304th notes officer training.

The 304th Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, is responsible for conducting intelligence training for Army field grade officers. The purpose of this article is to provide information about these courses.

Military Intelligence Precommand Course (PCC)

Developed in the mid-1970s, the MI PCC provides MI Active and Reserve Component (RC) battalion and brigade command-designees with a review and update of major ongoing doctrinal, organizational, equipment, and process developments to prepare them to be effective commanders. The course also trains Aviation officers who will command MI aerial exploitation battalions (AEBs), and Acquisition Corps officers who will serve as MI systems project managers. Due to the wide variety of units our students will command, we tailor each class to meet the students' needs.

PCC student training is in a small-group environment, and subject matter experts and guest speakers lead discussions. We also arrange one-on-one assignment-oriented training as requested by students. We conduct the MI PCC three times each year. The exact class dates are in the Army Training Requirements and Resources System (ATRRS) and the course number is 2G-41. (The ATRRS homepage is at http://www.atrrs.army.mil/info/atrrsinfo.asp.)

G2 and ACE Chief Course

Fort Huachuca developed the G2/ACE Chief Course in 1998 based on the need to better prepare division G2s and analysis and control element (ACE) chiefs, warrant officers, and senior noncommissioned officers (NCOs) notified of assignment to an ACE. The first week of this threeweek course is strictly for personnel never before assigned to an ACE. It focuses on automated intelligence systems, intelligence architecture, and ACE section operations. Beginning with the second week, the course includes the G2s and focuses on G2 operations. During the last week, the ACE chiefs participate in the MI Captain's Career Course capstone exercise while the G2s travel to Washington, D.C., to receive briefings from national intelligence agencies.

A critical part of the G2/ACE Chief Course is the presentations made by former division G2s and ACE chiefs. These presentations address actual operations and the guest speakers provide insights and share their experiences with the prospective G2s and ACE chiefs.

We offer the G2/ACE Chief course twice a year and the exact class dates appear in ATRRS; the course number is 3A-F73. This course is open to active duty and RC G2s, G2 sergeants major, ACE chiefs, ACE warrant officers, and ACE NCOs in charge.

Strategic Intelligence Officer Course (SIOC)

The 304th MI Battalion developed the SIOC in 1999 to support the Army's Officer Personnel Management System (OPMS) XXI. Under OPMS XXI, the Army developed a new Career Field Designation (CFD) for Strategic Intelligence Officers. Functional Area (FA) 34 replaced the old 35B Strategic Intelligence area of concentration. Formerly, MI Branch officers filled the 35B positions, but FA 34 is open to officers from all branches.

The SIOC will prepare field grade officers for assignments to intelligence positions at joint and national levels. The course teaches basic through advanced intelligence subjects, with emphasis on analysis and collection management. During the course, guest speakers from various joint commands and national agencies provide insight into the roles and responsibilities of Strategic Intelligence Officers. The class training is in a small group environment and requires completion of research, written assignments, and intelligence briefings outside scheduled class times. A common thread throughout the course is the Army's contribution to joint operations.

We hold the SIOC once a year between the Command and General Staff College Course graduation and the beginning of the Postgraduate Intelligence Program (PGIP). Specific dates for course 3A-34(T) are in ATRRS. The course is open to officers selected for FA 34. Prospective participants should coordinate their attendance through the FA 34 assignments officer.

Ken Welsh is the point of contact for the MI PCC and G2/ACE Courses. Readers may contact him via E-mail at ken. [e-mail] and by telephone at [phone] or DSN 821-6527. Captain (P) Robert Scanlon is the POC for the SIOC. You may reach him via E-mail at [e-mail] and telephonically at [phone] or DSN 821-1466.