Visual Communications Department (VCOMM) trains personnel from all branches of the Armed Services, DoD civilians, and international military students in eight different courses of instruction. VCOMM provides entry level and advanced training in visual information production and documentation, still photographic training, rendering of electronic imagery, basic and advanced multimedia, basic mass communications, lithography/reprographics, basic and intermediate videography, and combat camera leadership.

The Basic Multimedia Illustrator Course (BMIC) provides students with the skills required to perform the duties and fulfill the responsibilities required in the combat/field graphics and graphics designer career field. Training includes classes in the principles of design and layout, fundamentals of color theory, drawing, color media, perspective, typography, printing, electronic imaging systems, graphic design, image editing, desktop publishing, multimedia and telecommunications software. Students learn the operational principles of image scanners, digitizing devices, output to black and white and color printers, film and video recorders, plotters, image/data transmission, archiving data/image files, along with computer management principles and operator maintenance. Students participate in classes of visual information ethics, visual communications, and customer relations.

The Basic Mass Communication Specialist Course (BMCSC) is a basic course encompassing training in basic public affairs writing, digital multimedia, digital production, photography and videography. Computer system fundamentals, vector-based, presentation, multimedia authoring, web page design and animation software skills are taught in the Visual Information portion of the course. In Production, students learn to operate bindery equipment, digital duplicating and high-speed digital production equipment, including color management for RIP-based printing. In Basic Public Affairs Writing, students are prepared to perform skills as a mass communications writer, learning theory, concepts and principles of public affairs and community relations, applying fundamentals of print journalism as applied to news writing, including newspaper layout and design. Additionally, basic digital camera operations and photojournalism skills lead into the Photo portion of the course, where students gain further photographic skills, including filters, optics, lighting, exposure and printing to produce feature/picture story assignments. Students learn electronic imaging including scanning, basic/intermediate image editing software techniques, as well as image transmission, archiving and editing. Emphasis in the Electronic Journalism section is placed on principles and techniques to produce television news and feature assignments; students learn writing for electronic journalism, voice over and stand up reporting, television camera/ recorder systems, lighting, site survey and video editing. The course culminates in a 4 day Field Training Exercise where all skills are tested in a field environment.

The Basic Multimedia Reproduction Course (BMRC) provides training in computer operations, basic color theory and design concepts, as well as computer graphics software supporting vector-based graphic design, page layout and image-editing, web page design, web authoring and animation. Students receive an orientation to maintenance, safety and security procedures in graphic/print shops, in addition to bindery equipment operations, various types of printing and production equipment, including large format color printers, digital duplicators, RIP-based printing and digital production equipment used to produce printed products.

The Digital Multimedia Course (DMC) trains students in the principles, techniques, and skills required to perform the duties and functions of a digital multimedia specialist. DMC provides training in the knowledge and skills needed to create text, graphics, sound, animation and full-motion video, and then integrate these elements into multimedia and web-based packages. The course includes instruction in the operation of computer systems, input and output devices to acquire, enhance, design, manage, output, and archive digital imaging, graph design and multimedia files. Students use software to create, manage and output the following: composite layouts, graphic designs, page layouts, video productions, web pages and interactive multimedia solutions. The Digital Multimedia Course also includes theoretical and working instruction of computer fundamentals and functions, troubleshooting, networking, communications, color theory, and the principles and implementation of color management. Ethical considerations and practices are discussed as they pertain to the Department of Defense.

The Basic Still Photography Course (BSP) provides class instruction and practical exercises in theory and application of photographic fundamentals, captioning, optics, light sources, camera operations for standard and studio photography, electronic flash, automatic paper processors, and picture story. Students also become skilled at using electronic imaging systems including digital cameras and imaging and graphic software. Students are introduced to combat documentation and field imagery transmission, editing, and archiving digital images depicting all aspects of the U.S. military, including military operations, exercises, training and military life.

The Video Production and Documentation Course (VPD) provides training to selected enlisted personnel in the principles, techniques, and skills required to perform the duties and functions of production and combat documentation specialists. This course provides training in the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties required for visual information production assignments supporting video documentation of training and operations, public affairs, joint operations, and studio missions throughout the Armed Forces. The scope of training includes the operation of the digital video camera, lighting equipment, the principles of framing and composition, camera placement, audio and video editing, visualization, story telling, and a working knowledge of audio and video applications for television electronic field production and studio operations. The course is about to upgrade to high definition (HD) cameras, the most current camera technology.

The Intermediate Videography Course (IVC) focuses on learning and practicing the intermediate skills necessary to perform proficiently at a journeyman level of video storytelling and production. This course reinforces basic skills and expands the concepts of narrative and non-narrative productions. It introduces the advanced techniques used in these productions with emphasis on advanced non-linear editing techniques. Each student will have additionally learned and practiced the role and responsibilities of performing as a team leader.

The Combat Camera Leadership Course (CCLC) focuses on identifying the mission and functions of COMCAM, including the development of operational support plans, budgets, equipment/systems maintenance plans, policy and procedures, marketing plans, imagery management plans, and training plans. It also includes in-depth theoretical and working knowledge of how COMCAM functions within the Department of Defense.

Please contact the Visual Communications Department Academic Directors at (301) 677-5022 (DSN 622), or (301) 677- 3177, or the NCOIC at (301) 677-5027 (DSN 622) with any questions on curriculum or academic issues. View Course Info for a list of programs taught in each course.

Defense Information School
Visual Communications Department
6500 Mapes Road
Fort Meade, MD 20755-5620
Fax: (301) 677-5453