Communications Basics

Gain knowledge in communication principles and technology, which will serve to improve your overall understanding of spectrum warfare.

Enroll in ICFA120

About This Intelligence Community Online Course

This interactive, online course introduces communications fundamental principles and technology in support of your professional development supporting the missions of the U.S. Department of Defense or Intelligence Community.

You will enter the world of electromagnetic waves, the EM and communications spectrums, modulation, antennas, multiple access, multiplexing and basic diverse network topology.

What You Will Learn

  • Describe basic terms associated with EM waves
  • Understand basic concepts associated with communication systems and modulation types
  • Identify basic antenna characteristics
  • Describe the purpose of multiple access communication architectures and identify frequency division multiple access, time division MA, code division MA, and demand assigned MA schemes
  • Describe the purpose of multiplexing and identify the difference between FD, TD and CD multiplexing

This online training course is part of the FedLearn spectrum warfare learning series.

Your Instructor

The course was developed by Rustin LaFurney. Mr. LaFurney retired from the U.S. Air Force after nearly three decades of combat-tested intelligence officer experience. He has tactical, operational and strategic expertise in intelligence analysis, airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, electronic warfare and support to Special Operations Forces.. He currently is a senior intelligence consultant with PatchPlus Consulting.

He is both a graduate of and former instructor at the USAF Weapons School and earned his Master of Arts in National Security Studies from the American Military University.

Who Should Take This Online Course

Anyone interested in learning more (or gaining a refresher) about basic communications and spectrum warfare—particularly, defense or intelligence analysts working in either Federal government agencies or government contractor companies.

Prerequisites

None. However, it is highly recommended that you take the FedLearn online course, EM Fundamentals (ICFA 118), prior to taking this course.

After completing this online course, it is highly recommended to take the other course in the spectrum warfare learning series, Low Observable Theory (ICFA122), to continue to advance your knowledge.

Course Certificate

To achieve a course certificate of completion, you must score 80 percent or higher on a graded final exam.

Course Format

Self-paced, online training course

Course Pricing

Individual courses are $124.99 (per person).

Seat licenses to access the entire FedLearn Intelligence Community catalog are also available. Click here to learn more and purchase.

If you are interested in learning about special team rates for Federal government and government contractor organizations, email [email protected].

Continuing Education Unit Credits

This course provides 1 CEU.