Course Description:

The Mass Communication Foundations (MCF) - Visual Documentation is a dual discipline course teaching practical concepts and skills needed by visual information specialists to capture still imagery and motion video in uncontrolled environments such as expeditionary, humanitarian and other contingency operations. Students learn and apply hands-on techniques for documentation and communication of Department of Defense (DOD) themes and messages. This imagery is a fundamental tool for strategic and operational planning and decision-making by DoD leadership. Instruction includes training on techniques for documenting legal and battle damage; capturing investigative, medical and intelligence imagery; using a camera with night vision equipment; and different methods of transmitting imagery in an operational environment.

Students also learn the strategic role of photographers and videographers deployed in various operational environments, using an Operations Order and how to prepare and After-Action Report. Students will develop and apply their skills by completing several scenario-based individual and group exercises. Each scenario is designed to challenge students’ decision-making and problem-solving skills. Students prepare mission strategy worksheets from operation briefings to plan their imagery requirements to meet strategic objectives. Students will be expected to complete post-production tasks and transmit imagery within established time constraints. In the capstone event, students will apply their learning to a multi-day uncontrolled action performance exam involving multiple scenarios. Each student will use their imagery from this exercise to prepare and present a mission debrief, and compile a portfolio and demonstration reel of their coursework. Each student will receive feedback and critique on their presentation.

This course consists of both still photography and videography instruction. By Memorandum of Agreement, select service members may participate in parallel tracks for either still photography or videography. Students enrolled in parallel tracks will complete all training concurrent with students enrolled in the dual discipline course.

All resources supporting the concurrent tracks are the same as those listed in the Course Design Resource Estimate in this document.

Location: 6500 Mapes Road, Ft. Meade, Md.