In this course, we move beyond “which button does what.” Ascension is the next step: learning how to effectively employ radios and communications systems to accomplish a mission. Expect short lectures to build the concepts, followed by extensive time in the field practicing planning, deployment, and fallbacks until those techniques become second nature.

This class emphasizes decision-making and practical tradeoffs — not just how to program a radio, but when to use which tool and why.

NOTE: Day 0: Radio or equivalent knowledge/experience is a prerequisite for this course.

Topics:

• COMSEC (Communications Security) — practical hygiene & OPSEC for radios

• Comms planning and net control basics

• Radio programming (practical templates & quick setup)

• Repeater usage and temporary field repeaters

• Vehicle & mobile radio operations (power, mounting, interfacing)

• ManPack deployment, antennas, and terrain mitigation

• Fallback communications (low/slow comms, visual signals, messengers)

• SIGINT basics: signal intercept awareness and direction-finding fundamentals

• Field exercises that tie the above together

Gear list:

• An open mind

• Note-taking tools 

• Long pants and sleeves (for going in the woods)

• Solid LandNav Skills (A Handheld GPS is highly suggested)

• Dual-band handheld “Ham” radio (Note: Loaners available, contact mike@bulletn.net)

• Water + electrolytes

• Lunch

• Weather-appropriate clothing (raingear, cold weather, etc.)

Class Locations

Visit our Class Locations page for range fees and geographic information.