R 091940Z DEC 19
MARADMIN 677/19
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC CD WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/SOLICITATION OF NOMINEES FOR SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY ADVANCED VISUAL INFORMATION TRAINING PROGRAM//
POC1/KNAUTH/JC/CWO4/REQUIREMENTS SECTION HEAD/CD/TEL: (703) 614-6251/EMAIL: JONATHAN.KNAUTH@USMC.MIL//
POC2/SEWELL/ML/MGYSGT/45XX OCCFLD SPONSOR AND SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR/CD/TEL: (703) 614-1387/ EMAIL: MATTHEW.SEWELL@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Purpose.  This message provides information for solicitation of 45xx occupational field nominees to attend the 2020-2021 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, through the defense information school, offers an advanced visual information training program at Syracuse University.  This year-long course emphasizes visual and mass communication, shooting in still and motion media digital formats, writing, layout and web design, communication law, and desktop publishing.  The program provides a working knowledge of cameras, lenses and filters, interview techniques, feature stories, picture stories, techniques for controlled and uncontrolled action, advanced audio capture, lighting, documentation, and post-production.  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 February 2020.
5.  The prerequisites for this program are as follows:
5.a.  PMO’s 4512, 4541, 4571, 4591 e-5 through e-6; marines who are previously selected for promotion to e-7 are ineligible to apply for the program.
5.b.  Applicants must have at least six years, time in service at the time of application.
5.c.  Portfolio of five (minimum) video products or ten (minimum) photojournalism examples, depending on the program the marine is applying for (include links to published material in an MS word doc).
5.d.  Written essay on why the applicant wants to attend the DOD advanced VI training program at Syracuse University, which program the applicant desires, and how he/she intends to apply the skills upon return to the fleet (500-1,000 words).
5.e.  S-3/command-certified promotion photo in service "c."
5.f.  BIR/BTR
5.g.  Page 11
5.h.  Complete an 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.i.  Letters of Recommendation.
5.i.1.  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.i.2.  Visual information officer (VIO).  If applicant does not have a VIO assigned to their unit, a letter of recommendation from a higher, adjacent, or subordinate unit’s VIO should be sought.  When access to a VIO is not geographically feasible, this requirement may be omitted.
5.i.3.  Letter of recommendation from the commstrat officer in charge.
5.j.  Applicants will create and scan the entire package contents into a single pdf file.  Send the .pdf package via an encrypted email to:  POCs and hqmc_45xx_proponent@usmc.mil NLT 15 February 2020.
5.k.  Applicants should have a minimum of 24 months on station by 1 July 2020.  Occfld sponsor will assist in submission of any applicable time on station waivers.
6.  Selectees and alternates will be notified via Maradmin and email by their Commstrat chief or director.
7.  Selectees should expect to report on or about 31 Jul 2020 in time for orientation.  The course begins on 1 Aug 2020 with a May 2021 graduation date.  Ms. Nancy Austin of Syracuse University remains the program's 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 Sean M. Salene, Director of Communication, Headquarters Marine Corps Communication Directorate.//