Information Systems Technician (IT) School

Welcome

With a curriculum that spans over a thirty-one week period, IT "A" School is the longest "A" School in the Coast Guard. The Training Center in Petaluma, CA, is the only location that provides training on the Coast Guard's information systems.

The goal for IT School is to graduate competent Third Class Petty Officers and confident Information Systems Technicians. During their course of study, students are transformed into sharp, conscientious, responsive members of the Coast Guard team, who understand the importance of attention to details, hard work, teamwork, and a positive attitude.

With ever-changing technology, it is critical to provide supplemental instruction to ITs who are currently serving in the Fleet. Coast Guard IT "C" Schools are available to mid-career ITs that require advance training in information systems management and telephone systems. The implementation of the Deepwater Program brings a much needed modernization of critical telecommunications systems known as C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.)

Day One at IT School

Congratulations!

You're on your way to becoming a Information Systems Technician, with a proud tradition of service, workmanship, and superior technical ability.

This page contains general information for incoming IT "A" School students.

See also: Reporting to TRACEN Petaluma

Contact your Class Advisor

When you receive orders to IT "A" school, please read the information in the Reporting section of this Web site.

Contact your class advisor at (707) 765-7038 for any unanswered questions you may have.

What to Expect Coastguardsman

During your time in "A" School you will have uniform inspections weekly. Please ensure that all of your uniforms are inspection-ready prior to reporting.

You are required to report with a full sea bag. It is advisable to also bring a Coast Guard windbreaker for the Winter rainy season. You will also need a ball cap with just U.S. Coast Guard on it, no unit ball caps are allowed.

On your first day of class, muster in the uniform of the day (Tropical Blue Long with Combo cover) at 0650 in the Horsley Hall Quarter Deck area by the front desk. Have the information sheet filled out to best of your ability.

Petty Officer Indoctrination Program

You should know that upon arrival to the Training Center your participation
in the Petty Officer Indoctrination Program will be mandatory. During this
phase of your training your off-base liberty must be earned and will be
granted on/or about day 10.

Your indoctrination schedule will include events and classes during the day,
evenings and weekends. Classes include (but not limited to) Substance abuse, free environment SAFE) training, LAMS, IDP/finance lecture, and a fitness assessment.

Spouses & family members ARE permitted to visit you during non-class time.

A School Course Description

Course Overview

  • Class size: 16 students
  • "A" School duration: 147 training days
  • "A" School convenings per year: 7
     

IT "A" School Eligibility

  • 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).
  • Clearance requirements: Must be eligible for a final SECRET clearance.
  • Students must possess normal color perception.
Training Center Petaluma Information Technician school student

EPME

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.

If you would like a more information regarding your EPME you can visit the Learning Management Service (LMS) on the portal site using a CG Workstation or contact your unit ESO.

Applying for School

Route a Special Request Authorization (chit) though your chain of command.

IT 'A' School Curriculum Outline

 
Section Duration Title
IT Fundamentals 8 Days This unit focuses on the basic fundamentals of: Everyday Safety, Electricity Basics, Circuit Components, Corrective and preventive maintenance techniques, and a good understanding of Customer Service
Premise Distribution 23 Days This unit focuses on 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 unit, 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.
Fiber 9 Days Upon completion of this unit, students possess an 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.
Capstone 1 2 Days This unit provides a culminating class that combines the first 3 units of training, providing hands-on, real-world Coast Guard IT experience. Students work in teams under the guidance of an instructor to complete Work Orders and Incident Tickets in a simulated environment that reflects a large base, small boat station, and cutters moored at the pier.
Computer Basics 20 Days This unit focuses on the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and configuration of PCs, laptops, related hardware, and basic networking. It also covers provides the skills required to install and configure PC operating systems.
Telephone Systems 27 Days This unit provides telephony training using Avaya Communication Server 1000E and CallPilot Voice-mail systems. Students who complete this possess the skill required to program, administer, and maintain a customer database and associated hardware. A total of sixteen lessons are presented ranging from telephone installations to digital trunking facilities configuration and implementation. Public Address System troubleshooting, and Voice-mail administration are introduced.
Capstone 2 3 Days This unit provides a culminating class that combines units 1-5 of training, providing hands-on, real-world Coast Guard IT experience. Students work in teams under the guidance of an instructor to complete Work Orders and Incident Tickets in a simulated environment that reflects a large base, small boat station, and cutters moored at the pier.
Coast Guard Networks 12 Days This unit will provide a basic understanding of the Coast Guard Network and how it works. It will cover Network Switch configuration, Routing, High Bit-Rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL) Equipment, Media Conversion, Tactical Local Area Connection Encryption (TACLANE), Video Teleconferencing (VTC) and how they all connect together, along with Network Concepts, Management and Security.
System Administration 20 Days Network and computer system installation and administration. Training is provided on the following topics: 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, resources, and how to manage remedy tickets in the CGFixIT system.
Capstone 3 3 Days This unit provides a culminating class that combines all units 1-7 of training, providing hands-on, real-world Coast Guard IT experience. Students work in teams under the guidance of an instructor to complete Work Orders and Incident Tickets in a simulated environment that reflects a large base, small boat station, and cutters moored at the pier.

C School Course Descriptions

Avaya CS1000 Advanced

PURPOSE: Provides training on system installation, programming, security fundamentals, troubleshooting and maintenance. This includes analog and digital circuit installation, least cost routing implementation, emergency system access configuration, customer database backup and restoral procedures, call detail recording configuration, and voicemail administration and maintenance. Course graduates will possess the skills necessary to administer and maintain the Avaya Communication Server 1000 (Release 7.65) system. Competency code ADVTEL is issued upon graduation.

LOCATION: COGARD TRACEN PETALUMA CA// SKEY: CG03

DURATION:15 TRAINING DAYS PMIS: 502207

A.C.E. Credit Recommendation: The American Council on Education does not have a recommendation for this course.
*This class is registered under NORTEL CS1000 ADVANCED on the TQC website.

Class size:  10 students
Convenings Per Year: 4
Prerequisite:  IT “A” School or equivalent
To Apply: Submit Electronic Training Request via Direct Access
Uniform: ODU Training Center Petaluma Information Technician school student.

Information Systems Management (ISM)

PURPOSE: The Information Systems Management Course is designed to provide the student with an essential set of core skills required to manage Coast Guard information systems onboard Cutters and at Base/ESD shore facilities. ISM provides the student with an in-depth knowledge of current and evolving processes and procedures issued by and used to interact with TISCOM and the CSD. Hands-on experience is provided via comprehensive labs covering the installation and management of Windows Server 2008R2; including all server roles developed for use in the field (including WDS, Application, File, Print, and Hyper-V), Network Infrastructure/LAN Configuration, client systems installation and management, software and Windows patch management, CommVault and Troubleshooting problem resolution.

LOCATION: TRACEN PETALUMA CA // SKEY: CG030

DURATION: 20 TRAINING DAYS PMIS: 500863

A.C.E. Credit Recommendation: The American Council on Education has recommended 6 credits in information systems technology for this course.

Class size:  11 students
Convenings Per Year: 8
Prerequisite: At least 2 years left of enlistment from completion date of ISM Course and billeted ISM afloat, ISM ashore, or collateral duty ISM.
To Apply: Submit Electronic Training Request via Direct Access
Uniform: ODU

Contact

For general school questions contact the Assistant School Chief or contact ITCM Gallegos at 707-765-7038.

School PhoneNumbers

Voice: (707) 765-7408
Fax: (707) 765-7419

Mailing Address

Commanding Officer
USCG Tracen Petaluma
ATTN: _____________
IT "A" School
599 Tomales Road
Petaluma, CA 94952-5000

IT 'C' School Questions - (707) 765-7408