---
title: "5 stereotypes radio operators get stuck with"
description: "One of the most versatile specialties in the military are radio operators. But they are more than \"the platoon nerds.\""
date: "2021-05-10"
modified: "2023-05-11"
authors:
  - name: "Eric Milzarski"
    link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/eric/"
url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/entertainment/stereotypes-radio-operators-get-stuck-with/"
categories:
  - "Careers"
  - "Join the Military"
  - "Military Culture"
---

# 5 stereotypes radio operators get stuck with

![radio operators](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/radio.webp>)

One of the most versatile specialties in the military is the radio operator. Whether they're a full-fledged MOS or the product of, "Hey, you! We need someone on radio!" the radio guy is tasked with, well, manning the radios. From the S-6 kid who comes to fill the convoy's radios before they head out to the dude who's right there on the officer's heels, radio operators take all forms. But [no matter what role we're filling](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/humor/4-stereotypes-platoon-docs-get-stuck-with/>) or what task we're doing, everyone seems to view us as, simply, "the platoon nerds."

That's not entirely without merit — if there's smoke, there's fire. You may know a commo guy who matches every point on this list, but it varies from troop to troop.

## Here are 5 stereotypes radio operators get stuck with

### 1. We're all nerds

Truth is, plenty of us are just as "bro" as the next guy in the unit. We'll still go out to the bars and kick a few back, we'll still watch the game with you, and we'll still actually talk to girls. Just some of us are better at video games than others.

![barracks room](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17319816/origin.jpg>)
*This is still probably what most of our barracks rooms look like. (Photo by Cpl. Alfred V. Lopez)*

**Writer's Note**: I'm probably the *worst* person to counter this argument since I've written extensively about the military connections of [*Star Wars*,](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/popular/6-reasons-why-it-would-suck-to-be-a-stormtrooper-in-star-wars/>) [video games](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-gaming/best-video-game-missions/>), and [comic books](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-movies/8-marvel-super-heroes/>). Many radio guys aren't like me — I would know. They usually don't want to nerd out over [*Game of Thrones*](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-movies/this-is-what-game-of-thrones-can-teach-you-about-squad-composition/>) with me.

### 2. We can fix your computers

There are two sides to the Signal Corps coin: the radio guy and the computer guy.

The computer guy can probably get your computer up and running before you know it. Give us radio guys a [SinCGARS](<https://www.l3harris.com/all-capabilities/sincgars-rt-1523-vhf-radio>) that isn't working and it'll be done by the time you blink. Hand us your laptop then say, "it's running slow," and we'll probably just look at it funny.

![navy radio operators](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17319817/origin.jpg>)
*Then again, if you offer us a case of beer, we'll give it a shot. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Vance Hand)*

### 3. We're annoying as f\*ck

This stereotype takes many forms. Since it's our job is to communicate, a lot of us talk too much. Since it's our job to correct others using improper radio etiquette, a lot of us use radio lingo off the net. Since there are some nerds in commo, a lot of us go on and on about that TV show you agreed to watch but never will.

That one is entirely on that *one* radio guy — don't lump all of us in with him.

![soldier with radio](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17319818/origin.jpg>)

### 4. We're overly comfortable with our officers

The radio guys who actually are out on the line of a combat arms unit need to be at the heel of our officers at all time. If they need to call something in, we need to have that hand-mic ready for them.

This often gets misinterpreted as us being ass-kissers or suck-ups. In actuality, it's because the 2nd Lt. can't be trusted with the radio gear.

![marine corps radio operators](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17319819/origin.jpg>)
*Think of us less like suck-ups and more like glorified pack-mules. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shiloh Capers)*

### 5. We're all POGs

To be fair, yes, there are a lot of POGs in the signal world. Our Signal Corps counterparts can often be the furthest thing from "grunt" you can possibly imagine.

But POG is a state of mind, not an MOS. Just as you'll see whiny infantrymen now and then, you'll see some hardcore-as-f\*ck radio guys. Hell, 18Es are Special Forces Communications and no one would ever dare call them POGs.

![18E radio operators](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17319820/origin.jpg>)
*18Es: Making radio operators look sick as f\*ck since 1952. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Charles Santamaria)*

## Author
Eric is a U.S. Army veteran and was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division where he served as a radio operator. After being honorably discharged, he then pursued a career in the film and television world.He is now the resident "nerd" at We Are The Mighty. To follow Eric on social media: please check out the links below. [Facebook](<https://www.facebook.com/EricMilzarski/>)