Atch 3 - AFSPECWAR Videography Syllabus of Instruction (SOI).pdf

AF/A3S MFF VIDEOGRAPHER SOI

Weapon System agnostic baseline interoperability training standard for Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) Operators, Enablers, and Support.

Military Free-Fall Videographer (MFF-VID)

Syllabus of Instruction (SOI)

06 February 2024

AF/A3S AFSPECWAR

Designed for USAF Use

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE AF/A3S AF/AFS AFSPECWAR MFF-VID SOI

Headquarters Air Force 1400 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20330-1670 06 February 2024

OFFICIAL

Leland K. Cowie II, Colonel, USAF Director, Air Force Special Warfare (AF/A3S)

Supersedes: All previous MFF Camera Qual QTP/SOI Pages: 11

OPR: HQ AF/A3S

OCR: HQ ACC A3J is OCR for the Guardian Angel (GA) Weapon System

HQ ACC A3J is OCR for the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Weapon System HQ AFSOC A3O is OCR for the Special Tactics (ST) Weapon System

Accessibility: This .pdf file is available on the “AFSPECWAR SharePoint”.

Distribution: Authorized for use in all MAJCOMs with GA, TACP, and ST Weapon Systems.

Releasability: Access to this publication is restricted. Refer other requests for this document to the OPR.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

Chapter 1 – Course Description 4 Chapter 2 – Course Administration 5 Section A – SOI Management 5 Section B – Training Management 5 Section C – Training Documentation 6 Chapter 3 – Training Execution 7 Table 3.1 – Task Condition Standard List 7 Table 3.2 – Performance Training 8 Table 3.3 – References 10 Table 3.4 – Equipment 10

CHAPTER 1 - Course Description

1. Title - AFSPECWAR Military Free-Fall Videographer (MFF-VID).

2. Objective - Train and certify AFSPECWAR operators and enablers to perform Military Free-Fall Videography of other parachutists to support in-house continuation training and/or missions that require this skillset in accordance with AFI 10-3503, Personnel Parachute Program.

a. Note: When designated in writing by the unit commander, members may jump with small form factor digital point of view cameras (e.g., Contour®™, GoPro®™, etc.) without completing a certification course, provided the camera is used solely to document the wearer’s training with no intent to record others.

3. Duration - Approximately 5 days, dependent on candidate’s skill.

4. Prerequisites - Available for use by Operators, Enablers and Mission Support personnel assigned to an AFSPECWAR unit. AFSPECWAR units are defined as units with a Guardian Angel, TACP or ST Weapon System IAW AFPD 10-35, Air Force Special Warfare. Individual must be qualified for parachute duty and other prerequisites described in applicable AFI 10-3503, USAF Personnel Parachute Program, guidance.

a. Be a graduate of a DoD approved Military Free-Fall (MFF) course.

b. Be in a jump inherent AFSC or an authorized J-code billet.

c. Non-Tactical Ram Air Parachute (NTRAPs) qualified.

d. Should have 50 jumps on the parachute system to be used in the upgrade.

e. Have 200 MFF parachute jumps by completion of upgrade or have USPA C License.

f. Recommended by flight leadership and Squadron Director of Operations.

5. Status Upon Completion - Military Free-Fall videographer qualified, able to video other jumpers to capture footage for debrief items. This SOI is for standard, small form factor cameras e.g., GoPro®. More intrusive cameras, like those using a ring sight or still cameras, require additional training. Additionally, this training is intended to meet the baseline skill set of Military Free-Fall videography. Further development of the skill may be required before recording more challenging subjects such as tandem bundles and passengers. Consult unit Personnel Parachute Program Manager (PPPM) if there is any question about matching videographer skill level with subjects.

a. Relative Work with Tandem – Additional requirements are needed following this upgrade in order to conduct relative work and video Tandem jumps. Videographer should meet Sigma Tandem relative work qualification requirements set forth in the Sigma Tandem Manual or contact MAJCOM PPPM for further guidance.

Table 1.1 - Estimated Training Duration

EVENT HOURS

Academic Training 2 hrs Operational Training 24 hrs TOTAL 26 hrs

CHAPTER 2 - Course Administration

SECTION A — SOI Management

1. Interpretation - This SOI is directive in nature and must be followed as written. If no clear SOI guidance exists, resolve the situation using the appropriate chain of command. If the logical course of action appears to conflict with other directives, consult the OCR for this SOI.

2. Changes - Recommended changes to this SOI will be coordinated with Lead MAJCOMS for GA, TACP, and ST IAW AFPD 10-35, Air Force Special Warfare.

a. AFSPECWAR - HQ AF A3S Division is the OPR for any change proposals submitted from the Lead MAJCOMS for the GA, TACP, and ST Weapon Systems.

b. GA - HQ ACC A3J Division is the OCR for change proposals from any GA unit. The AFSC specific MFM will concur and route to OPR or non-concur with justification.

c. TACP - HQ ACC A3J Division is the OCR for any change proposals from a TACP unit. The AFSC specific MFM(s) applicable will concur and route to OPR or non-concur with justification.

d. ST - HQ AFSOC A3O Division is the OCR for any change proposals from an ST unit. The AFSC specific MFM(s) applicable will concur and route to OPR or non-concur with justification.

3. Exceptions - Any deviation, concession, compromise to the SOI caused by special or unusual circumstances.

a. Proficiency Advancement (PA) authority is delegated to Unit Commanders or their designated representative(s).

b. Annotate PAs on the AF Form 623A which is stored in the members OJT record or IAW Squadron Operating Instruction (OI).

4. Deviations - Any unplanned variation from or failure to comply with SOI requirements. If unforeseen circumstances or a SOI deviation results in omission of required training, the Squadron Commander (Sq/CC) determines if the omitted training can be accomplished later in the SOI flow without adversely affecting the quality of training. Completion of objectives/activities in less than the allotted time due to smaller class sizes or candidate proficiency does not constitute a SOI deviation.

SECTION B – Training Management

1. Additional Training (AT) - Because this SOI is designed for candidates with varied experiences, backgrounds, and abilities, some candidates will require more training to meet required performance standards for each lesson.

Instructors may use AT events to bring candidate performance up to standards prior to advancing through training. AT events are accomplished by any method available to correct a candidate deficiency to include a combination of academics, computer-aided instruction (CAI), or operational events. Upon successful completion of AT, the candidate will re-accomplish the event where deficiency was identified.

2. Programming and Scheduling - This is a unit level responsibility. While the SOI allows maximum flexibility, some learning events are recommended prerequisites for other events, see the Management Flow section of this chapter.

Table 2.1 - Candidate-to-Instructor Ratio - This chart identifies candidate-to-instructor ratios. If personnel, facility, RM, or other constraints necessitate a candidate-to-instructor ratio change, the waiver authority is the Unit CC.

Candidate-to-Instructor Ratio Lesson Optimum Maximum Academics 2:1 4:1 Operational 1:1 2:1

3. Management Flow - Academics will be completed before progressing to operational training. To enable the building block approach, it is recommended that tasks are completed in numerical order. At the discretion of the primary instructor, academics may be accomplished in a field environment provided that learning objectives are met.

Instructors should develop a management flow that enables efficient and effective course scheduling.

4. Duties and Responsibilities

a. Candidate Responsibilities - Candidates will accomplish all assigned training and are responsible for ensuring they are ready and properly equipped for each assigned training event.

b. Instructor Responsibilities - This SOI must be administered by a primary instructor who is current and qualified IAW AFMAN 10-3500V1, Air Force Special Warfare Training Program and AFI 10-3503, Personnel Parachute Program. Instructors are responsible for compliance with and accomplishment of all planning and training requirements.

5. Safety/Risk Management (RM) - Instructors develop a RM plan IAW unit Policy or Operating Instruction (OI).

6. Medical Planning - A medical evacuation plan will be completed and briefed to all participants IAW AFI 10- 3503 Ch.11, Personnel Parachute Program.

7. Training Equipment - Issued equipment is each candidate’s responsibility and is mandatory for training IAW current MAJCOM approved AUL, Squadron SOP, and appropriate operational guidance. Instructors will ensure issued individual and team training equipment is available and serviceable.

8. Critiques - Forward all end-of-course critiques to the Squadron Director of Operations (DO) for review, the DO then forwards critiques to the STANEVAL section for trend analysis.

9. Management Flow - Academics will be completed before progressing to operational training. To enable the building block approach, it is recommended that tasks are completed in numerical order. At the discretion of the primary instructor, academics may be accomplished in a field environment if learning objectives are met. Instructors should develop a management flow that enables efficient and effective course scheduling.

SECTION C - Training Documentation

1. The training for this SOI is documented on DAF Form 623A MFF-VID. If the Instructor needs to capture additional individual performance information, use an additional 623A. If the candidate fails to meet the standard for a task, the instructor will not certify the corresponding item on the DAF Form 623A.

a. Candidate completes the current MFF-VID SOI which is published and stored on the AFSPECWAR SharePoint STANEVAL page.

b. Instructor completes the MFF-VID AF 623A (with any additional 623A as required) and submits to

STANEVAL.

(1) The AF 623A that was specifically designed for use with this SOI is titled “MFF-VID TRNG 623A,” and is located on the AFSPECWAR SharePoint STANEVAL page.

c. STANEVAL updates member as MFF-VID Certified on the Letter of Certifications (LOX).

CHAPTER 3 – Training Execution

SECTION A – Task Condition Standard (TCS) List

1. Performance Standards - This SOI uses specific objectives to express training requirements which the candidate must be able to perform after sufficient instruction. Some performance criteria require more than one individual. In such cases, a maximum number of candidates working together will be established by the primary instructor.

2. Task Condition Standards Defined:

a. TASK - What needs to be done.

b. CONDITION - The condition under which the candidate will perform the task (i.e., setting, equipment provided, references, etc.).

c. STANDARD - Oriented toward the SMART Principle – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reasonable, and Time oriented (i.e., Accomplish a task(s), given a condition(s) in a specific, measurable way in a certain amount of time).

Table 3.1 - Academics

# TASK CONDITION STANDARD

1 Identify the purpose of

Military Free-fall videography.

In an academic environment. Discuss objective data capture for feedback for providing instruction.

Understand how to view the footage immediately post-jump for debrief and discussion.

2 Operate the camera. In an academic environment, with the intended video equipment.

Demonstrate familiarity with the camera system. Including, but not limited to; video settings; battery consumption management techniques;

mounting angles; and snag hazard mitigation.

3 Identify key phases for video capture.

In an academic environment. Key phases include exit, free-fall, parachute deployment, and landing.

Candidate should understand how to meet their video objectives with the given variables. Variables include lighting, subject’s terminal velocity, and so on.

Candidate demonstrates knowledge of how to handle different challenges they may encounter in each phase.

4 Identify the purpose and demonstrate operation of the audible altimeter.

In an academic environment with an audible altimeter and user’s manual.

Discuss the importance of using an audible altimeter while performing Military Free-Fall Videographer duties.

Demonstrate programming of an audible altimeter including but not limited to; powering on/off, setting key altitudes, high-speed warnings and altitude offsets.

Table 3.2 - Performance Training

# TASK CONDITION STANDARD

5 Wind Tunnel.

(Recommended).

In a wind tunnel with a coach. (A wind tunnel coach or the primary upgrade instructor are both appropriate options.)

Wind tunnel iterations are recommended.

Candidate will focus on relative work, proximity flying, and transitions to and from back and belly flying.

Candidate should gain familiarity flying “in the slot,” 5’ away, and 5’ above the subject’s right side.

6 Record a slick, stable subject conducting a poise exit.

Day flight with Non- Tactical Ram Air Parachute System, audible and wrist altimeter.

Candidate will film a slick, stable jumper.

Instructor will film candidate.

The candidate will demonstrate a proper poise exit and establish themselves “in the slot”, 5’ away, and 5’ above the subject’s right side, within 10 seconds. Deviation from desired camera position is appropriate at instructor’s discretion.

Demonstrate altitude control relative to subject for good camera angles and lighting during flight.

Capture jumper’s parachute deployment with visual altitude reference.

Candidate will maintain a stable position relative to the jumper’s pull position and pull “in the hole” at the prescribed altitude. Repeat until consistently competent.

7 Record a slick, stable subject conducting a dive exit.

Day flight with Non- Tactical Ram Air Parachute System, audible and wrist altimeter.

Candidate will film a slick, stable jumper.

The candidate will demonstrate a proper dive exit and establish themselves “in the slot”, 5’ away, and 5’ above the subject’s right side, within 10 seconds. Deviation from desired camera position is appropriate at instructor’s discretion. Video should be centered on jumper from exit to opening.

Demonstrate altitude control relative to subject for good camera angles and lighting during flight.

Capture jumper’s deployment with visual altitude reference.

Candidate will maintain a stable position relative to the jumper’s pull position and pull “in the hole” at the prescribed altitude. Repeat until consistently competent.

8 Record a slick, unstable subject.

Day flight with Non- Tactical Ram Air

The candidate will demonstrate a proper exit, dive or poise, and establish themselves at a safe

Parachute System, audible and wrist altimeter.

Candidate will film a slick, unstable jumper. Jumper will remain unstable for 1000’-2000' at the beginning of the jump.

distance from the subject, but close enough to capture details of the subject’s flight, within 10 seconds. Deviation from desired camera position is appropriate at instructor’s discretion. Video should be centered on jumper from exit to opening.

Demonstrate altitude control relative to jumper for good camera angles and lighting during flight.

Capture jumper’s deployment with visual altitude reference.

Candidate will maintain a stable position relative to the jumper’s pull position and pull “in the hole” at the prescribed altitude. Repeat until consistently competent.

9 Record a combat equipment, stable subject.

Day flight with Non- Tactical Ram Air Parachute System, audible and wrist altimeter.

Candidate will film a stable, combat equipped jumper.

The candidate will demonstrate a proper exit, dive or poise, and establish themselves “in the slot”, 5’ away, and 5’ above the subject’s right side, within 10 seconds. Deviation from desired camera position is appropriate at instructor’s discretion.

Video should be centered on jumper from exit to opening.

Demonstrate altitude control relative to jumper for good camera angles and lighting during flight.

Capture jumper’s deployment with visual altitude reference.

Candidate will maintain a stable position relative to the jumper’s pull position and pull “in the hole” at the prescribed altitude. Repeat until consistently competent.

10 Record an unstable subject.

Day flight with Non- Tactical Ram Air Parachute System, audible and wrist altimeter.

Candidate will film an unstable jumper.

Jumper will remain unstable for 1000’- 3000’ at the beginning of the jump.

Instructor will film candidate.

Candidates’ “Unstable” jumper will be an experienced current and qualified MFF JM

The candidate will demonstrate a proper exit, dive, or poise, and establish themselves at a safe distance from the subject, but close enough to capture details of the subject’s flight, within 10 seconds. Subject should be in frame through opening.

Demonstrate altitude control relative to jumper for good camera angles and lighting during flight.

Capture jumper’s deployment with visual altitude reference.

Candidate will maintain a stable position relative to the jumper’s pull position and pull “in the hole” at the prescribed altitude.

Candidate will accomplish the “Record an unstable subject” a minimum of 3 times and repeat until consistently competent at keeping jumper in frame.

Table 3.3 - References

1. AFI 10-3503, USAF Personnel Parachute Program, 23 September 2020

2. AFMAN 10-3500V1, Air Force Special Warfare Training Program, 1 June 2022

3. AFMAN 10-3500V2, Air Force Special Warfare Standardization and Evaluation, 1 June 2022

4. AFMAN 10-3511, Pararescue and Combat Rescue Officer Operations, 2 December 2020

5. DAFMAN 13-217, Drop Zone, Landing Zone and Helicopter Landing Zone Operations, 22 April 2021

6. ATP 3-18.11, Special Forces Military Freefall Operations, 1 February 2023

7. USAF Personnel Parachute Program (PPP) Authorized for Use List (AUL), 7 Feb 2023

8. Advanced Parachute Manufacturer’s Instructions

9. Camera Equipment Manufacturer’s Instructions

10. USPA Skydiver’s Information Manual

Table 3.4 - Equipment

Administrative Equipment, Multimedia Basis of Issue

Briefing materials (computer, projector, publications, etc.) As required

User’s manuals for cameras & audible altimeters 1/classroom

Team Equipment, Operational (Ideal team size: 1 candidate per instructor) Basis of Issue

Team jump equipment IAW unit SOP & AFMAN 10-3511 As required

Individual Equipment, Operations Basis of Issue

Approved jump helmet (full-face helmet recommended) 1/candidate

Approved camera with all mounting equipment and accessories 1/candidate

Audible altimeter 1/candidate

Cell phone, tablet, or laptop with app for viewing footage 1/candidate

Individual jump equipment IAW unit SOP & AFMAN 10-3511 As required