Course

Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
SAIC-0003
Version:
3
Organization's ID:
WRIT-02 (2025)
Organization:
Science Application International Corporation
Location:
Classroom-based
Length:
40 hours
Minimum Passing Score:
80
ACE Credit Recommendation Period:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 Intelligence Writing and Briefings
Description

Objective:

This course is designed to enable Marines to critically evaluate and synthesize complex intelligence concepts, organizing and articulating their analyses in the simplest, most precise language possible. By the end of this course, Marines will be able to analyze intricate intelligence scenarios to identify key elements and underlying patterns, evaluate sources and evidence to ensure rigorous analytical standards, and create coherent, logically-structured written intelligence products that communicate nuanced insights and support operational decision-making. Additionally, Marines will synthesize diverse pieces of intelligence to produce comprehensive and actionable reports tailored to specific missions and audiences and apply advanced critical thinking and problem-solving techniques to develop innovative solutions and strategies in response to evolving operational challenges.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Analyze the structure and logical argumentation of intelligence reports to identify weaknesses in argumentation, evidence, or organization
  • Evaluate intelligence writing using a rubric to determine clarity, evidentiary support, and alignment with decision-maker needs
  • Create concise paragraphs that clearly present analytic judgments supported by relevant, credible evidence
  • Synthesize multiple sources of information (HUMINT, SIGINT, OSINT) into a coherent written assessment
  • Defend analytic judgments and writing decisions through peer review and instructor feedback
  • Differentiate between strong and weak intelligence writing samples by identifying logical fallacies, vague language, and unsupported claims
  • Formulate recommendations or assessments grounded in structured analytic techniques (e.g., ACH, Key Assumptions Check)
  • Revise intelligence products to improve clarity, precision, and alignment with the intended audience's operational context
  • Justify the use of specific evidence and sources in support of an intelligence argument
  • Develop an original intelligence paper that incorporates audience-tailored language, applies writing standards, and structured argumentation

General Topics:

  • 1. Writing and editing basics refresher 2. Initial Introduction Paper 3. Writing Standards Overview 4. Writing Standards Examples 5. Task Organize Simplicity Process 6. Introduction to CARVER 7. Threat Reading Activity 8. Citing Sources 9. Quote Selection 10. Issue Development 11. Thesis/Outline Development 12. Main Point Paragraphs 13. Additional Paragraphs 14. Peer-review Exercise 15. Intelligence Reporting Formats 16. Final Paper Research and writing 17. Course Review & Knowledge-based Examination
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Classroom Exercise
  • Discussion
  • Lectures
  • Practical Exercises

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Other
  • Performance Rubrics (Checklists)
  • Presentations
  • Written Papers
  • Practical Exercises
Supplemental Materials
Equivalencies

Other offerings from Science Application International Corporation

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