IT "A" School Course Description
Course Overview
- Class size: 14 students
- "A" School duration: 143 training days
- "A" School convenings per year: 6
IT "A" School Eligibility
- Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB):
MK + EI + GS = 172, with a minimum AR of 52 or an
AFCT=65. (For guaranteed school 175/60).
- Students must have normal color perception to distinguish
cable color coding
- Students must be eligible for a final SECRET clearance.
EPME
The E-PME test will be administered while you are onboard
at TRACEN Petaluma. A passing score must be obtained
in order for advancement upon graduation. During "A"
school you will have an opportunity to complete your
E-3 and E-4 performance qualifications, if you have
not completed them already.
Because IT "A" School can be challenging,
it is advisable for each student to make efforts to
complete their EPME Performance, Knowledge Qualifications
and test prior to their arrival.
If you would like a more information regarding your
EPME you can visit the EPME
website or contact your unit ESO.
Applying for School
Route a Special Request Authorization (chit) though
your chain of command.
Curriculm Outline
NIDA - 35 days
Basic electronics training provides training
on the following topics:
DC circuits, AC circuits, Power supplies, Transistor theory, Corrective and preventive maintenance techniques, Administrative procedures.
Premise Distribution - 14 Days
This course trains cabling installation, splicing, and testing; Confined Space safety; hazardous material safety; and basic telephony knowledge and skills. Learn the proper of industry standard tools and practices. At the end of the module, you will be able to install and test horizontal and backbone cabling systems, Shore Ties, and analog and digital telephone and data circuits to communication closets and work areas.
Telephone Systems - 32 Days
This course consists of two Private Branch Exchange (PBX) modules. The first module trains on the eOn DCBS system and includes the EKS configuration and VoiceMail. The second module trains on the Nortel Succession PBX. These courses cover the programming, installation and repair of analog and digital phones and trunks. Trouble-shooting and disaster recovery are emphasized.
Special Circuits - 18 days
Understanding Analog and digital Telecommunications as they are used for distant or remote communications. Students will be using all equipment necessary to install and create working circuits and maintain them with the proper test equipment. Training is provided on the following topics:
Digital theory, T1 communication, ISDN, SF Signaling, Hybrid theory, Time Division Multiplexing, and Voice over IP.
Fiber - 7 days
Understanding of fiber optic theory and fiber optic cable plant installation. Training is provided on the following topics:
Fiber Optic Technology, cable construction, cable characteristics, standards, safety procedures, cable handling and pulling, cable splicing, cable termination, testing and troubleshooting.
SysAdmin - 26 days
Network and computer system installation and administration. Training is provided on the following topics:
Installation, configuration and troubleshooting of UPS, switch, router and HDSL equipment; installation, configuration and upgrading of USCG servers, workstations, laptops, and peripheral devices; system administration of users, groups, passwords, anti-virus software, backups, preventive maintenance, Exchange server mailboxes, distribution lists, public folders; use of testing and troubleshooting tools, procedures, and resources.
Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF)