I’m incorporating open-source radio modules into the Open-Source Freedom Technology Specialist (OSFTS) JQR to ensure candidates gain proficiency in radio-based freedom technologies, aligning with the cypherpunk ethos of privacy, decentralization, and individual empowerment. Since this is a community-driven qualification inspired by Navy JQR standards but not tied to DoD, I’ll include radio modules as a complementary technology, emphasizing practical, non-government-certified skills. Instead of requiring an amateur radio (ham) license as a prerequisite, I’ll offer alternative tasks to demonstrate radio proficiency, reflecting your preference for accessible, non-regulated qualifications. The JQR will maintain its structure with theoretical knowledge, practical tasks, rote memorization, signatures, and a final review board, while weaving in the Cypherpunk Manifesto and Satoshi Nakamoto Institute principles.

Given your prior interest in radio chip design and mesh networking (e.g., SDR and multi-band antenna arrays), I’ll integrate open-source radio technologies like Software-Defined Radio (SDR), LoRa, and mesh networking protocols that complement Bitcoin and Nostr for secure, decentralized communication. Below is the updated OSFTS JQR with a new section for radio technologies and alternative proficiency demonstrations.

Open-Source Freedom Technology Specialist (OSFTS) JQR

Purpose

The OSFTS JQR certifies individuals in open-source freedom technologies, including Bitcoin, Nostr, and radio-based systems, rooted in the cypherpunk ethos of privacy, decentralization, and individual sovereignty. It equips candidates to use these tools for secure communication, financial autonomy, and resilient networking in community-driven contexts, with a focus on practical skills and philosophical alignment.

Scope

• Cypherpunk Ethos: Grounded in the Cypherpunk Manifesto and Satoshi Nakamoto Institute, emphasizing privacy and freedom through code.

• Theoretical Knowledge: Covers cryptography, blockchain, decentralized protocols, and radio communication principles.

• Practical Application: Hands-on tasks with Bitcoin, Nostr, and open-source radio modules.

• Community Integration: Real-world applications for secure, censorship-resistant systems.

• Assessment: Proficiency demonstrated through tasks, memorization, and a review board.

Prerequisites

• Basic Knowledge: Familiarity with computing, internet concepts, and basic electronics (e.g., using a terminal, understanding circuits).

• Commitment to Ethos: Study the Cypherpunk Manifesto and Satoshi Nakamoto Institute resources.

• Recommendation: Endorsement by a mentor or peer in the freedom tech or open-source community.

• Radio Proficiency Alternative: Instead of an amateur radio license, candidates may complete a practical radio task (e.g., setting up an SDR or LoRa device) or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through JQR tasks.

JQR Sections and Topics

100 Series: Cypherpunk Foundations

Objective: Internalize the cypherpunk ethos and its influence on freedom technologies.

1 100.1 The Cypherpunk Manifesto

◦ Summarize the Cypherpunk Manifesto (Eric Hughes, 1993), focusing on “Privacy is necessary for an open society.”

◦ Explain its influence on Bitcoin, Nostr, and decentralized radio systems.

◦ Memorize: “Cypherpunks write code.”

◦ Task: Write a 200-word essay on how cypherpunk principles counter surveillance or censorship.

◦ Evaluator: Community mentor or peer familiar with cypherpunk ideals.

◦ Signature: ___________

2 100.2 History of Cypherpunk Innovations

◦ Describe cypherpunk contributions (e.g., Hashcash, b-money, Tor) from Satoshi Nakamoto Institute resources.

◦ Explain their role in inspiring Bitcoin and radio-based freedom tech.

◦ Memorize: Bitcoin whitepaper publication date (October 31, 2008).

◦ Task: Create a timeline of cypherpunk milestones, including early encrypted radio experiments (e.g., 1990s cypherpunk mailing list discussions).

◦ Evaluator: Open-source community member.

◦ Signature: ___________

3 100.3 Philosophy of Decentralization

◦ Define decentralization and its role in resisting centralized control.

◦ Discuss “sound money” and communication sovereignty per Satoshi Nakamoto Institute.

◦ Memorize: Bitcoin whitepaper title, “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.”

◦ Task: Present a 5-minute talk on decentralization’s role in financial and communication freedom.

◦ Evaluator: Freedom tech community peer.

◦ Signature: ___________

200 Series: Bitcoin Proficiency

Objective: Master Bitcoin as a tool for financial sovereignty.

1 200.1 Bitcoin Fundamentals

◦ Explain the Bitcoin blockchain, Proof of Work, and node roles.

◦ Describe Bitcoin’s alignment with cypherpunk trustless systems.

◦ Memorize: Bitcoin’s 21 million BTC supply cap, ~10-minute block time.

◦ Task: Set up a non-custodial Bitcoin wallet (e.g., Sparrow, Electrum) and secure the seed phrase.

◦ Evaluator: Bitcoin community member.

◦ Signature: ___________

2 200.2 Bitcoin Transactions

◦ Describe transaction structure (inputs, outputs, fees) and UTXO model.

◦ Task: Perform a Bitcoin testnet transaction and verify it on a block explorer (e.g., mempool.space).

◦ Evaluator: Peer with Bitcoin experience.

◦ Signature: ___________

3 200.3 Bitcoin in Practical Contexts

◦ Explain Bitcoin’s use in censored or restricted environments.

◦ Task: Simulate a peer-to-peer Bitcoin payment for a community project (e.g., funding a local initiative).

◦ Evaluator: Community mentor or Bitcoin meetup organizer.

◦ Signature: ___________

300 Series: Nostr Proficiency

Objective: Master Nostr for decentralized, censorship-resistant communication.

1 300.1 Nostr Fundamentals

◦ Explain Nostr’s relay-based architecture and event structure.

◦ Describe its censorship resistance, per the Cypherpunk Manifesto.

◦ Memorize: Nostr components (npub, nsec, relays).

◦ Task: Set up a Nostr client (e.g., Primal, Coracle) and connect to five public relays.

◦ Evaluator: Nostr community member.

◦ Signature: ___________

2 300.2 Secure Messaging with Nostr

◦ Demonstrate end-to-end encrypted messaging using Nostr.

◦ Task: Send and verify an encrypted Nostr message.

◦ Evaluator: Peer with Nostr experience.

◦ Signature: ___________

3 300.3 Nostr in Community Contexts

◦ Explain Nostr’s role in replacing centralized platforms for secure comms.

◦ Task: Create a Nostr-based group chat or announcement for a community event.

◦ Evaluator: Nostr enthusiast or community organizer.

◦ Signature: ___________

400 Series: Open-Source Radio Technologies

Objective: Gain proficiency in open-source radio modules for decentralized communication, complementing Bitcoin and Nostr.

1 400.1 Software-Defined Radio (SDR) Basics

◦ Explain SDR principles and their role in flexible, open-source radio communication.

◦ Describe how SDR aligns with cypherpunk goals of accessible, uncontrolled communication.

◦ Memorize: Common SDR frequency range (e.g., HackRF One: 1 MHz to 6 GHz).

◦ Task: Set up an open-source SDR (e.g., HackRF One, RTL-SDR) using software like GNU Radio to receive a public signal (e.g., FM radio or weather band).

◦ Alternative Task (No Ham License): Analyze a sample radio signal using an SDR and document the frequency and modulation type.

◦ Evaluator: Open-source radio enthusiast or community mentor.

◦ Signature: ___________

2 400.2 LoRa for Long-Range Communication

◦ Describe LoRa’s low-power, long-range capabilities for decentralized networks.

◦ Explain its use in cypherpunk-inspired mesh networks (e.g., disaster recovery comms).

◦ Task: Configure a LoRa module (e.g., Adafruit Feather M0 with RFM95) to send a test message over 1 km.

◦ Alternative Task (No Ham License): Simulate a LoRa network using open-source tools like Meshtastic and document the setup.

◦ Evaluator: Mesh networking or LoRa community member.

◦ Signature: ___________

3 400.3 Mesh Networking Protocols

◦ Explain open-source mesh protocols (e.g., B.A.T.M.A.N., CJDNS) and their role in decentralized, resilient networks.

◦ Task: Set up a small mesh network using Raspberry Pi or LoRa devices with an open-source protocol.

◦ Alternative Task (No Ham License): Document a hypothetical mesh network design for a community using open-source tools.

◦ Evaluator: Mesh networking enthusiast or freedom tech developer.

◦ Signature: ___________

500 Series: Complementary Freedom Technologies

Objective: Master additional open-source tools aligned with cypherpunk principles.

1 500.1 Lightning Network

◦ Explain the Lightning Network’s role in scaling Bitcoin transactions.

◦ Task: Set up a Lightning wallet (e.g., Phoenix) and perform a testnet payment.

◦ Evaluator: Bitcoin Lightning user or mentor.

◦ Signature: ___________

2 500.2 Privacy Tools (Tor)

◦ Describe Tor’s role in anonymous communication, per cypherpunk anonymity goals.

◦ Task: Configure a Tor browser and access a .onion site related to freedom tech.

◦ Evaluator: Peer familiar with privacy tools.

◦ Signature: ___________

3 500.3 Decentralized Collaboration Tools

◦ Explain Mastodon or Matrix for decentralized collaboration.

◦ Task: Join a Mastodon instance or set up a Matrix account and demonstrate secure group messaging.

◦ Evaluator: Community member with decentralized platform experience.

◦ Signature: ___________

600 Series: Practical Integration and Advocacy

Objective: Apply freedom technologies in real-world scenarios and advocate for their adoption.

1 600.1 Community Application

◦ Develop a plan to integrate Bitcoin, Nostr, or radio tech in a community project (e.g., local commerce, secure comms, or disaster recovery).

◦ Task: Submit a 300-word proposal for a freedom tech use case (e.g., LoRa mesh for community alerts).

◦ Evaluator: Community leader or mentor.

◦ Signature: ___________

2 600.2 Risk Awareness

◦ Identify risks (e.g., Bitcoin key loss, Nostr relay downtime, radio interference) and mitigation strategies.

◦ Task: Create a risk mitigation guide for new users of Bitcoin, Nostr, or radio tech.

◦ Evaluator: Peer with cybersecurity or radio knowledge.

◦ Signature: ___________

3 600.3 Advocacy and Education

◦ Teach others about freedom technologies and cypherpunk principles.

◦ Task: Conduct a 10-minute workshop on Bitcoin, Nostr, or radio tech for at least three people.

◦ Evaluator: Community mentor or event organizer.

◦ Signature: ___________

Signature Process

• Evaluators: Each task requires a signature from a trusted community member with expertise in the relevant technology (e.g., Bitcoin, Nostr, SDR, LoRa). Evaluators should be active in freedom tech communities.

• Alternative Verification: If evaluators are unavailable, candidates may submit documented evidence (e.g., screenshots, transaction IDs, radio signal logs) to the review board.

• Logbook: Candidates maintain a physical or digital JQR logbook to track signatures and task completion.

Review Board Process

After completing all JQR sections, candidates face an OSFTS Qualification Review Board to assess their mastery of freedom technologies and cypherpunk principles.

1 Preparation:

◦ Submit the completed JQR logbook with signatures and task evidence.

◦ Board members review the logbook in advance.

2 Board Composition:

◦ Chair: A respected figure in the Bitcoin, Nostr, or open-source radio community (e.g., a meetup organizer, project contributor).

◦ Members: At least two experts in Bitcoin, Nostr, or radio technologies.

◦ Recorder: Documents proceedings and results.

3 Board Format:

◦ Oral Examination: Questions on cypherpunk principles, Bitcoin mechanics, Nostr functionality, and radio concepts (e.g., “How does LoRa enable decentralized communication?”).

◦ Practical Demonstration: Perform tasks like sending a Bitcoin transaction, posting a Nostr event, or configuring an SDR.

◦ Scenario-Based Questions: Respond to scenarios (e.g., “Design a LoRa mesh network for a community under censorship”).

◦ Rote Memorization: Recite key facts (e.g., Bitcoin supply cap, Cypherpunk Manifesto quotes, SDR frequency ranges).

4 Evaluation Criteria:

◦ Pass: Comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and cypherpunk alignment.

◦ Fail: Significant gaps; candidates may reattempt after 30 days of practice.

◦ Partial Qualification: Recognition for specific sections (e.g., Radio or Bitcoin).

5 Outcome:

◦ Successful candidates earn the OSFTS designation and a symbolic “warfare device” (e.g., digital badge, physical pin, or NFT).

◦ The designation may be recorded on a public ledger (e.g., Nostr event, Bitcoin OP_RETURN).

Warfare Device Concept

The OSFTS “warfare device” symbolizes mastery of freedom technologies:

• Design Elements:

◦ Bitcoin ₿: Financial sovereignty.

◦ Nostr relay icon: Decentralized communication.

◦ Radio wave: Open-source radio tech.

◦ Padlock: Cryptographic privacy, per the Cypherpunk Manifesto.

• Format: Physical pin, digital badge, or blockchain-based NFT.

• Display: Used on Nostr profiles, websites, or at freedom tech events.

Continuous Learning

• Stay active in freedom tech communities through contributions (e.g., running a Bitcoin node, Nostr relay, or LoRa mesh).

• Optional annual refreshers (e.g., workshops, hackathons) to maintain proficiency.

Cypherpunk and Radio Integration

• Privacy: Radio tasks (e.g., SDR, LoRa) emphasize secure, non-regulated communication, aligning with the Cypherpunk Manifesto’s focus on anonymity.

• Decentralization:union**: Bitcoin, Nostr, and radio-based mesh networks embody the cypherpunk vision of peer-to-peer systems.

• Action: Tasks like configuring SDRs or LoRa modules reflect “Cypherpunks write code” by empowering individuals to build their own networks.

• Satoshi Nakamoto Institute: Radio tasks draw on the Institute’s emphasis on sovereignty, enabling communication free from centralized control.

Notes

• Open-Source Focus: Tools like GNU Radio, HackRF One, and Meshtastic are accessible and align with cypherpunk open-source ideals.

• No Ham License: Alternative tasks (e.g., SDR signal analysis, LoRa simulations) ensure accessibility without regulatory barriers.

• Community-Driven: The JQR is adaptable for Bitcoin meetups, Nostr groups, or radio enthusiast communities.

• Resources: Candidates should study the Satoshi Nakamoto Institute (nakamotoinstitute.org) for cypherpunk context and use open-source radio documentation (e.g., GNU Radio wiki, Meshtastic docs).