R 281750Z SEP 17
MARADMIN 534/17
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC CDI//
SUBJ/GUIDANCE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS (45XX) OCCUPATIONAL FIELD THROUGH THE MERGE OF 43XX (PUBLIC AFFAIRS) AND 46XX (COMBAT CAMERA)//
REF/A/DOC/ACMC DECISION PAPER SIGNED 160802//
REF/B/MSG/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC CDI 161018//
REF/C/DOC/MCO 5311.6//
REF/D/DOC/MCO 5311.1E//
REF/E/DOC/NAVMC 1200.1C//
REF/F/DOC/AUGUST 2017 AUTHORIZED STRENGTH REPORT (ASR)//
REF/G/DOC/CHARTER FOR THE COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS OPERATIONAL ADVISORY GROUP (OAG)//
REF/H/DOC/MCBUL 5400 REDESIGNATION OF MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE HEADQUARTERS GROUPS TO MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE INFORMATION GROUPS//
REF/I/DOC/MAGTF INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT OPERATIONS CONCEPT OF EMPLOYMENT//
REF/J/MSG/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DIR OUSMCC 170830//
REF/K/DOC/JP 3-61//
REF/L/DOC/SECNAVINST 5720.44C, CH-1//
NARR/REF A IS THE ASSISTANT COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS (ACMC) SIGNED DECISION PAPER DIRECTING THE CREATION OF THE NEW 45XX OCCUPATIONAL FIELD (OCCFLD) AS AN ELEMENT OF FORCE MODERNIZATION THROUGH THE MERGE OF THE 43XX AND 46XX OCCFLDS. REF B IS THE MARADMIN RELEASED BY DEPUTY COMMANDANT, COMBAT DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRATION (CDI) REGARDING THE CREATION OF THE NEW 45XX OCCFLD. REF C OUTLINES ADVOCATE AND PROPONENT ASSIGNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES. REF D OUTLINES THE TOTAL FORCE STRUCTURE PROCESS. REF E IS THE FY18 MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES (MOS) MANUAL, DATED 17 APR 2017, THAT IDENTIFIES THE NEW 45XX MOS WITHIN THE 45XX OCCFLD. REF F PUBLISHES THE NEW TABLES OF ORGANIZATION FOR THE 45XX OCCFLD. REF G IS THE COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS OPERATIONAL ADVISORY GROUP (OAG) CHARTER, DATED 5 SEPT 2017. REF H IS THE MCBUL, DATED 13 JUN 2017, WHICH ESTABLISHES THE MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE INFORMATION GROUPS AND ITS COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS COMPANIES. REF I DESCRIBES HOW THE MARINE CORPS WILL CONDUCT INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT OPERATIONS. REF J IS THE MARADMIN RELEASED BY DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF U.S. MARINE CORPS COMMUNICATION (OUSMCC) REGARDING THE RECLASSIFICATION OF 43XX (PUBLIC AFFAIRS) AND 46XX (COMBAT CAMERA) MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES (MOS) INTO 45XX (COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS) MOS. REF K IS JOINT DOCTRINE FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS. REF L IS THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY AND REGULATIONS.//
POC/A. J. GRECO/GS15/UNIT: CDI, DIRECTOR ATFPD/TEL: 703-784-2303//
POC/C. C. BATSON/LTCOL/UNIT: OUSMCC, FDR/TEL: 703-692-1825//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Introduction.  This is a coordinated message between Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration (DC CDI), Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs (DC MRA), and Director, Office of U.S. Marine Corps Communication (DIR OUSMCC).
2.  Purpose.  This message directs the establishment of the 45XX Communication Strategy and Operations Occupational Field (OccFld) on 1 October 2017.
3.  Situation
3.A.  As an element of force modernization, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps (ACMC) directed the establishment of the 45XX OccFld through the merge of the 43XX (Public Affairs) and 46XX (Combat Camera) OccFlds no later than 1 October 2017 (REF A).  The ACMC decision is a separate yet complementary effort to Marine Corps Force 2025, as it modernizes the Marine Corps communication and product development capability in response to Marine Corps needs and operating environment demands.  The modernization also expands the Marine Corps communication capacity by merging two complementary high-demand and low-density OccFlds, thereby creating efficiencies that begin to mitigate enduring personnel shortfalls.  The modernization was officially announced in (REF B).
3.B.  DC CDI and DIR OUSMCC serve as the 45XX OccFld Advocate and Proponent, respectively (REF C).  In this capacity, and informed by Marine Corps Force 2025 initiatives, DC CDI and DIR OUSMCC have worked with DC MRA, Commanding General Training and Education Command (CG TECOM), Commander Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), the Operating Forces (OPFOR), the Supporting Establishment (SE), and other principle stakeholders over the past year to prepare for the modernization (REF D).  DC CDI and DIR OUSMCC will continue to seek OPFOR and SE participation, feedback, and support until the modernization is complete.
4.  Mission.  Effective 1 October 2017, the Marine Corps establishes the 45XX Communication Strategy and Operations OccFld in order to increase its effectiveness in operating within the contested and complex information environment.
5.  Execution
5.A.  Intent.  Increase the Marine Corps effectiveness in operating within the contested and complex information environment.  Merge the high-demand, low-density 43XX and 46XX OccFlds to create a new 45XX OccFld with an increased capability and capacity to comprehensively and dynamically plan and execute communication operations in the OPFOR and SE.  The end state is a 45XX OccFld that enhances service-level situational awareness and command and control, and improves the its overall ability to exploit opportunities and maneuver in the information environment.
5.B.  Concept of Operations
5.B.1.  Phasing.  The 45XX OccFld force modernization is a three-phased initiative.
5.B.1.A.  Phase I, Establish the Foundation.  (Aug 16 - 30 Sept 17) Upon ACMC decision, DIR OUSMCC created an implementation plan identifying major tasks and milestones across the combat development pillars [doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and strategic communication, personnel, facilities, and cost (DOTMLPF and C)].  The plan underwent a detailed DOTMLPF and C analysis supported by DC CDI and pillar representatives from Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) agencies.  In addition, DIR OUSMCC worked with key stakeholders (e.g., CDI, MRA, TECOM, MARCORSYSCOM, OPFOR, SE) to accomplish the following tasks:  1) creation of the 45XX OccFld name and concept, 2) core competencies, 3) MOS names and descriptions (REF E), 4) Tables of Organization (REF F) and Equipment, 5) tasks to the Marine Corps Task List (MCTL) (in progress), 6) Training and Readiness Manual (in progress), 7) new, formal entry-level training pipeline and program beginning FY20 (in progress), 8) FY20 45XX materiel strategy and interim tasks (in progress), and 9) the Communication Strategy and Operations OAG charter (REF G).  OUSMCC also worked with CDI and the Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEFs) regarding the creation of the Communication Strategy and Operations (CommStrat) Company within the MEF Information Groups (MIGs) (REF H), and the creation of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Information Environment Operations Concept of Employment (REF I).
5.B.1.B.  Phase II, Implement the Modernization.  (1 Oct 17 - 30 Sept 19) The 45XX OccFld assumes a new laydown across the Marine Corps.  Separate 43XX and 46XX offices merge into single 45XX offices within command staffs or special staffs, per Tables of Organization within the Total Force Structure Management System (TFSMS) and as published in the August Authorized Strength Report (ASR) (REF F).  Limited Duty Officer (LDO) structure phases out and is replaced by additional Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) structure.  Graduates of 45XX MOS producing courses receive 45XX entry-level MOSs in the Marine Corps Training Information Management System (MCTIMS).  Legacy 43XX and 46XX Marines [Active Component (AC), Selective Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR), Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), Active Reserve (AR), and Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMA)] convert to 45XX Primary and Additional MOSs (PMOS and AMOS) in the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) (REFs E and J).  All 45XX E6s and above become Communication Strategy and Operations Chiefs (PMOS 4591).  All 45XX E5s and above who meet the qualifications within REF E are eligible to compete for warrant officer (PMOS 4503), and all E5s are eligible for assignment to Marketing and Communication Marine (MOS 4511) billets.  AMOS 4313 (Broadcaster) phases out.  Tables of Equipment within TFSMS are updated.  OUSMCC works with key stakeholders to continue modernization tasks.  These include, but are not limited to:  1) updating doctrine, policy, training, and education, 2) working with commands to determine the phase-out plans for Combat Mass Communicator Marines (PMOS 4531) and 45XX OccFld participation in the Fleet Assistance Program (FAP), and 3) executing the materiel strategy to facilitate the creation of a Communication Strategy Marine Corps Programing Code (MCPC) in FY20 through the merge of the Public Affairs and Combat Camera MCPCs.
5.B.1.C.  Phase III, Complete the Modernization.  (1 Oct 19 - Completion) On 1 October 2019, the final phase of the 45XX OccFld modernization begins.  This phase includes remaining tasks not limited to finalizing revisions of Marine Corps doctrine and policies, converting and redistributing PMOS 4531 structure within the 45XX OccFld, adjusting organizational structure, creating the new 45XX MCPC, and implementing new or updated entry-level formal, intermediate, and advanced officer and enlisted training programs.
5.B.2.  Concept of the 45XX OccFld.  The 45XX modernization seeks to build the Marine Corps-wide capacity to effectively fight and win in the rapidly changing and contested information environment.  Accordingly, the Marine Corps establishes the 45XX OccFld to:  1) advise commanders and staffs on communication strategy matters, 2) develop and integrate communication plans, 3) communicate with internal, domestic, and foreign (e.g., host-nation, coalition, adversary) audiences, and 4) produce written and visual information products in order to build understanding, credibility, and trust with audiences critical to mission success.  Through the timely release of truthful and accurate information, the OccFld builds support for operational and institutional objectives.  Specifically, the OccFld plans, coordinates and officially releases information contextualizing Marine Corps operations, policies, and activities.  It also corrects inaccuracies and misinformation, and counters adversary propaganda.  Communication to key audiences occurs through numerous means, to include the news media, social media, community relations, and outreach to key leaders and the local population.  The OccFld also creates written, photo, video, graphic and illustration products for internal and external release.  When fully realized, the Communication Strategy and Operations capability seamlessly integrates with all other joint and warfighting functions and elements of the MAGTF and SE.
5.B.3.  Concept of 45XX MOS Changes.  The below Primary Military Occupational Specialties (PMOSs) and Additional MOS (AMOSs) changes occur 1 October.  All MOSs listed are PMOSs unless otherwise annotated.  For more details, see (REFS E and J).  Read in two columns:  1) new and old MOS designator, and 2) new and old title and grade.
MOS         TITLE and GRADE
New: 4502   Communication Strategy and Operations Officer (O1-O5)
Old: 4302   Public Affairs Officer (O1-O5)
New: 4503   Visual Information Officer (W1-W5)
Old: 4602   Combat Camera Officer (W1-W5)
New: 4505   Communication Strategy and Operations Planner (AMOS) (O3-O5)
Old: 4305   Communication Strategist (AMOS) (O3-O5)
New: 4511   Marketing and Public Affairs Marine (AMOS) (E5) (Note 1)
Old: None
New: 4512   Combat Graphics Specialist (E1-E5)
Old: 4612   Combat Camera Production Specialist (E1-E5)
New: 4531   Combat Mass Communicator (E1-E5) (Note 2)
Old: 4341   Mass Communicator (E1-E5)
New: 4541   Combat Photographer (E1-E5)
Old: 4641   Combat Photographer (E1-E5)
New: 4571   Combat Videographer (E1-E5)
Old: 4671   Combat Videographer (E1-E5)
New: 4591   Communication Strategy and Operations Chief (E6-E9)
Old: 4341   Mass Communicator (E6-E9)
Old: 4612   Combat Camera Production Specialist (E6)
Old: 4641   Combat Photographer (E6)
Old: 4671   Combat Videographer (E6)
New: Not Applicable
Old: 4602   Combat Camera Officer (O3-O5) (Note 3)
New: Not Applicable
Old: 4313   Broadcaster (AMOS) (E1-E9) (Note 4)
NOTES:
Note 1:  Starting FY18, Marines with PMOS 4512, 4531, 4541, and 4571 who complete the “Marketing and Public Affairs” course (Course ID M02PNG0) receive AMOS 4511 (Recruiting District Marketing and Public Affairs Marine).  In the FY19 MOS Manual, the AMOS 4511 name changes to “Recruiting Station Marketing and Communication Marine.”
Note 2:  Scheduled for FY20, the 45XX MOS producing school incorporates writing skills and communication fundamentals into entry-level training for PMOSs 4512, 4541, and 4571.  Therefore, in FY20, PMOS 4531 (Combat Mass Communicator) structure and Marines convert to PMOSs 4512, 4541, or 4571.
Note 3:  Combat Camera LDOs (O3-O5) retain PMOS 4602 until they request re-designation or retire as PMOS 4602.  LDO structure converts to Visual Information Officer (W1-W5) structure in FY18.  Selections to PMOS 4602 LDO will cease, starting FY18.
Note 4:  AMOS 4313 (Broadcaster) (E1-E9) does not convert to a 45XX AMOS, as the skill set is no longer required by the Marine Corps.
5.C.  Tasks
5.C.1.  OUSMCC
5.C.1.A.  As the lead agency for the 45XX modernization, execute implementation tasks in coordination with key stakeholders.
5.C.1.B.  Supervise and monitor the progress of the 45XX modernization within the OPFOR and SE.  Establish reporting criteria as required.  Keep DC CDI appraised of progress.
5.C.2.  Marine Component Commands
5.C.2.A.  On 1 October 2017, implement the modernization.  Administratively merge legacy Public Affairs and Combat Camera personnel into new 45XX Communication Strategy and Operations offices within every command, in accordance with (REF F).
5.C.2.B.  As soon as possible, physically merge legacy Public Affairs and Combat Camera personnel into a single 45XX office within every command.
5.C.2.C.  Report modernization progress to OUSMCC, as required.  Reporting criteria, format, and timelines will be sent in separate correspondence.
5.C.2.D.  In coordination with OUSMCC and key stakeholders, support and execute remaining 45XX modernization implementation tasks.
5.C.3.  Marine Corps Installations Command
5.C.3.A.  On 1 October 2017, implement the modernization.  Administratively merge legacy Public Affairs and Combat Camera personnel into new 45XX Communication Strategy and Operations offices within every command, in accordance with (REF F).
5.C.3.B.  As soon as possible, physically merge legacy Public Affairs and Combat Camera personnel into a single 45XX office within every command.
5.C.3.C.  Report modernization progress to OUSMCC, as required.  Reporting criteria, format, and timelines will be sent in separate correspondence.
5.C.3.D.  In coordination with OUSMCC and key stakeholders, support and execute remaining 45XX modernization implementation tasks.
5.C.3.E.  Assist tenant commands, bases, and stations in identifying and acquiring office space for new 45XX offices.
5.C.4.  TECOM
5.C.4.A.  On 1 October 2017, implement the modernization.  Administratively merge legacy Public Affairs and Combat Camera personnel into new 45XX Communication Strategy and Operations offices within every command, in accordance with (REF F).
5.C.4.B.  As soon as possible, physically merge legacy Public Affairs and Combat Camera personnel into a single 45XX office within every command.
5.C.4.C.  Report modernization progress to OUSMCC, as required.  Reporting criteria, format, and timelines will be sent in separate correspondence.
5.C.4.D.  In coordination with OUSMCC and key stakeholders, support and execute remaining 45XX modernization implementation tasks.
5.C.5.  Marine Corps Recruiting Command
5.C.5.A.  On 1 October 2017, implement the modernization.  Administratively merge legacy Public Affairs and Combat Camera personnel into new 45XX Communication Strategy and Operations offices within every command, in accordance with (REF F).
5.C.5.B.  As soon as possible, physically merge legacy Public Affairs and Combat Camera personnel into a single 45XX office within every command.
5.C.5.C.  Report modernization progress to OUSMCC, as required.  Reporting criteria, format, and timelines will be sent in separate correspondence.
5.C.5.D.  In coordination with OUSMCC and key stakeholders, support and execute remaining 45XX modernization implementation tasks.
5.D.  Coordinating Instructions.  The following is provided to aid in the establishment of 45XX offices.
5.D.1.  In accordance with joint doctrine (REF K) and Department of the Navy policy (REF L), 45XX offices reside within command staffs or special staffs, reporting directly to the commander.  This construct facilitates 45XX responsibilities as command spokespersons and their effectiveness in rapidly responding to media queries and conducting crisis communication.
5.D.2.  45XX offices reconcile legacy Public Affairs and Combat Camera Consolidated Memorandum Receipts (CMR) into one CMR, and assign appropriate Responsible Officers.
5.D.3.  45XX offices update legacy Public Affairs and Combat Camera lines of accounting, and assign appropriate Funds Managers and Approving Officials.
5.D.4.  45XX offices coordinate with the Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) office to merge existing Public Affairs and Combat Camera unit pages into a single 45XX page for their respective commands.
5.D.5.  45XX offices merge existing, or create new, Standard Operating Procedures.  45XX doctrine and policy will be updated in Phases II and III.
5.D.6.  45XX offices replace all existing Public Affairs and Combat Camera signage with new 45XX products.  Guidance on logos will be published in separate correspondence.
6.  Administration and Logistics
6.1.  Contact Information.  Update official mailing address, letterhead, command rosters, Global Access List (GAL) information, e-mail signature blocks, business cards, and other similar means of communication to reflect the new 45XX OccFld.
6.2.  Network Administrative Systems.  Update 45XX naming conventions in information systems such as, but not limited to, Defense Travel System (DTS), Government Commercial Purchase Card (GCPC), and DON Tracker.
6.3.  Fitness Reports.  Establish new Reporting Senior (RS) and Reporting Officer (RO) relationships, as appropriate.  As required, complete Change of Reporting Senior (CH) fitness reports.
7.  Command and Signal
7.A.  CDI Advocacy, Transition, Fiscal, and Personnel Division (ATFPD)
7.A.1.  45XX Capabilities Integration Officer:  Maj K. A. Stevenson, 703-432-1748, keith.stevenson@usmc.mil
7.A.2.  45XX Capabilities Integration Chief:  MGySgt M. L. Sewell, 703-784-6110, matthew.sewell@usmc.mil
7.B.  OUSMCC Force Development and Requirements Branch (FDR)
7.B.1.  Branch Head:  LtCol C. C. Batson, 703-692-1825, carrie.batson@usmc.mil
7.B.2.  Section Head:  LtCol S. T. Hays, 703-614-1494, sean.hays@usmc.mil
7.B.3.  Section Head:  Maj A. J. Andrious, 703-693-4906, antony.andrious@usmc.mil
7.B.4.  OUSMCC Senior Enlisted Advisor:  MGySgt C. A. Albrecht, 703-614-1387, charles.albrecht@usmc.mil
7.B.5.  OUSMCC Senior Enlisted Advisor:  MGySgt M. E. Schellenbach, 703-693-4712, michael.schellenbach@usmc.mil
7.C.  MARCORSYSCOM
7.C.1.  Combat Camera Project Officer:  Maj C. J. Shell, 703-432-9897, craig.j.shell@usmc.mil
7.C.2.  Public Affairs Project Officer:  Capt M. M. Salinas, 703-432-9906, melanie.salinas@usmc.mil
7.D.  DVIDS
7.D.1.  Marine Corps Liaison:  SSgt S. Schmidt, 678-421-6820, sschmidt@dvidshub.net
7.D.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.
7.E.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Robert S. Walsh, Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration.//