Course Description:

The Mass Communication Foundations (MCF) - Visual Documentation course teaches practical concepts and skills needed by visual information specialists to capture still imagery 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, and prepare mission strategy worksheets from Operations Order (OPORD) briefings to plan their imagery requirements. Students also prepare and deliver an After-Action Report (AAR), summarizing key information about a mission scenario, presenting their imagery, and identifying lessons learned for future exercises. Students will develop and apply their skills by completing several scenario-based individual and group exercises. Each scenario will be designed to challenge students’ decision-making and problem-solving skills. 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 is one of the parallel tracks for MCF-Visual Documentation, and consists of still photography 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 the MCF-Visual Documentation Training Program of Instruction.

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