Quote of the Month: “I am pretty deep in [deleted] program development for the [deleted] and they really, really need CONOPS support.  My fear, though, is that they’re going to simply “shop” the CONOP out to a Beltway Bandit, rather than building it through what I consider the best approach:  A contractor “guided”, multilayer, organically developed document which is driven largely by the scenario development.  I’d like to figure out how to use your depth of experience in my SME areas.”

Fabulous course Mack! Thought I was going to be bored to death.  Boy, was I wrong!  I think I really get it (at least at the entry level)! 

I very much enjoyed your course. Good material, well presented. The exercises were helpful, I especially like the last one of helping the customer get it right.
Thanks again for a great course! Your course is one of a very few I've taken over the past several years that will provide a tangible improvement in our business processes.

I was just applying some principals from the course this week to help develop a conops for our team to work together on a portfolio assessment project.

It was a fun class and [I] learned a lot about writing a CONOPS. Plus the stories were great.

Thanks so much for the course.  I had a great time and learned a lot.  The group I am with is already talking about working on some CONOPS for upcoming programs.  Thanks again for all the help and your time.

"Your CONOPS course was the most worthwhile training I've had since. . . kindergarten!"
 
"Mack, one of your main talents and strengths is to make every person in the class, from General to Private, feel welcomed and valued.  It made a huge difference in our course.  Molto Grazi!"

"You are THE MAN and your message needs to be heard by all! I am SICK of seeing the warfighter let down time and time again and have grown TIRED of standing idly by while our tax dollars are wasted.  BTW, I think I have generated enough local interest such that you could return for CONOPS round II.
 
I now have a greater understanding of CONOPS; when to use them; and how effective CONOPS can be when used correctly.  I cannot think of anything that could be improved.  The pace was great; reiteration of main points was effective; exercises were informative.  Keep up the great work.  Thanks for the great experience!"

"Good emphasis on getting users input, communication between different types and groups of people.  Clear, specific instructions on how to write CONOPS.  Lots of examples and class interaction.  Good focus on importance of getting the end product to users.  The teaching style and abundance of examples made the class interesting and fun.  I can't stress enough how much examples and stories/help make the material relatable."

"Gave a strong flavor to the flow of a CONOPS."

"I learned the process to perform an upfront OpCon. The needs with a small team upfront can give a focused program by providing a CONOPS document to all the additional team members needed to complete the job.  This was very informative and has made me think how I currently handle things and how I might change to work and operate better and together as a team."

"I now have a better understanding of CONOPS and how we take /use that knowledge related to [deleted] process to see where it should be incorporated."

"I enjoyed a real-life experience with advice from Mack, rather than a focus on text."

"Very good class, reading material was helpful and it was presented very well. I will be using the material provided for future activities. I'm not sure I could make any useful comments on how to improve the course."

"Very valuable information.  The instructor is a well-versed (SME), very friendly and a great presenter."

"Mack is a terrific speaker with the ability to positively interact with many different kinds of people (many who are socially awkward)."

"I enjoyed and learned from Real Experience stories from the instructor!"

"Mack is always an engaging instructor who has designed these courses to be in laymen's terms.  Every question and answer that was administered was very informative and thought provoking.  Tools can be immediately implemented into your daily life!!  Thanks again Mack."

"This was probably the most interesting training course I have ever taken.  The instructor's experience/knowledge really added to the value of the class - phenomenal real-world stories.  Enjoyed MBTI portion.  Can't think of any way to improve the course."

"An excellent course. More people (PM's) should take the class.  Get upper management to attend class."

"This course was much better than first envisioned especially with the knowledge regarding Government contracts.  It is always refreshing to hear that the end user is the key to the success of the product."

"Great course, very insightful it woke up my intuitive instincts."

"I like how the focus was on getting the best product possible to the war fighter, which is the reason I got into the aerospace and defense industry."

"I now work for [deleted]. I dropped a line to the corporate trainers about your excellent course and the stress on the need to have out own concept developed, if for no other reason than newcomer orientation and bragging rights to our customers. If we had a CONOPS developed for each business unit, that's half (or more) of the management volume for any proposal already written. I hope I was convincing. As you may have guessed, I'm a true believer."

"We need to have this mandated from on high. . .  gave you my best recommendation: one of the 2 courses that should be mandatory for all Sr Systems Engineers & Project Mgrs, especially those involved in new business development. The other is [deleted]. I wish the two of you could get together and offer your excellent courses for credit. It would beat out any Masters Degree program offerings I attended to date. Slightly fleshed out, your course could be half a Master of Systems Engineering degree by itself. Unlike the offerings in most masters programs, your course actually makes one think, since you can't bring concept development down to a formula."

"Last year, a colleague used your approach with the state of Mass to develop a statewide initiative for interoperability that got them a 97 out of a 100 rating from DHS for PSIC grants... I frequently point to his experience to make the point of getting people to work together... same thing I feel you're really doing by building consensus with the CONOPS building as the technique."

"I will certainly respond with positive feedback if asked. You delivered what was promised and the students described the course as definitely enlightening."

"...I found it to be one of the few practical and immediately useful courses I've taken in or out of the Air Force. I had never written or been part of the process that produced a CONOPS before I attended and I was carrying 26 years of bias against courses of this type. Mack McKinney's approach was far too meaty, and "uncommon" sense oriented not to enjoy. He's teaching this course at the AOC and I think you'd enjoy both his presentation and his overall approach to writing and evaluating CONOPS."

“Please see the attached flyer concerning the next local CONOPS training course. I took this about 4 years ago and thought it did a great job of blending common sense with the JCIDS requirements for CONOPS. The next course in our area is scheduled for {dates} and will held at [location]. There should be a couple of seats available. Although the course is a little pricy... it's jam packed with practical application and exercises. No -- I don't work for this company and this is not a paid advertisement... I just thought it was a quality product for Strategic Planners and Requirements personnel.”

“Please see the flyer. It describes an IT focused CONOPS course, one that I took about 3 years ago and found it to be very helpful. I recommend it. It appears they will have a handful of openings for the training...This course is perfect for mid-level guys struggling to capture and articulate the intent of a specific project. This course is fairly intense and well worth your investment.”

"I wanted to take the time to thank you for hosting a great course. We have already begun to implement the OPCON for some design in [deleted]. I am very interested in the licensing and consulting for projects so any additional information would be great. . . . I hope all is well and look forward to a continued relationship "

"Thanks for a very informative course, Mack! I will definitely be recommending this course to colleagues and clients."

"You are very kind and the best ambassador for your country. It would be a pleasure to join you in the great CONOPS community! Thanks alot for everything my brother Mack!"

"I really enjoyed the CONOPS course last week. It had a lot of value for what I’m working on. Thanks again for a very worthwhile 2 days and I look forward to future interaction."

"Thanks again Mack for your great support!  You and your team really go the extra mile and it shows.  We’ll be in touch (very soon I hope)."

More Satisfied Clients From The Past:

"It was a great and useful course….and of course you are a very knowledgeable and great instructor. I am at NAVAIR as of this moment and indeed I can verify several of the issues you pointed out."

An email from a course graduate to his colleagues: “Please see the attached flyer concerning the next local CONOPS training course. I took this about 4 years ago and thought it did a great job of blending common sense with the JCIDS requirements for CONOPS. The next course in our area is scheduled for 9 - 10 Dec and will held at Ft Sam Houston. There should be a couple of seats available. Although the course is a little pricy... it's jam packed with practical application and exercises. No -- I don't work for this company and this is not a paid advertisement... I just thought it was a quality product for Strategic Planners and Requirements personnel.”

"You're a great person, an outstanding teacher, and I strongly believe in your product and what you're doing for the customer."

"As I am a converted member of the CONOPS cult, I will continue to refer folks to you.  A good class deserves to be heard." 

"Thanks Mack. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and believe I will thoroughly use the knowledge you've provided me. I am glad I was persistent and you receptive for me to get into a class." (He had scheduling problems in being able to attend a class)

“Just a note, maybe you might want to include this in your course material: I just attacked my first CONOPS since your class. I had written several before that were, personally, unsatisfactory, hence my enrollment in your course. Now, back in the CONOPS saddle, I blew my client’s socks off. They have been bidding DoD work since the earth was young but never ever have seen/done a CONOPS. The ultimate test will be if they win (which, happily, is not entirely based on a great CONOPS). I will say that your course has truly made my CONOPS writing shine. It was an incredible pleasure writing the thing as I knew precisely what needed to be said and how to say it. I didn’t know that before your excellent class. Thanks again.”

“Thank you for offering the course. I learned a lot and gained some good resources to refer back to. In the meantime, I intend to analyze the previous CONOPS my department recently finished at DHS.”

“It has been a pleasure taking the CONOPS course- it appears that a lot of effort was invested into putting it together; It gave me a serious and useful insight into CONOPS.”

“I also enjoyed the course and benefited from your CONOPS craftsmanship.”

“I drank the Kool-Aid! This is going to greatly improve now I approach current and future projects.”

“Based on my 25 years of DOD experience, the review of CONOPS and elements were good. The methodology was of the most value, as there are many opinions as to what constitutes a CONOPS.”

“Great course with very useful tools.”

“I found the class engaging and informative, the handouts are valuable: no improvement needed. Everyone who reads or writes CONOPS should be required to take this course. I didn’t find any of the material irrelevant.”

“The course was worth my time and I think you guys put out a solid product.”

“Best value was the templates and the standardized process. Lack of process has killed us thus far.”

“The first step is the biggest and I now feel I can confidently take it.”

“Course provided lots of Context to the work I do in requirements development and will greatly help me in eliciting information.”

“Appreciated the Good, Bad and Ugly module - - - it is very valuable to see concrete examples and likewise for the format.”

“Excellent course! My CONOPS crafting just made a quantum leap!”

“Invaluable course! Highly recommend it. Handout simplifying TTPs WRT CONOPS was great.”

"Well you nailed it!  I was back in the office less than a day and one of our task leaders came looking for help to write a CONOPS…"

“STC's outstanding Executive CONOPS Course continues to be an immense asset to our business operations here at Raytheon.  This course is much more than just a one-time learning exercise, it has provided both intellectual and tangible material that continually refines our department's abilities to develop CONOPS supporting nearly every proposal and product line in our business.  The concepts we learned at STC's course are regularly and passionately discussed by each of us in the Operations Research Dept., which provides an ongoing basis for challenging and refining each other's professional thinking.  The STC course materials and outlines are practical, simple, and directly applicable to our daily tasks as CONOPS developers and operations analysts.  The concepts contained therein are solid, clear, and reliable.  I have found the STC learning experience to be at once intellectually accessible and substantial, never sacrificing practicality nor erring in the way of oversimplification to achieve it.  I have personally used the STC concepts and materials to improve our products in ways nearest and dearest to the warfighter community (our end customers) as well as to enhance our proposals and help advance ideas from "science experiment" to fieldable systems that provide effects-based capabilities.

In short, STC is an outstanding partner and their course is an indispensible asset to us!”  Sr. Systems Engineer and Operations Research Analyst Raytheon Co., Feb 2009

I have received a couple of calls back from my [company deleted] friends.  The reports across the board is they loved the class and are intoxicated on the “Kool-Aid”.  I am happy for them and also believe that the course concepts will help them improve.  The government and ultimately the war fighters can only benefit from an internal [company deleted] improvement. 

“Thank you very much for conducting a solid CONOPS course.  You covered everything I sought out to learn and questioned.  I've been utilizing my newly acquired skills and tools since the day after.” 

“Your course has turned into an extremely valuable resource for me!”

"I would highly recommend Mack and Solid Thinking as both a trainer and developer of CONOPS. We have always been extremely pleased by the results of the training we received. Mack has had a dramatic impact on the quality of our CONOPS."

“The class was very illuminating and necessary. The depth and expertise came through. The format was good and I see the relevance of this class to Sikorsky.

“I really enjoyed the class and have had several opportunities to put what I learned into practice, and more on their way.  Thank you for the great instruction, and reference materials.”

"Mack is a true subject matter expert on the development CONOPs in the DoD environment. His knowledge and contacts in the industry are unparalleled in this area and he knows how to leverage them to great effect. Mack is able take even the most complex subjects and boil them down to the most pertinent and important elements and help his clients understand them is exceptional. He is a born teacher and natural problem solver. Working with Mack has helped us enormously in our support to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as well as a number of other DoD clients. Mack takes his work seriously and he has a passion for ensuring that the right tools and technologies end up in the hands of our Warfighters. I recommend the STC CONOPs course and Mack's work without reservation."

"Mack is a dedicated and self motivated entrepreneur whose contributions have made a significant impact on the readiness to his customers and in his company. Mack is a consummate professional who takes his job seriously and fully applies himself to the assigned task. His cognitive analysis provided valuable new insights into his business. Mack is a team player that adapts quickly to a changing market. Mack is a versatile individual, ready now to tackle greater challenges."

"Mack is one of the most clear-thinking people I've ever seen. He will steadily peel off the layers of confusion and irrelevance until he uncovers the pure center of the issue. He knows when to nudge the process along and when to forcibly direct it. Once he uncovers the essence of the process, Mack expertly aggregates the surrounding issues and processes. He shows you how they go together and WHY they fit together the way that they do. He isn't satisfied until you clearly understand his process and can do it for yourself."

"We have been working together on introducing CONOPs in Europe and started with courses in Sweden. Mack has a solid competence on CONOPs and training engineers for CONOPs development. He is also very professional and caring in all views. The documentation he provided has been seen far from the classroom where they first were issued!  That is amazing!  Mack is a great guy and I would be very happy to work with him again!"

Mack this is better than expected.  You are a genius.  I don't anything further needs to be done to it.  We really appreciate your understanding of our needs.  See you real soon. 

Thank you so much for this course!  It tweaks what I have worked on in the past so I can do better from now on.  Great job, Mack!

I particularly appreciated that the class was taught using the right language and terminology, so that those familiar with CONOPS and those “rookies” like me were able to learn and assimilate information at the same time.

“The class was very comprehensive, to include not only how to WRITE a good CONOPS but how to BUILD one.”

“One of the best courses I have ever taken. Increase this to 4 days.” (Senior US Navy civilian)

“The instructor was a wonderful asset to the course - - - his teaching style is well received.”
“Tremendous. Appreciate the content, format and tools. Leaves me starving for more!” (US Coast Guard officer)

“The stories and examples are helpful - - -war stories provide real life experiences that students relate to . . . reinforces concepts/lessons.”

“I found the lecture very valuable."

“I liked the focus on knowing the user’s needs AND THE CUSTOMER’S BUYING/ACQUISITION PROCESS [because] just [building] a great product that fits a need is not enough [for success].”

“I liked the templates and flow charts on how to do this. Readily useful info I can put to use right away. Great teaching style - - -talking to slides can be tough but you did a fine job.”

"Mack -- I did enjoy the class! As of no surprise, my client has ask me to execute an executive summary on an existing CONOPS. The training will come into play very soon -- Thanks again for everything!”

“Instructor obviously thought out, very well, both course materials and how to present/teach [them]. . . this was actually very helpful for me. So not really sure how to improve [the course]. Very, very satisfied with the course!!!”

“Thanks Mack - I enjoyed the course! Great learning experience. "

“Obviously the [project name] folks never took your class. Among the many all-too-familiar mistakes – [contractor] never consulted the end-users at Border Patrol in their design process.” (from Jan 08 course graduate)

“Mack - thanks for the certificate, photo, files and most importantly the great experience and education that you provided. It was a very worthwhile experience! "

“I put your class into practice! Based on the course I took with you, I was able to almost completely re-write the [CONOPS title deleted] that [name deleted] had you take a look at while you were here. I also came up with a whole list of questions for our user. Just wanted you to know I found the class highly valuable. Probably the best training class in terms of applicability to the job that I've taken since I started here at [USN org deleted]. (Feb 2008 course grad)

“Thank you. I have to say the course has already been valuable -- unfortunately the value has mostly come in the recognition of bad or nonexistent CONOPS. I look forward to the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a program so we can get it right from the very beginning.”

“Your CONOPS work is fantastic - thank you so much for coming and sharing it with us . . . "

“I really loved the course, wish we had more time for seniors, but in two days I feel like I received expert information "

“[once back at the office] I made it known that this was the best class I've ever taken. I'm currently writing a CONOPS for our branch within XX [org deleted]” (systems engineer at major US prime)

“I really enjoyed your course (and have the current bragging rights as the first one in our group--since our graduation from your seminar--to develop a couple of OpCon charts) . . . I am sold on the fact that a well thought out OpCon/CONOPS goes a long way to being significantly more efficient with efforts and also with selling an idea—fully in support there.” (senior systems engineer at US defense prime)

“It was a pleasure to be taught by someone who really knows what they're talking about. I hope we get to work together as what you have to offer, the Navy needs. Hopefully, I'll be calling you in the future about real opportunities for you to help the Navy.”

“With 10+ years in the definition, development, test, evaluation and deployment of advanced warfighting concepts and technologies for the U.S. Marines, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of Defense --- U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, Joint Advanced Warfighting Program (JAWP/JCS/J7) and the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (OSD/DOT&E) --- I'm happy to report that Solid Thinking's CONOPS Master’s Course is pure gold.”

“ . . . there are several other folks out there advocating ConOps. I personally like your systematic approach because it builds well upon itself. Have you guys pursued the Navy, OPNAV, NAVAIR. Some of the competition only does very upper level efforts which work in some cases, but in my opinion are not complete and can lead to wrong conclusions or incomplete conclusions.”

"One of the biggest problems we have here at [organization deleted] is accepting projects where the client either does not have a CONOPS or the CONOPS provided is VERY shallow. The usual result is over budget, over time because the client is thinking up requirements as the system is being built."

“I did use the CONOPS material to prepare the draft outline and initial content for a XXXX CONOPS . . . . Materials were extremely helpful and the folks I was working with appreciated the 'kick start' we got from having the course and materials.”

“As a point of interest I have worked about a half dozen CONOPS since taking the course a not one really followed the structure of the course. Most were "old style" and each fell prey to the pitfalls that were identified by Mack, specifically expectation management. "

“Thank you again for the excellent class you conducted, I learned a lot and I have been using it with my coworkers already.”

“I want to thank you again for sharing your knowledge, experience, and insights throughout your delivery of a great class last week."

“...and thank you for a very interesting and relevant course. It turned out to be an eye-opener for all of us. "

“It has been a long time since I attended a training event that was as relevant as your "Writing Solid CONOPS Course" at the AOC last week. I am using the knowledge gained as I work with different strategy/capability groups in order to drive them to do a CONOPS as the first step before they work on capability (i.e.) strategy."

“As an ops analyst, I have been exposed to CONOPS development, but never to the formal process of its development. This course provided me with a clearer understanding of the end product..” (Raytheon ops analyst)

“Great tips on how to write a good [CONOPS] and deal with the various stakeholders”
“[I liked] the specific examples drawn from the real world”.

“The one day course is action-packed. Good job presenting lots of info”.

“This will help bring some discipline to our group as we formulate our IRAD projects and go forward with the customer to define an [product] core.”

“If tasked to write a CONOPS I’ll be trained and prepared to lead or contribute. Even if not tasked, an Operating Concept may act as an important ‘trigger’ for any project. Good courseware that almost stands alone. Instruction was complementary to the material. Good job, Mack!” (Lockheed Martin Skunks Works manager)

“I see a direct application to a current project in the department. The exercise was structured well and really drove home the point.”

“I recently released a CONOPs developed in parallel with an early requirements and design concept development effort. This CONOPs was initially resisted, believed unnecessary by several principals. When it was completed two months later (using the outline and training provided by Solid Thinking), we had identified a number of mismatched (and unspoken) expectations, and identified on the order of forty new requirements. One of the key original skeptics [said], "This is one of the best CONOPS I've ever seen". The CONOPs is now a key system document. Thanks again for your help Mack.” (Lockheed Martin engineer)

“A valuable course. Acquired a much better appreciation for the importance and value of a well thought-out and organized CONOPS I liked the group exercise and another one would be good if time permits. I would like to have been able to attend the 3-day course. Strongly recommend that this become a regularly scheduled class.” (and it now is). (From a Raytheon employee after taking the one-day course)

“Attending your CONOPS class has certainly been most beneficial” (San Diego NGC graduate)

"Very valuable - I will be participating in writing a CONOPS and recently participated in writing a CONOPS. The completed draft may be reshaped per this course. The effort about to begin will be more easily shaped and organized as a result of CONOPS authors taking the course."

"Outstanding course on CONOPS, their design, construction, application and deployment. highly recommended to anyone who needs to read, write or use a CONOPS."

"Understanding the basic CONOPS outline and structure has provided me with the tools that will be immediately useful. Evaluating other CONOPS allowed me [to] use the instruction and capture the data I needed."

"Clear explanation of the different types of CONOPS . . . "

"Directly affects my daily duties as CONOPS Lead, fixing current CONOPS and properly preparing the next level [CONOPS]." Helped me unite the CONOPS Development team and get started on the right foot."

29 Jan “It was really uplifting to finally sit through your [one-day] course and realize that there is an entity dedicated to honing and perfecting this process of communicating large, complex ideas to those decision makers who often don't have much time to browse through large or poorly written documents at the front end. I truly enjoyed meeting you and taking your course. If the full 3-day version is offered, I will be there.” (major US prime)

3 Feb “I thought the course went exceedingly well and was very well received by all. Truly, the fact that everyone stayed to the bloody end is a testament to the interest you generated . . .

My plan is to continue to generate courses, so we'll need to start planning soon for the next iteration (we already have folks clamoring to attend). Great work!” (major US prime)

5 March “Your professional approach impressed me and my colleagues so much . . . I would like to thank you.” (Air Force Colonel)

3 March “You hit a home run!”

6 March “I have gotten nothing but positive feedback regarding the class. Thanks so much for doing it for us. If you ever need a CONOPS Poster Boy, let me know.“

15 March “Great course, thanks for the full participation approach.”

“Mack [I] just wanted to follow up and tell you that I enjoyed your seminar last week and more importantly learned a lot about CONOPS development. I didn't really know that there was life beyond "commander's intent".

“I found the course an excellent tool for me in the development of a CONOPS I am currently involved in developing for the Navy.”

"I really enjoyed the course. I already put together an Operating Concept for one task I'm working. I'm also trying to sell my management on writing a CONOPS for another task. Your material makes me feel more confident that we can do a good job."

"Thanks again for a terrific course. After all these years, for the first time I fully understand what formal CONOPS are and how to build them. The course material was great and I learned a great deal."

"Great job last week. Simon and I consider ourselves "smart" when it comes to CONOPS, but we found you to be considerably smarter! Very valuable experience (Director of CONOPS at a major US prime defense contractor)."

"Great course (and I like your World views). Thanks for putting up with the "old and slow guy." I'm starting to put into practice all that you taught us.

"My first try is to use your CONOPS outline for fielded systems."

"The idea of 'levels' of CONOPS is excellent, and necessary to understand the need for CONOPS types. Will really help me explain the difference between CONOPS and Ops Concepts."

"The idea of 'levels' of CONOPS is excellent, and necessary to understand the need for CONOPS types. Will really help me explain the difference between CONOPS and Ops Concepts."

"Good overall course. Fills a huge void."

"Great course! I found the course presented CONOPS in a structured manner. Took an existing nebulous environment and brought structure to the process."

"One of the greatest values of the course was the interaction with other participants from different fields."

"This course has increased my knowledge of CONOPS and CONOPS-building."

"Excellent course and instructor. Recommending customer and company send other representatives."

"Great course! The information learned will be of great use in my job."

"You could teach this course every week for four years and still not get to everyone in DC who needs it."

"I’ve been able to make good use of the information you provided at the AOC CONOPS course. . . I especially liked the different levels of CONOPS and how it fits in with our systems requirements classes."

"Great course and instructor. I will have many things to take away for my job."

"Usually I find this sort of thing quite boring, but you not only created an entertaining course, but one with meat in it as well. I'm glad I took it."

"Really enjoyed your course. Hope to get you back again for the others who really need it!" (DOD attorney)

"Will allow me to better write and evaluate CONOPS documents."

"Absolutely outstanding all around; best course I've attended in years; excellent, knowledgable instructor; good balance between lecture and application exercises" (USAF Major)

"Exceeded my expectations. Exceptionally competent instructor. Very informative and entertaining, well structured . . . This was an outstanding course."

"Superb training session led by Mack. Will spread the word in San Antonio".

"Instructor skills and knowledge outstanding! Mack, consider creating a textbook - - - could be a best seller!"

Excellent discussion and presentation of a subject that seems to be, in my experience, almost universally misunderstood. The course material and technical discussion are comprehensive and the briefer was a master of the subject. Great briefing charts."

"First time I've seen a cerebral presentation of "CONOPS" and I've been working with them for about 20 years."

"The emphasis on fundamentals was refreshing. Content was clearly presented. The instructor facilitated the lectures well . . . the outline and type-guides are GREAT examples, which I'll be able to use."

"No one in this course has attended a CONOPS course before. This course is invaluable in providing formal training on this very important skill." (US intelligence community)

"It is obvious that Mr. McKinney has been doing this for quite some time. He is very knowledgable and very eloquent. Very, very good."

"Great class. Significantly improved my knowledge of the CONOPS development and writing process."

"Your class was super! I really enjoyed it and think that your instructional style was exactly right. I hope to run into you again, and I'll be happy to recommend your class.