The Mass Communication Foundations (MCF) Writing Course is a 16-day distance learning course. MCF Writing is a nonresident course.

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) Writing course builds on the basic writing skills student learned in MCF. Students will learn and apply elements of non-fiction writing and storytelling techniques to write engaging narratives to further overall DoW themes and messaging objectives. Using a student-centered writer’s workshop format, students will develop and foster the writing skills needed to communicate themes through non-fiction stories. To ensure they have credible information, students will also learn and apply research methods, interviewing and reporting techniques.

Students will focus on consistently following the writing process and developing sustainable writing skills. Instruction includes case studies, mini-lessons, and active writing sessions infused with frequent discussion, coaching and feedback, editing time, and revision sessions designed to improve students’ writing skills. They will practice writing clearly and concisely with emphasis on story purpose and concept, narrative organization and structure, and applying techniques such as drawing an audience into a narrative, identifying and creating character and story arcs, and delivering satisfying conclusions. The course culminates with students writing a non-fiction narrative to engage an audience in support of DoW messages and commander’s intent.

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-W FY 26 Course Prerequisites:

MCF, BPASC, BPJC-USAF, BMCSC-USN

MCF-W FY 26 Service Prerequisites:
 

• United States Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard -  Must be enlisted E1 through E6. MOS: 46S or 46V. Graduate of the course prereqs. Minimum of one year on the job training. United States Army Civilians will be GS-05 and above. If below GS-05, the requester must be a high school graduate or have a certificate of equivalency.
   
• United States Marine Corps - Must be enlisted E-1 through E-6. 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.
   
• 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.
   
• United States Air Force - Must be enlisted E-1 through E-6. Minimum score of 72 on general area of ASVAB- AFAQE score of 43. Must have distant visual acuity correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision. Must be eligible for secret security clearance.
   
• United States Coast Guard - Must be enlisted E-4 through E-6- (PA). Civilians: GS-07 to GS-11 assigned to a PA billet (series 1035) approved by USCG Public Affairs Program Manager.
   
• International students - Not eligible.
   
• Interagency students - Must be GS-05 and above.

FY 27 Course Information

MCF-W FY 27 Course Prerequisites:

MCF, BPASC, BPJC-USAF, BMCSC-USN

MCF-W FY 27 Service Prerequisites:
 

• United States Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard -  Must be enlisted E1 through E6. MOS: 46S or 46V. Graduate of the course prereqs. Minimum of one year on the job training. United States Army Civilians will be GS-05 and above. If below GS-05, the requester must be a high school graduate or have a certificate of equivalency.
   
• United States Marine Corps - Must be enlisted E-1 through E-6. 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.
   
• 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.
   
• United States Air Force - Must be Enlisted E-1 through E-6. Minimum score of 72 on general area of ASVAB- AFAQE score of 43. Must have distant visual acuity correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision. Must be eligible for secret security clearance.
   
• United States Coast Guard - Must be enlisted E-4 through E-6- (PA). Civilians: GS-07 to GS-11 assigned to a PA billet (series 1035) approved by USCG Public Affairs Program Manager.
   
• International students - Not eligible.
   
• Interagency students - Must be GS-05 and above.