R 042020Z FEB19
MARADMIN 064/19
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC OUSMCC WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/SOLICITATION OF NOMINEES FOR SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY ADVANCED VISUAL INFORMATION TRAINING PROGRAM//
POC/SEWELL/ML/MGYSGT/45XX OCCFLD SPONSOR AND SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR/CD/ TEL: (703) 614-1387/ EMAIL: MATTHEW.SEWELL@USMC.MIL//
POC/PENDRACKI/AD/MSGT/ASSISTANT 45XX OCCFLD SPONSOR/CD/
TEL: (703) 695-3644/ EMAIL: ANDREW.PENDRACKI@SMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Purpose. This message provides information for solicitation of 45XX occupational field nominees to attend the 2019-2020 Syracuse University Advanced Visual Information Training Program.
2.  The nominees will be boarded and selected by Communication Directorate, HQMC to attend this program.
3.  Purpose.  The DoD offers an advanced visual information training program through Syracuse University. This year-long course emphasizes shooting in film and digital formats, writing, layout and design, and desktop publishing. The program provides a working knowledge of still and digital format cameras, lenses and filters, feature stories, picture stories, techniques for controlled and uncontrolled action, lighting, and documentation. Upon completion, the student will have earned an intensive 30 credit hours towards a baccalaureate degree from Syracuse University.
4. The 45XX OccFld has been allotted a total of (8) allocations as follows: (4) for advanced photojournalism and (4) for advanced motion media journalism. Complete packages are due NLT 15 March 2019.
5. The prerequisites for this program are as follows:
5.A.  E-5 through E-7 (CD will consider applications from extraordinary Tier I E-4s who display the highest degree of maturity).
5.B.  Portfolio of (3) video or photojournalism examples, depending on the program the Marine is applying for (include links to published material in an MS Word doc).
5.C.  Written essay on why the applicant wants to attend the DoD Advanced VI Training Program at Syracuse University and how he/she intends to apply the skills upon return to the fleet (500-1,000 words).
5.D.  S-3/Command-certified promotion photo in Service "C."
5.E.  C.O.'s Recommended Tier ranking.
5.F.  Complete the attached Independent Duty Screening Checklist (disregard any references to 36-months service or dress blue issuance). However, applicants must have 24-months of service remaining after completion of this program. If required, extensions can be sought via the unit career planner.
5.G.  Letter of recommendation from applicant's COMMSTRAT Chief. If applicant is the COMMSTRAT Chief and does not have a senior COMMSTRAT SNCO assigned to the office, this requirement may be omitted.
5.H.  Letter of recommendation from the COMMSTRAT Director. If COMMSTRAT Director is not an O-4 or above, SNM will also obtain a letter of recommendation from the Commanding Officer (O-4 or above).
5.I.  Applicants will create and scan the entire package contents into a single .pdf file. Send the .pdf package via an encrypted email to: matthew.sewell@usmc.mil and andrew.pendracki@usmc.mil NLT 15 March 2019.
5.J.  Applicants should have a minimum of 24 months on station by 1 July 2019. OccFld Sponsor will assist in submission of any applicable time on station waivers.
6.  Selectees will be notified via MARADMIN and email by their COMMSTRAT Chief or Director.
7.  Selectees should expect to report on or about 31 Jul 2019 in time for orientation. The course begins on 1 Aug 2019 with a May 2020 graduation date. Ms. Nancy Austin of Syracuse University remains the Marine student liaison and may be reached at NJaustin@syr.edu and phone 315-443-4082. The Marines will rate a non-observed academic fitness report based upon their Syracuse GPA. While attending the course the Marines will be administratively assigned to 4th LAR BN, 4th MARDIV. This is an accompanied PCS.
8.  Release authorized by Brigadier General W. H. Seely III, Director, Communication Directorate.//