DoW Metadata Guidance: Foundations for a Data-Centric Enterprise NEW!

Develop new knowledge about the backbone of data in defense organizations: metadata

Enroll in DATAMGT104

About This Data Online Course

In modern defense operations, the ability to trust, share, and operationalize data depends not on the data alone—but on the metadata that give them context and control.

Metadata make data visible, discoverable, shareable, secure, and trusted. They are the backbone of modern, zero-trust military operations—ensuring the right people receive the right data at the right time.

Without consistent metadata standards, interoperability breaks down, data silos persist, and advanced technologies like AI and analytics cannot reach their full potential. Recognizing this challenge, the the U.S. Department of Defense Metadata Guidance were established in 2023 to define a common baseline of metadata elements and a consistent framework for tagging and managing data across the enterprise.*

DATAMGT104 is a foundational course designed to help you understand the strategic importance of metadata and how to apply the DoD Metadata Guidance. Through practical examples, you will see how metadata empower mission execution, compliance, accountability and operational decision advantage.

Metadata may seem like small details, but at enterprise scale, they create a common language across components, services and coalition partners. They break down silos, support governance and accountability and enable AI-enabled decision support. In short, metadata are not merely a technical requirement—they are a strategic asset for the defense enterprise.

What You Will Learn

  • Explain purpose and importance of metadata in military organizations
  • Describe DoD Metadata Guidance
  • Identify baseline metadata fields
  • Distinguish between metadata functional areas and associated use cases
  • Describe metadata application throughout data lifecycle
  • Explain metadata governance and cataloging

Who Should Take This Online Course

This online training course is designed for defense or intelligence professionals working for the Federal government or a government contractor companies interested in learning more about metadata in a military context.

More seasoned professionals will also benefit from this online training experience to obtain a refresher on the critical subject matter.

Prerequisites

None. However, prior completion of the FedLearn course, Basic Data Management (AIDATA108), is highly recommended.

Course Certificate

To achieve a course certificate of completion, you must score 80 percent or higher on a graded final exam.

Course Format

Self-paced, online training course

Course Pricing

Individual courses are $14.99 (per person).

Seat licenses to access the entire FedLearn AI and data science catalog are also available. Click here to learn more and purchase

If you are interested in learning about special team rates for Federal government and government contractor organizations, email [email protected]

Continuing Education Unit Credits

This course provides 1 CEU.

Enroll in DATAMGT104