Course Description:

PACIS provides basic public affairs knowledge and skills to military and civilian personnel from allied and partner nations in a culturally inclusive manner. Through lectures, demonstrations, performance exercises, case studies, assigned readings, field trips and guest speakers, students will acquire a foundation in the latest public affairs concepts, tools and communication strategies that will be transferable to each nation's military public affairs efforts. The curriculum is broadly based on existing PACS-Q training tasks but requires a less rigorous English comprehension level. 4.
a. Course material is organized into the following Functional Areas: Communication Planning and Media Relations. Each functional area stresses the importance of maintaining a high standard of integrity.
b. To accommodate language limitations, students will demonstrate understanding of the coursework through demonstrations, exercises or oral exams versus written examinations.
c. The course culminates in the planning and development of a communication plan, which students will develop to address a current communication challenge faced by their command.

Course Purpose:

In support of priorities outlined in the National Defense Strategy of the United States, the Public Affairs Course for International Students (PACIS) aims to deepen interoperability in public affairs and communication strategies between deployed American forces and our allies and partners. This course is intended to build the capacity of international military and civilian personnel selected by their governments to perform public affairs functions. Students will be from the defense ministries of nations operating within the Security Cooperation Education and Training Program (SCETP) framework. Rather than emphasize a US-centric approach to military public affairs, this course will compare and contrast U.S., NATO and UN approaches and emphasize basic public affairs knowledge and skills that can be adapted to individual nation requirements.

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