SSgt James Atkinson

Air Force | Electronic Computer Systems Technician

Dates of Service: Aug 1981 - Aug 1987

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Bio

Over 46 years of professional experience in computers, computer networks, encryption equipment, video gear related to computers, computer forensics, computer security, hardware design and engineering, computer programming, software engineering, technical instructor, technical counter-intelligence, and related activities.

Military Experiences

Sep 1987 - Sep 2007

Electronics Instructor (Contract Civilian)

111th MI BDE HHC, 111th MI BDE, USAICoE, TRADOC | Fort Devens, MA

As a civilian contract instructor taught a specialized course in regards to noise floor analysis and time and code domain gating instrumentation to reduce DANL to render an otherwise invisible signal detectable. Included the use of generally available test equipment with specialized methods, and the use of test instruments specific to this task. Programming of software drivers for spectrum analyzers and search receivers probes, couplers, antenna and antenna switches as teaching and operational aids.

Jun 1986 - Aug 1987

Electronic Cryptologic Technician (CT)

917 FG, 442 FW, 10th AF, AFRC | Barksdale AFB, LA

Component level service of field deployable Top Secret Electronic Cryptographic systems to scramble and encrypt data, phone, voice, and signals from "advanced sensors." Also attending training on Space Communications as our crypto gear had to go between highly classified computers/terminals and satellite uplink/down-links. Assigned to: 917th Tactical Fighter Wing in support of deployed A-10 "Warthogs" Anti-Tank Fighter aircraft.

Jul 1982 - Jun 1986

Computer Maintenance Technician

HQ 8th AF, 8th AF, AFGSC | Barksdale AFB, LA

Every possible variation of computer maintenance in each of the work centers of the 465L system until I was qualified to the "5 level" on the TCC, RCC, DDC, Sub-A, system ops, and other sections of the 465L installations. Once I performed one certification rotation in each of the work centers I was assigned as a "7 level" shift supervisor over my happy little band of computer technicians and we performed maintenance, service, and emergency repairs to the 465L mainframe computer systems at Barksdale AFB and periodically at other SAC bases. Also, maintained digital voice and data switching systems, cryptographic data system, and voice encryption systems at the Top Secret level. I became a sort of "Nerd's Nerd". Assigned to: 46th Communications Group / 46th Information Services Group.

Oct 1981 - Jun 1982

Technical School Student

CNATTU Keesler, CNATT, Learning Centers, NETC | Keesler AFB, MS

Student as a computer and switching systems technician. Initially trained on the 407L computer systems, and then on the 465L EDTCC system. High precision avionics soldering, Soviet awareness, test equipment use, basic electronics, computer circuits, peripherals, printers, magnetic tape units, computer programming, missile silos and everything related to SAC and TAC pushing bits and bytes between bases and remote field locations, launching bombers and nuclear missiles, and well over 1000 hours of classroom technical training.

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