WEAPONS SCHOOL PREPARATORY COURSE (WSPC)

Transcription

1 WEAPONS SCHOOL PREPARATORY COURSE (WSPC) Syllabus Current as of: 16 May 2017 Approval ASOpS/DOK Expired certificate Signature X KRISTOPHER K. KAINOA, M... WSPC Flight Chief Signed by: KAINOA.KRISTOPHERMICHAEL.KAEHUAHIAH ADVANCED SPACE OPERATIONS SCHOOL Peterson AFB, Colorado Page 1 of 9

2 Table of Contents I. WSPC... 3 WSPC Goal... 3 Course Objectives... 3 II.Academic Policies and Procedures... 3 Attendance Policy... 3 Student Participation... 3 Student Assignments/Homework... 4 Course Material... 4 Evaluations... 4 Graduation... 4 Academic Freedom... 5 Non-Attribution Policy... 5 Instructor-Student Relations... 5 III.Subject Matter Areas... 5 Block I Introduction to Air and Space Operations... 5 Block II Radio Frequency Fundamentals... 6 Block III Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Support to Military Operations... 6 Block IV Space Control Operations and Space Situational Awareness (SSA)... 6 Block V Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) Operations... 7 Block VI Missile Warning and Missile Defense Operations... 7 Block VII Space-Based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)... 7 IV.Notional WSPC Schedule... 8 Page 2 of 9

3 I. WSPC The WSPC is a three-week program designed to prepare AFSPC Weapons Instructor Course (WIC) candidates for attendance at the USAF Weapons School Space Superiority WIC. This course provides a broad, common foundational base of knowledge in Department of Defense, National and commercial space systems, and Joint/Air Force weapons systems all from in-domain and terrestrial-based perspectives. WSPC GOAL Provide students with the foundational knowledge necessary to complete the USAF Weapons School Space Superiority WIC. COURSE OBJECTIVES After graduating from the Weapons School Preparatory Course, students will be able to: - Know the doctrine, organizations, and processes used to execute Joint operations - Comprehend the capabilities, limitations, and vulnerabilities of the space environment and the Electromagnetic (EM) spectrum as they apply to space operations - Comprehend the threats, capabilities, limitations, and vulnerabilities of select space and Joint mission areas - Apply knowledge of systems, processes, tactics and operational considerations to effectively integrate space into joint operations II. Academic Policies and Procedures ATTENDANCE POLICY Student attendance at all class sessions is mandatory to successfully graduate from WSPC. Students are TDY to this course which serves as their primary duty location. Students are expected to be on time to all lessons. Absences from class time must be pre-approved by the government instructor. Routine medical/dental appointments should NOT be scheduled during class time. Unexcused absences can result in elimination from the course. Students missing more than 10% of the course hours will be assessed and a recommendation forwarded to the ASOpS/CC for dismissal by an Elimination Board. The Elimination Board is comprised of the WSPC Flight Commander/Flight Chief, ASOpS/DO, ASOpS/DE, and ASOpS/CC. Page 3 of 9

4 STUDENT PARTICIPATION The lesson format includes interactive informal lectures, guided discussions and hands-on device training. Active participation and teamwork amongst students is critical to success both here and at WIC. Given the broad reach of space mission areas, students will bring a wide variety of experience and perspectives to the class. These experiences and perspectives must be shared in order to facilitate the growth and development of all students. STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS/HOMEWORK Students must complete the Distance Learning lessons listed in the ASOpS provided welcome letter. Additionally, students will have two homework assignments: a decibel math worksheet and a rendezvous and proximity operations exercise. It is highly recommended that all students review the course material from each day to study for upcoming block tests. COURSE MATERIAL Students will receive a copy of the unclassified courseware via CD at the end of the first day of class. This CD must not enter the SCIF. Paper copies of courseware will not be distributed or made available for student use. Students who wish to study unclassified material outside of the classroom should print copies of the courseware before leaving the SCIF. Every effort will be made to make classified student notes available to the student after the completion of their course via classified distribution channels where available. EVALUATIONS There are five closed-book examinations throughout the course, all of which test at the knowledge and comprehension levels. The first test covers material found in Distance Learning training modules that are assigned prior to course attendance. Three Block Tests cover lesson objectives and samples of behavior identified prior to the beginning of each lesson and are primarily essay-based answers. The final examination is administered and graded by the 328 WS and is a comprehensive evaluation of all lesson objectives presented in the course based on an essay answer format. Minimum passing grade for any evaluation is 80%. Students will be provided additional training should they fail an evaluation and will be given the opportunity to take an alternate measurement. Students who repeatedly fail to meet performance standards will be considered for removal from the course. In accordance with the Space Superiority WIC Syllabus, students must attend and successfully complete the WSPC as a pre-requisite to WIC attendance. Page 4 of 9

5 GRADUATION Successful completion of the WSPC is followed by a graduation ceremony. ASOpS may authorize a waiver of graduation requirements when students are unable to complete them due to extenuating circumstances. Consideration will be given to what is in the best interest of the government, service, unit, and the student. All graduating students should plan on attending graduation. The uniform for graduation is standard class attire, not travel clothes. ACADEMIC FREEDOM Academic freedom is the privilege of debate with discretion on any subject related to the ASOpS curriculum within the classrooms. Guest lecturers, faculty, and students are encouraged to support or criticize any objective, policy, or opinion in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, but with dignity, respect and professionalism. NON-ATTRIBUTION POLICY Non-attribution Definition: Treating statements made in a school forum (including but not limited to seminar discussion, CD-ROM, and online) as privileged information. Do not attribute any statements to a specific individual. Non-attribution Policy: Statements, disagreement, and other comments made by individuals or groups in the school forum are safeguarded through the practice of non-attribution. It is acceptable to say a "previous speaker" made a particular statement, but the speaker's name will not be divulged. Student Responsibility: Individuals who violate the non-attribution policy are subject to adverse administrative and disciplinary action. Military personnel subject to the UCMJ who violate the non-attribution policy are subject to disciplinary actions under the UCMJ. Cases involving civilian personnel will result in a memorandum to the civilian's supervisor describing their violation of the ASOpS academic freedom policy. Students are also subject to faculty board action under AFCAT , USAF Formal School, and AFI , Boards of Officers. INSTRUCTOR-STUDENT RELATIONS Students are encouraged to consult with instructors concerning problems with subject matter, grade computations or academic assignments. The Weapons School Preparatory Course is extremely interested in student success, and will make every effort to help settle any issues. The chain of command for resolving conflicts in academic matters is the instructor, the Flight Commander/ Flight Chief, ASOpS/DO, and the ASOpS/CC. Page 5 of 9

6 III. Subject Matter Areas BLOCK I INTRODUCTION TO AIR AND SPACE OPERATIONS This is a general block of instruction that discusses the role of military doctrine, to include military command structures and tactics/techniques and procedures in Joint operations. It also discusses various warfighting capabilities, types of air operations, and organizations that aid in integrating space capabilities into theater operations. Block I Goal The goal of this block is to know the command structure, functions, and organizations essential to execute space capabilities in support of theater operations and comprehend the processes and products required to plan, integrate and execute space capabilities in support of combatant commander objectives. BLOCK II RADIO FREQUENCY FUNDAMENTALS This block provides an introduction to the electromagnetic spectrum and the foundational principles of communications equipment and measurements. Block II Goal The goal of this block is to comprehend the capabilities, limitations, and vulnerabilities of the electromagnetic spectrum as they apply to space operations. BLOCK III SATCOM SUPPORT TO MILITARY OPERATIONS This block discusses the role of SATCOM-based communications in Joint operations. Block III Goal The goal of this block is to comprehend the capabilities, limitations, and vulnerabilities of select SATCOM systems as they apply to Joint operations and to comprehend the reliance of select military systems on SATCOM for mission execution. Page 6 of 9

7 BLOCK IV SPACE CONTROL OPERATIONS AND SSA This block discusses space surveillance, situational awareness, on-orbit operations and fundamentals of Offensive and Defensive Space Control (OSC/DSC) missions while providing laboratory instruction in OSC fundamentals. Block IV Goal The goal of this block is to comprehend space control capabilities and employment in support of Joint operations. Students will also comprehend the role of SSA in space superiority operations. BLOCK V PNT OPERATIONS This block discusses the fundamentals of PNT services and their importance to Joint operations. Block V Goal The goal of this block is to comprehend how GPS provides PNT to the warfighter and select weapons systems. BLOCK VI MISSILE WARNING AND MISSILE DEFENSE OPERATIONS Block VI discusses Missile Warning and Defense (strategic and theater) and how Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) supports the warfighter, and the threats to our systems. Block VI Goal The goal of this block is to comprehend the employment considerations for OPIR systems, and comprehend theater missile warning/defense architectures and processes. BLOCK VII SPACE-BASED ISR Block VII discusses ISR contributions to Joint operations. Page 7 of 9

8 Block VII Goal The goal of this block is to comprehend the capabilities, limitations and vulnerabilities of spacebased ISR systems and how they contribute to joint operations. Students will also comprehend the joint intelligence process. IV. Notional WSPC Schedule (Students will receive a current schedule on day 1 of the course.) Lesson Title/Activity Day 1 Altitude Chamber Basic Certification Day 1 Day 2 Altitude Chamber Basic Certification Day 2 Day 3 WSPC Introduction and Course Administration Computer Based Training Test Introduction to Joint Doctrine and Operations Introduction to the Air Operations Center and the Air Tasking Order Cycle Joint Space Operations Center Organizational Structure and Processes Day 4 Joint Aircraft and Weapons Introduction to Tactics, Techniques and Procedures Electromagnetic Spectrum Decibel Math and Application Radio Frequency Fundamentals Day 5 Radio Frequency Fundamentals (Continued) Decibel Math Homework Review Antennas Day 6 Block Test Satellite Communications Electromagnetic Interference Resolution Friendly Force Tracking Tactical Data Links and Broadcast Networks Day 7 Space Surveillance Network Space Situational Awareness Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Page 8 of 9

9 Day 8 Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Homework Review Radio Frequency Application Lab Fundamentals of Offensive Space Control Fundamentals of Defensive Space Control Day 9 Block Test Position, Navigation and Timing Fundamentals Commercial Imagery Exploitation Day 10 Missile Warning Fundamentals Missile Warning Systems and Processes Missile Defense Fundamentals Infrared Exploitation Assignment Night Day 11 National Systems Collection Management Joint Tactical Ground Station Tour Day 12 Block Test Mission Management Center Tour 16 SPCS Tour Day WPS Test Core 1 Primer 328 WPS Test Review 328 WPS Director of Operations Briefing Day 14 Aerospace Data Facility Colorado Tour 2 SWS Tour Day 15 Core 1 Primer (Continued) Graduation Page 9 of 9