The Mass Communication Foundations (MCF) - Visual Documentation Course is a four-week resident course conducted at 6500 Mapes Road, Ft. Meade, Md. 20755.

This course operates on a fiscal year schedule from October 1st to September 30th. All courses offered after October 1st of a particular year are considered part of the next fiscal year. For example, if a course begins Oct 1, 2025, it is listed under FY 2026.

For registration, please visit the Army Training Requirements and Resource System (ATRRS) at https://www.atrrs.army.mil **Please note that ATTRS requires an NIPR computer and CAC card.**

For assistance, please email: registrar@dinfos.edu 

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 War (DOW) themes and messages. This imagery is a fundamental tool for strategic and operational planning and decision-making by DoW 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.

Prerequisites

DINFOS courses have specific requirements that define who can attend and what background or experience they need. Prerequisites are updated each fiscal year, and the most current details are listed below and on the ATRRS course pages.

FY 26 Course Information

MCF-VD FY 26 Course Prerequisites: 

BSP, BPJC-USAF, BMCSC-USN, EJC, MCF, VPD

MCF-VD FY 26 Service Prerequisites:
  • United States Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard -  46V: Must be enlisted E-1 through E-5. Soldiers must meet prerequisites outlined in DA PAM 611-21. Minimum physical profile of 111221. Meet height and weight standards IAW AR 600-9. Pass Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) prior graduation.
     
  • United States Navy - Must be enlisted E-1 through E-5- ASVAB: VE + AR = 115 , VE minimum 53 (non waiverable) or PC +AR = 115. Normal color vision. Must be a United States Citizen. Remaining enlistment of 5 years. Must be eligible to obtain a SECRET security clearance. Prerequisites are non-waiverable. Students who are graduates of the following DINFOS courses are eligible for MCF-VD: Mass Communication Foundations (MCF).
     
  • International Students are not eligible to attend this course.
     
  • Interagency Students are not eligible to attend this course.
MCF-VD-P FY 26 Course Prerequisites: 

BSP, EJC, MCF, VPD

MCF-VD-P FY 26 Service Prerequisites:
  • United States Marine Corps - Students must be enlisted E-1 through E-5. Minimum GT score of 110 (waiverable to 107). Minimum VE score of 45. Must have normal color vision. Must be a United States Citizen. Must be eligible for a SECRET security clearance.
     
  • International Students are not eligible to attend this course.
     
  • Interagency Students are not eligible to attend this course.
MCF-VD-V FY 26 Course Prerequisites: 

BSP, EJC, MCF, VPD

MCF-VD-V FY 26 Service Prerequisites:
  • United States Marine Corps - Students must be enlisted E-1 through E-5. Minimum GT score of 110 (waiverable to 107). Minimum VE score of 45. Must have normal color vision. Must be a United States Citizen. Must be eligible for a SECRET security clearance.
     
  • International Students are not eligible to attend this course.
     
  • Interagency Students are not eligible to attend this course.

MCF- Visual Documentation FY 26 Dates 

Fiscal year 2026 course dates are available on the MCF-VD FY 26 Class Schedule page.

 

More Information

Service Detachment Information