted satellite communications systems to old-style highfrequency
(HF) Morse key systems. They also have serious computer/networking skills.”
40. Meanwhile in the U. S. Navy, the new rating for Radioman is Information Systems Technician. (See
http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/ratings/it.html ) As a part of the duties, the Navy still mentions
telegraphy:
“ ... operate radio-telephones and radio-teletypes, prepare messages for international and domestic
commercial telegraph, and send and receive messages via the Navy system, including satellites and
antennas.”
41. Similarly, the US Air Force lists the following Enlisted Career (Information is available on line at
http://www.airforce.com/careers/job.php?catg_id=2&sub_catg_id=3&af_job_id=301 )
Communication Signals Production Apprentice
“ ... Additionally, you will be trained to intercept and interpret International Morse Code signals. Your
contributions will have a direct impact on protecting our nation from foreign threats.”"
