ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, MD. –
Students from the Defense Information School, located at Fort George G. Meade, Md., visited Andrews Air Force Base April 21 through 23 to interview and film installation members about their careers for the students' final projects.
The group of students was comprised of entry-level servicemembers from each military branch as well as prior-enlisted servicemembers attending the Video Production and Documentation Course.
Joint Team Andrews members showcased their everyday superior, high-profile support through demonstrations and interviews.
"Members of the VPD class had nothing but good things to say about the units that were covered on Andrews," said Army Staff Sgt. Jose Hernandez, DINFOS VPD instructor. "The units went out of their way to accommodate the class to accomplish their mission, which was to obtain enough footage to edit their final project. Communication between the units and the instructors on each of the teams was outstanding which is vital to accomplish anything."
The VPD course covers much more than just the basics of being a military videographer.
"The scope of training includes the operation of a digital video camera, lighting equipment, the principles of framing and composition, camera placement, audio and video editing, visualization, storytelling and a working knowledge of audio and video applications for television electronic field production and studio operations," said Sergeant Hernandez.
At DINFOS, the VPD students learn about communicating the military message - including how interviewees can communicate with the public.
While at Andrews, the students interviewed members from the 316th Security Forces Squadron military working dog unit, the 779th Aeromedical Staging Facility, the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department and the 1st Helicopter Squadron.
"The number one thing I would point out about the units is that they all projected the right message," said Sergeant Hernandez. "The message included what each member's job consists of and how they are able to perform it to the best of their abilities. I tell my students that when they go to do anything, whether is to conduct an interview or to do a story on an establishment of any kind, you are not only representing yourself, you are representing your unit."
The DINFOS class not only had the chance to see the first few glimpses of an operational base through their videographer eyes, they also had the chance to view an installation with a very high-profile mission.
"At Andrews, because of its location, the installation overall has a very unique mission," said Sergeant Hernandez. "Everyone at Andrews understands the importance of accomplishing their missions, and they go above and beyond to do their jobs. This is something that you don't see very often at any job, anywhere."