Program Syllabus
(last revised 04/19/2008 03:25 PM )

The JMAR Management & Training program provides the student the knowledge necessary to work in the protocol and event management field.  Additionally, it provides access to networking opportunities, sources of information and guidance on protocol, as well as confidence-building that allows the student to navigate the complex field of protocol with a level of assurance that what they are doing is correct and in line with accepted practices.

For experienced protocol professionals, our courses provide a forum for the discussion of a wide range of protocol and event management issues with other individuals of similar backgrounds, as well as providing valuable refresher training on the more basic elements of protocol.

Our Courses (click on a course title to view the agenda)

• TIPS007 - Combined Phase I & II Basic & Intermediate (4-1/2 days)

• TIPS003 - Phase III-Advanced (4-1/2 days)

• TIPS009 - Phase IV - Advanced Studies (4-1/2 days)

• TIPS010 - The Protocol Forum & Protocol Specialist Refresher Course (3 days)

          Organizational Courses (held at your site)

• TIPS005 - Phase I-Basic (2, 2-1/2 or 3 day) (we bring to you)

• TIPS006 - The Protocol Workshop (1 day) (we bring to you)

• TIPS007 - Combined Phase I & II (3-1/2 or 4-day) (we bring to you)

• TIPS003 - Phase III (3-day) (we bring to you)

JMAR Management & Training offers a three-level approach to protocol training - - 

• 5-day Courses
  An individual can attend one or more courses best suited to his or her training needs. Each course results in a certificate of completion and transcript.
   
• A four-phase program leading to a Certificate of Training and consolidated transcript
  An individual can attend our Combined Phase I & II, Phase III, and Phase IV/Advanced Studies courses resulting in the award of a program Certificate of Training and transcript covering 80-88 hours of training. (click here for more info)
   
• Designation as a Certified Protocol Specialist An individual can attend any two of our courses (Combined Phase I & II, III, or IV/Advanced Studies) and submit documentation of job experience and a recommendation of a supervisor leading to designation as a Certified Protocol Specialist. (click here for details.)

To view a listing of many of the agencies that have used our training, please click here.

Protocol and Event Management for the Military & Government

   Recognizing in 1990 the need for formal training in military and government event management and protocol, JMAR Management & Training introduced the Protocol Seminars program.  One of the elements the program was designed around was that of short, affordable training opportunities that would not take employees away from the workplace for extended periods of time.

   Between 1998 and 2002, our single-seminar program evolved into several separate courses addressing different topics about, and levels of, protocol and event management. Protocol and Event Management for the Military & Government is our current four-phase training program that has replaced the series of separates training programs conducted from 1990 until 2002.

    The program provides a more structured training approach to the general subject of protocol by combining previously separate courses into one related course of study.

    The four phases of this program are - - 

•      Combined Phase I & II - basic and intermediate phase; 5 days
•      Phase III - advanced phase; 5 days
•      Phase IV/Advanced phase - capstone; 5 days

We also offer our annual Protocol Forum & Annual Protocol Specialist Refresher Course.  The Protocol Forum provides a small-group (not more than 25 people) setting covering that addresses the most essential subjects of protocol such as precedence, seating, ceremonies, and ethics and funds providing a refresher overview of each subject followed by discussions on specific issues submitted by those attending. We recommend that those attending have three or more years experience in the protocol and event management field. 

While most classes are conducted in Orlando, Florida, a few each year are held at other locations to include San Antonio, Texas, and Las Vegas.

    The four phases of the program do not have to be taken sequentially, however, it is strongly recommended that individuals new to the field of protocol attend the Combined Phase I & II course first to gain a basic understanding of the business of protocol and event management.  We also recommend that individuals attending the Phase IV/Advanced course have at least one year of experience in the protocol field. Upon completion of each phase, participants receive a certificate of completion. Individuals who complete all four phases also receive a Certificate of Training and consolidated transcript for the entire four-phase program. 

     College and continuing education credit is recommended for each phase and for completion of the entire program; however, JMAR Management & Training is not a credit-granting program, nor have our courses been evaluated by ACE.

The Combined Phase I & II (basic and intermediate levels) 5-day course provides a basic level of training in the practical aspects of military and government protocol procedures and policies. More importantly, it provides participants the opportunity to meet and socialize with protocol specialists from across DoD and from other federal agencies in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. Phase III is a 5-day day course focusing on guest relations, working with hotels, and contracting, as well as other key protocol topics.  The  Phase IV/Advanced course, also 5-days, concentrates on advanced protocol issues and the supervisory and management aspects of the business of protocol.  

Participants receive - -

• a CD containing our book the Protocol and Event Management Guide which includes Practical Protocol for the Military & Government, The Flag Guide, the Military Dining Guide, and the Ceremonies Guide, along with a variety of government protocol-related publications, two dozen selections of military ceremonial music, and several event checklists.  Also included is the 2008 Conference and Meeting Planning Guide.

• our Practical Protocol Lite booklet in paper form

• the course Slide Guide containing all course slides

• certificate of training

• a copy of the class list and class photo

• a transcript of course hours

• other materials as appropriate

• writing pad and pen

All classes feature a complimentary ice breaker the first evening of the course, break service, and a complimentary luncheon. Additionally, our Orlando classes include a full breakfast buffet each day for those staying at the Holiday Inn Select-Orlando International Airport. Dress for the classes is civilian casual. Payment is accepted via DD Form 1556 or 1155, cash, check, and VISA, Master Card, and American Express including IMPAC, GPC and travel card.

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION - - We encourage payment by VISA, Master Card, or American Express, however, if paying by DD Form 1556 (click here see example and completion instructions) (blank DD Form 1556) online version - fill in and print)  or a SF 182 (also an online version with all instructions) we must have a completed copy of the form which includes a valid and complete BILLING address (lower left corner) and a funding data or document number.  Without these two items we cannot submit our invoice for payment. Payment does not have to be made prior to the class.  Credit card payments can be made at the class or following it by phone, fax, or through  our secure online payment site. Payments via DD Form 1556 will be invoiced following the class.  We discourage pre-payment of fees due to the possibility that the person attending may have to cancel.  

TIPS007  Combined I/II Basic & Intermediate
What does it cover?  The basics of protocol and event management.

The Combined Phase I & II course of Protocol and Event Management for the Military & Government  is our basic level program designed primarily for individuals who are new to the protocol business.  The Phase I portion concentrates on basic protocol topics like precedence, flags, and seating. The Phase II portion provides a continuation of Phase I and serves as an intermediate step to the Phase III advanced course. 

Course Objective:  To provide a basic level of training in protocol procedures for military and government protocol specialists and others who must work with protocol issues within work centers. Also, to provide refresher training and updated information for experienced protocol specialists.

This course provides training in the basic protocol skills for the following topics:

• An overview of professional organizations related to the field of protocol.

• Resources:  civilian and military publications on the topic of protocol, event management, and etiquette.

• Protocol:  a basic introduction to the subject of protocol and event management.

• Organization & mission of protocol:  how protocol offices are organized, staffed, duties, information flow, and the relationship to other staff elements.

• Precedence:  a discussion of what precedence is; the types of precedence used; precedence lists and codes; precedence for active and retired military personnel and civilian employees, differences between the services, Reserve and Guard members, senior enlisted advisors, foreign officials and guests, guests without precedence, service precedence, flag precedence, spouse precedence, and precedence for representatives and substitutes.

• Event Management:  what it is; the event management process; recurring events vs. new events; checklists. Topic includes a practical exercise.

• Seating:  seating styles; seating by name - formal and informal; seating couples together or apart; head table styles and seating; conference seating; ceremony seating; dealing with last-minute changes.

• Flags:  flag precedence (which goes where); when flags should be used; what flags should be used; tricks of the trade; general and flag officer flags; SES flags; state and territorial flags; organizational and distinguishing flags; positional flags; state flags; other flags (POW/MIA, etc.); campaign and battle streamers; finials/toppings/ornaments/stands/spreaders.

• Visits & Itineraries:  planning a visit; visitor information and background; coordinating visitor support; escorting and transporting visitors; itineraries:  format, detail, distribution.  Sample itinerary and discussion of its shortcomings.

• Invitations:  types of invitations; uses; wording of time and date; R.s.v.p. information; describing dress.

• Ceremony Management:  In-office or inside ceremonies:  format, length, actions; checklists; refreshments and receptions; traditional ceremonies; changes of command; honor - for whom and when; retirement reviews; considerations for equipment and services.  Includes a roundtable discussion on ceremonies.

• Dress, Appearance & Etiquette:  uniforms; civilian dress for men and women; personal etiquette including dress, greetings, and shaking hands.

• Receiving Lines:  who goes in the official party; length in time; direction of a receiving line; how to close a receiving line; flags; positioning of the host, guest of honor, and spouses; introductions; man at the end of the line; how guests proceed; carpet runners, ropes and stanchions; other equipment; managing a receiving line.  Receiving line practical exercise (as time permits).

• Receptions, luncheons, Dinners:  planning, costs, food service, entertainment, colors, and honors for receptions, luncheons, and dinners.  The dining-in, dining-out, and mess night; table settings.

• Funds:  supporting protocol events; ORF/Contingency funds; appropriated funds; NAF/MWR type funds; personal funds; ORF/Contingency funds guidelines and procedures.

• Official Gifts & Ethics:  an overview of official gifts given and received; who can give them, who can receive them; value limits; regulations and directives governing official gifts; gifts received by the protocol staff.

• Conference Management:  planning and arranging a conference; elements of protocol support; coordinating services such as lodging, transportation, and security.

• Contracting:  the contracting process for conference, dinners, etc.; what services can be contracted; who pays for meals, breaks, etc.; hospitality and complimentary rooms; charges for room and equipment rental; hidden costs.

• Forms of Address:  written forms of address; spoken forms of address; titles.

• Security Issues & Planning:  security considerations for protocol events; physical security; personal security; site security; working with security agencies.

• Field Training Exercise:  an afternoon off-site exercise involving the management of distinguished visitors.

• The course also includes several quick quizzes.

TIPS003 Phase III
What does it cover?  Emphasis on visitor management and guest relations, and working with hotel and clubs to include contracting.

The 5-day Phase III course emphasizes guest and visitor relations, but also covers precedence and its applications; seating situations and solutions; working with hotels, clubs, and caterers; and changes of command and other ceremonies. The course includes a luncheon exercise and a  field exercise on visitor and guest relations to one of the major theme park tourist/shopping venues. 

• Visitor & Guest Relations:  planning the visit; the role of protocol; itineraries; appropriate activities; when spouses are involved; key potential problem areas

• Protocol Office Operations:  who does the protocol office support?; staffing and grades; military vs. civilian; selecting protocol staff;  essential files and equipment; supervisory & management styles; assigning tasks; managing RSVP lists; communications

• Precedence & Its Applications:  why precedence; where different types of guests go; the principles of precedence

• Advanced Seating Issues:  seating couples; seating by precedence - or not; head tables; placement of the host and guest(s) of honor; when guests don't get along; the place card; seating boards; when a guest is late; when someone shows up who wasn't supposed to; when place cards get moved around

• Gift Giving & Receiving and Ethics:  discussion on official gifts; OSD General Counsel gifts and ethics policies and review

• Working with Hotels, Clubs, and Caterers:  differences between military clubs and civilian facilities; what we need to know about civilian facilities; the contracting process; presentation and Q&A session with hotel sales representatives

• Changes of Command & Other Ceremonies:  seating options: spouses, children, senior enlisted representatives, others; honors; flower presentations; receptions; who makes the decisions about the change of command?; other ceremonies - general issues, how elaborate or simple, protocol responsibilities, how tragedy or emotion drives a ceremony, speakers and other VIPs, family participation in dedications and memorials, other participants: mentors/reservists/retirees, gimmicks injected into ceremonies            

• Offsite Visitors & Guest Services Exercise:  As part of the topic on visitors & guest relations, the class group visits an Orlando-area theme park visitor/shopping venue (Downtown Disney or Universal City Walk).  The field exercise involves planning for a visit of a group of distinguished visitors to such an attraction.  The exercise requirements include determining needs for elements such as transportation, costs for meals and activities, and controlling a group of visitors in a crowded public setting, etc. Complimentary bus transportation is provided.

• Planning and Finalizing Event Contracts: the ins and outs of contracting services for various protocol events and the many protocol-related considerations that must go into developing contracts for services.

• Advanced Flag Procedures & Practices:  Additional discussions on flags and procedures beyond issues discussed in the Combined Phase I & II course.

• The Joint Environment:  protocol in the joint or multi-service environment.

TIPS009 Phase IV/Advanced Protocol Studies
What does it cover?  Protocol issues at an advanced level; intended for individuals with two or more years of protocol experience.

The Phase IV/Advanced course explores a variety of advanced-level issues as shown below.  A key purpose of this class is to give experienced protocol professionals the opportunity to discuss issues that directly impact their day-to-day performance.  The instruction is supplemented with various case studies and situational exercises.  Each topic will be introduced with a general presentation and group discussion period.  Following that, situational exercises, lasting between 15 and 30 minutes each, will be introduced and accomplished by groups of 5 or 6 individuals.

• Supervising & Training Techniques associated with supervising and training the protocol staff.  Includes small-group situations and exercises.

• Managing Protocol Events the roles of the protocol officer, deputy, and protocol specialists; principles of managing events; how tragedy affects the event management process.  Includes small-group situations and exercises.

• Advanced Issues of Precedence the history and evolution of precedence; government and military applications of precedence; the evolution of precedence; more advanced discussions on specific issues of precedence:  Senior enlisted advisors; Senior Executive Service (SES) flags; SES precedence changes; former officials; congressional staffers; problems associated with establishing precedence for family members.  Includes small-group situations and exercises.

• Socialization and Networking Aspects of Protocol  the value and uses of networking in the field of protocol; developing network contact who can help with questions; myths of the business of protocol.  Includes small-group situations and exercises.

• Working with Other Agencies  the process of joint protocol operations with other commands - - logistical considerations, setting ground rules and resolving conflicts; who's in charge; working with outside personnel.  Includes small-group situations and exercises.

• The Protocol-Public Affairs Connection similarities and differences; why protocol and public affairs must work together; the consolidated public affairs/protocol office.  Includes small-group situations and exercises.

• Legal & Ethical Implications of Event Management  working with the commercial hospitality industry; official gifts; working with distinguished visitors; working with government contractors.  Includes DoD slide presentation on dealing with non-Federal entities.

• Planning & Managing Conferences  the conference planning process and the protocol considerations involved in conference management.  Includes small-group situations and exercises.

• Field Training Exercise  an afternoon off-site exercise involving a contracting situation and requiring class participants to complete several tasks.

TIPS010  The Protocol Forum & Protocol Specialist Refresher Course
The Protocol Forum provides the opportunity for participants to take part in in-depth discussions on issues of specific interest to them.  It is structured, also, to provide an annual refresher in essential protocol subjects such as precedence, ethics, gifts, ceremonies, and other subjects listed below.  Each subject begins with an overview of subject issues and reinforcement and updating of current policies and methods followed by open discussions on issues pre-submitted by the class participants. About two months prior to the scheduled class dates, individuals scheduled to attend are requested to submit issues geared to the several subjects to be addressed in the Forum.  Those issues will be refined and presented to the class. The 3-day format allows the group to cover approximately 20 topics. While attendance at a previous course is not a prerequisite, we do recommend that those attending have at least three years experience with military and government protocol.  The Forum includes a complimentary lunch each day, an ice breaker, and break service.  Because of the nature and format of The Forum, participation will be strictly limited to no more than 25 people.

Click here to view information our agency courses