How do I prepare myself for 25E school? And is there anyone I can talk to about it?

The math is algebra and trig. As long as you know how to manipulate equations you’ll be fine. Some geometry but very basic. Get comfortable with a graphics calculator, when I went through it was a TI-83. Don’t buy one unless they tell you to. Lots of logarithmic functions. They go over the physics to an exhausting depth. Unit conversions play a big part too, and some of them are not linear.

The first month of the course is concepts and mathematics. You’ll have homework most nights but practice is practice. The rest of the course is specific systems you’ll use in the job, like ACES, SPEED, spectrum analyzers, and that godsforsaken Spectrum XXI. I wouldn’t even bother trying to learn how to do anything prior to class because they are all very meticulous and specific and there is too much risk of picking up bad habits or shortcuts.

As a SSG you’ll likely be assigned to a maneuver battalion, where you honestly won’t do much. Find your brigade ESM and work/train with them any chance you get. You’ll lose a lot of ACES/SXXI proficiency sitting at a battalion unless you’re proactive about maintaining it. There is also a possibly you’ll be sent to a brigade HQ to work in the CEMA cell, which is fun but once again not a lot of system time, more just an advisory role to the electronic warfare needs. But you’ll have a SFC spectrum manager in the S6 to help you along.

The worst part of the job is nobody will know what you do, even in the S6 world. You are not a radio expert. You will spend exactly 2 days touching radios in 25E school. obviously a working knowledge of the systems is helpful to the job but you’re not a jumped up 25U. And even when you try to explain to people what you do, a lot of them won’t care because it all happens behind the curtain. Just do your best, expand your knowledge and be ready for the next assignment. A brigade (SFC level) spectrum manager is where you really start to get into the meat of the position. I hate to say it, but our job is significantly more important OCONUS.

It’s cool shit. You learn a lot that comes in handy at the weirdest times, like troubleshooting links. If you really want to be an asset, get good at the HF systems because the army comically underutilizes them but they’re so damn useful. Let me know if you have any specific questions…

Have you tried going to the school website? I would start there. As far as day to day duties you can find a 25E to talk to at your BDE S6

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