JUSTIFICATION AND OVERVIEW:
In modern military, law enforcement, and intelligence environments, the line between operator and technologist is rapidly blurring.
Tactical and field personnel are increasingly required to interface with digital systems, analyse raw data, automate repetitive tasks, or customise tools for mission-specific needs. Whether it's scripting for device interrogation, automating OSINT collection, parsing logs during an operation, or modifying open-source tools in the field—basic coding competency is now a critical enabler for operational success.
Basic Coding for Operators is designed specifically for non-developer personnel working in technical or tactical roles. Unlike traditional coding courses, this training strips out unnecessary academic complexity and focuses instead on mission-relevant, real-world applications of code.
The course is centered on Python—a versatile, widely adopted language used across cybersecurity, automation, and data manipulation domains—but also introduces shell scripting and operational logic.
No prior programming experience is required. The course builds from first principles and teaches operators how to read, modify, and write basic code that improves effectiveness, saves time, and supports mission resilience.
By the end, students will be comfortable understanding script behavior, adjusting automation logic, and using programming as a force multiplier in the field.
BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT:
This course gives field operators and tactical personnel the coding confidence to automate workflows, extract mission-critical data, and interact with digital tools in high-tempo environments. It teaches Python and scripting fundamentals with a practical, operational mindset—no prior programming experience required.
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:
No prior coding knowledge is expected or required. Participants should be comfortable using a keyboard, navigating files, and basic IT operations (e.g., moving files, opening a terminal).
INDICATIVE COURSE CONTENT:
Module 1: Introduction to Code for the Operator
• What is code? Why operators need it
• Python vs Bash vs PowerShell: use-case breakdown
• Running your first script in the terminal
Module 2: Python Fundamentals – Operator Edition
• Variables, conditionals, and loops with real-world analogies
• Writing readable scripts for automation and data parsing
• Debugging without panic: understanding and fixing errors
Module 3: Scripting for Intelligence & OSINT Tasks
• Automating web requests, scraping, and parsing HTML
• Reading and filtering data from CSVs, JSON, and open feeds
• Basic data cleanup and exporting results
Module 4: Automating Repetitive Tasks
• Renaming, moving, or processing large batches of files
• Automating reconnaissance steps with simple code
• Triggering actions based on conditions (e.g., log changes, time, input)
Module 5: Real-World Tactical Coding Examples
• Writing a script to pull MAC addresses from Wi-Fi scans
• Parsing PCAP metadata to isolate traffic of interest
• Automating report generation from field data collection
Module 6: Operator Shell Scripting
• One-liners, loops, and useful command chaining
• Writing simple Bash scripts to extend toolkit capability
• Creating automation scripts for your own workflows