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IO 101
FA 30 Course
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RCFA30QC Information Operations Welcome Letter
Welcome to the Reserve Component Functional Area 30 Qualification Course (RC FA30 QC). Our goal is to provide you with a course that mirrors the resident version FA30 QC as much as possible. We use the same Terminal Learning Objectives (TLO), and train to the same level. Most of the materials we use are identical to those used in the resident version as well. Previous students of the RC version performed at the same level of proficiency as their active duty counterparts: this is not a "watered-down" version of FA30 QC, it IS FA30 QC reformatted for the Reserve Component.
The primary difference is in delivery method. While your counterparts in the resident version have daily face-to-face interaction with their Seminal Leaders (SL) and fellow students, we will interact via e-mail and weekly session in a "virtual classroom" utilizing a Breeze application. This places additional burdens on you as students to take charge of your own learning and be flexible.
The Army is in the process of redefining the way it conducts Information Operations and Information Engagement. It is likely that the next version of FM 3-13: Information Operations, will come out while you are enrolled in this course. We will endeavor to keep you on the cutting edge of emerging doctrine. Because of that, we may have to incorporate new courseware during the course, which means you may notice some minor discrepancies. We will attempt to identify those and keep you apprised as they come up. Bottom line: IO/IE is a work in progress for the Army, so the key word is flexibility.
The nature of IO/IE is such that it requires that practitioners be critical and flexible thinkers. To that end, we expect you to take charge of your own learning, rather than be a passive receptor. It is imperative that you take all assignments seriously. We use Adult Learning Methods (ALM) as much as the material and forum allows, which means you must come to class prepared to discuss the material thoughtfully and intelligently. Most of the classes will be student-led, and you will have multiple opportunities to lead lessons. A significant portion of your grade is based on class participation, and failure to arrive at class prepared will result in low grades, and eventual dismissal from the course.
We will expose you to a variety of viewpoints during the course. The goal is for you to develop a holistic understanding of IO/IE that incorporates the best thinking and writing available, rather than present you will non-existent "cookie cutter" solutions. The only requirements when encountering opposing views are an open mind, solid arguments, and mutual respect.
Classes will generally occur once a week for four hours. We will expect you to be punctual and fully prepared. We understand that situations occasionally interfere with availability. In general, only bona-fide emergencies will be excused without prior coordination. On rare occasions non-emergencies can be excused with prior approval from your SL. If you have such an unavoidable commitment, let your SL know as soon as possible in order to arrange an alternate means of covering the material.
The student body in this course spans several time zones, and we will attempt to accommodate everyone's needs as much as possible. However, group work is integral to the course design and students must be present when their cohort meets. The actual timing of the class is between the student cohort and the SL, but some events involve guest speakers whose schedules are not flexible.
You will have three formal written assignments and five precis due during this course. You will also conduct a "Chief of Staff briefing" near the end of this phase, which you must schedule with your SL. You will also take a multiple-choice comprehension test near the end of Module 3, and will undergo an Oral Comprehensive Exam at Phase 3.
Prior to the first class you must read the contents of the lessons for UTA 1 in the "Lessons" folder. Begin with the Advance Sheet, review any slides, lesson plans, and additional readings. The Advance Sheet may list readings that are not in the "readings" folder for a particular lesson. If that reading is a regulation, you should go to the Army's USAPA website, where all unclassified regulations are available for download.
If you have any questions or concerns you may contact the school staff by visiting the contacts page.
Good Luck