Communication and Information Systems

Communications and information systems are in every field and every walk of life, it is key to develop these skills and awareness early

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A cadet taking part in communications activities

Communication and Information Systems

A vital skill in any field is the ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and effectively. The Communication and Information Systems (CIS) syllabus provides a structured, progressive pathway for cadets to achieve this. It aims to enhance your skills as a communicator and deepen your understanding across multiple areas of communication, including cyber security.

Becoming proficient in Communication and Information Systems (CIS) means gaining the ability to operate in both traditional and digital communication environments. Whether you’re using radio systems to coordinate with your team or mastering advanced cyber security practices, the skills you acquire through CIS training will prepare you for a wide range of challenges.

CIS in the Army Cadets

We’ll begin with foundational communication skills, giving cadets the chance to learn basic Morse code, where letters are represented by combinations of long and short light or sound signals, and semaphore, a system of sending messages by positioning arms or flags according to an alphabetic code.

Once you progress to the 1-star syllabus, you will start to gain a deeper understanding of the communication systems used by the Army Cadets. You’ll be introduced to Cyber communication, including the security protocols that surround it, and personal role radio communication.

At more advanced levels, cadets will learn specialised communication skills, such as proper voice procedures and encryption methods. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with various portable communication devices and an introductory understanding of antennas and signal propagation.

Additional courses offer further training, including global communication techniques, the opportunity to earn an amateur radio licence, and skills in networking, cryptography, and digital forensics within the cyber domain. Communication and Information Systems (CIS) training also counts towards both the Army Cadets Syllabus and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Cyber Security is all about protecting our technological systems from cyber attacks, using a range of processes and tools to secure data and defend against cyber crimes like hacking, phishing, and malware attacks. From the perspective of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), cybersecurity is a fundamental aspect of national security. At the Army Cadets, you’ll gain some foundational cybersecurity awareness and training that align with MOD standards, helping you understand safe and responsible technology use. Our Cyber Security training is inspired and guided by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a division of the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). Through the Cadet CyberFirst program, young people can explore their passion for technology and dive into the world of cybersecurity.