A remote communications node unit (86) determines radio frequency (RF) dynamic spectrum utilization for use in a RF communications network (154) and includes a measuring module (46) for measuring radio frequency (RF) interference at a location of the communications node unit (86). A processing module (62) receives RF measurement data from the measuring module (46) for determining RF interference in a local environment of the remote communications node (86) based upon selected factors of the type including mission priority parameters, channel availability statistics, link dynamic information, and the waveform dependent susceptibility data. The processing module (62) controls communications frequency and characteristics used by the remote communications module (86) for exchange of information with other remote communications nodes (86).