R 012020Z JUN 18
MARADMIN 305/18
SUBJ/2018 COMMANDERS MEDIA TRAINING SYMPOSIUM//
POC/RUGGIERO, N.A./MAJ//CMC WASHINGTON DC OMCC/ TEL: 347-213-1759/EMAIL: NEIL.RUGGIERO@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  The Office of U.S. Marine Corps Communication (OUSMCC) will host the annual Commanders' Media Training Symposium in Manhattan, New York, NY from 10-14 September 2018.
2.  This symposium will impart and empower commanders with critical skill sets necessary for leaders to understand the demands of the  modern information and media environment by providing exclusive access to some of the world's most reputable news organizations, international media outlets and emerging media corporations.  This symposium offers Commanders and Executive Officers in leadership billets with experiential communication training.  Interaction with experienced,  professional news media representatives provides unique perspectives in understanding the local, national and international media landscape and how to best position their commands (and the individual commander) for relative success within this challenging and contested domain.  Information panels, media discussions, participatory exercises, and guest speaker presentations are scheduled at media-venues throughout New York City.
3.  Participant Audience.  Current O-5, O-6 commanders or those selected for command; Executive Officers may attend in the absence of the commander. Commanders are highly encouraged to bring their command CommStrat Officers (CSO).
4.  Registration. Nominees must submit registration requests NLT 13 August 2018 via e-mail to neil.ruggiero@usmc.mil.  Provide full name, grade, MOS, current military address, work phone, mobile phone, e-mail address, present command assignment, and estimated rotation date.  Should the number of requests exceed capacity, they will be prioritized in the order received.  OUSMCC will notify those approved NLT 20 August 2018.
5.  Funding.  All training and travel costs are funded by the participant's parent command.   Government Travel Charge Cards must be used for official travel. No disbursing or transportation assistance is available on site.  Rental vehicles are highly discouraged due to lack of parking and traffic conditions. Public transportation is the optimal form of transportation in NYC and will be coordinated by symposium staff.
6.  Uniform.  The uniform of the day is Service C for all symposium activities.
7.  Billeting.  Individual travelers are responsible for all billeting arrangements in Manhattan. POC in paragraph (11)  will publish a list of recommended billeting arrangements upon selection.
8.  Training.  The Symposium will be held primarily at J. Walter Thompson New York offices at 466 Lexington Avenue; participants will also visit other corporate and national media organizations throughout Manhattan. Training begins promptly at 0900 on 10 September 2018, and will conclude at 1700 on 13 September 2018.
9.  Symposium Material.  A "Welcome Aboard" packet, which will include read-ahead content, itinerary, Letter of Instruction and other coordinating information will be distributed via e-mail to all attendees.  Participants are highly encouraged to familiarize themselves with all content prior to arrival.
10.  Conference Overview: Day 1: Current landscape of today's media – Speakers will present topics such as the role of reporters, foreign media, and interview training with accomplished journalists. Day 2: On site media training. Visit national media headquarters for a question and answer session with staff to gain insights into how broadcast and print media operates on a day to day basis. Day 3: One on one and group interview training.  Speakers will present topics such as the role of reporters, social media, and interview training with accomplished journalists. Day 4: The Impact of Media on the Elements of National Power.  Speakers will present how the media can affect the projection of national power not only through the military but also through diplomatic, information, and economic means.
11.  Point of contact is Major Neil Ruggiero at 347-213-1759 or neil.ruggiero@usmc.mil.
12.  Release authorized by Brigadier General William H. Seely III, Director, Office of U.S. Marine Corps Communication.//