Hi, I'm a rising junior and have been learning Morse code as a hobby. I know it's an old school skill, but does any military branch still require it?
While Morse code is indeed an old-school skill, it's also a valuable one that still has some relevance today. Not all branches of the U.S. military currently require knowledge of Morse code, but certain positions may utilize it. For instance, within the army, the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of a Signals Collector/Analyst may require understanding of Morse code.
The Navy also has positions that involve cryptology, where an understanding of Morse code could come in handy, particularly for aspects related to signal intelligence and electronic warfare.
In the Air Force, older aircraft may still have radios that can send and receive Morse code, and some Air Force Special Operations communications specialists have learned Morse code as an additional skill.
However, as technology continues evolving, Morse code has been largely replaced by more modern modes of communication. Still, this doesn't make your skill redundant—it shows you have an aptitude for learning codes and ciphers, a skill valued in intelligence and signals roles. It might also be seen as a unique personal interest that could make you stand out in applications!
Remember, each branch has its own set of criteria for positions, so it's always a good idea to research each one you're considering to be sure you meet those requirements.
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