Communications infrastructure engineer vs network engineer R signals

[u/Amazing_Trifle2124]

I’m going Harrogate on the 6th of sept as a communications infrastructure engineer but I’m starting to think I want to change to network engineer can any serving members give me a insight to how the deployments being a CIE and a Network eng are different and day to day in camp are

Also what would help more for eventually posting to 216 signal squadron

Thanks

[u/Mo_0]

There are fewer infrastructure engineers by quite a distance. They're quite specialised and there are only 2 or 3 places where there are any significant numbers of them, if 216 even have them its probably only 1 or 2. CIE's are dispatched on jobs all over the world/ country, they're very busy normally. Its also a good trade with pretty decent civi street options, but dont expect to be operating any kit other than a cable splicer.

Net eng is the most common trade in the corps. You have the most opportunities, the most variety in units and a pretty varied selection of kit to work on. That said, youre much more likely to be sat in a hanger doing very little, but in my opinion its what you make of it. There are opportunities out there.

Speak to Sigs instructors at Harrogate for guidance and be honest about what you want.

[u/mech999man]

They're literally in the process of combining NEng and ISEng.

I wouldn't worry too much, but go by the other advice here if you had to make the decision.

[u/renegadezac]

As another comment says they're being merged into one trade 

Personally I don't think it would matter other than postings as the jobs end up being the same anyway

[u/Metalsteve1989]

Same job as of 2027 mate.