R 191225Z NOV 20
MARADMIN 695/20
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC CD WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/SOLICITATION OF NOMINEES FOR SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY ADVANCED VISUAL INFORMATION TRAINING PROGRAM (2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR)//
POC1/KNAUTH/JC/CWO5/45XX TRAINING PILLAR HEAD/CD/TEL: (703)614-1494/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 (OccFld) nominees to attend the 2021-2022 Syracuse University Advanced Visual Information Training Program.
2.  Communication Directorate (CD) will board and select nominees to attend this program.
3.  Purpose.  The DoD, through the Defense Information School, offers an advanced visual information training program at Syracuse University.  This yearlong course emphasizes visual and mass communication, shooting in still and motion media digital formats, writing, layout and web design, communication law, social media, 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.  CD will fund (8) 45XX OccFld Marines in the following programs of study:  (4) for Advanced Photojournalism and (4) for Advanced Motion Media Journalism.
5.  The prerequisites for this program are as follows:
5.a.  PMOS 4512, 4541, 4571, 4591 E-5 through E-6; Marines selected for promotion to E-7 prior to application 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 a PDF document).  Marines applying for both programs must submit both portfolios for consideration.
5.d.  Essay explaining 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.  BIR/BTR
5.f.  Page 11
5.g.  Complete an independent duty-screening checklist (disregard any references to 36-months service or dress blue issuance) endorsed by Marine’s commander.  Applicants must have 24-months of service remaining after completion of this program.  If required, nominees must request extensions via the unit career planner upon selection.
5.h.  Letters of recommendation:
5.h.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.h.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 must be sought.  When access to a VIO is not geographically feasible, this requirement may be omitted.
5.h.3.  COMMSTRAT Officer in Charge (OIC).
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:  POCs and hqmc_45xx_proponent@usmc.mil NLT 15 February 2021.
5.j.  Applicants should have a minimum of 24 months on station by 1 July 2021.  OccFld sponsor will assist in submission of any applicable time on station waivers.
6.  The CD selection board will judge nominees based on whole-of-Marine-concept, technical ability, previous education/experience, time on station requirements, and time in service requirements.
7.  CD will notify units, selectees and alternates via MARADMIN.
8.  Selectees should expect to report on or about 31 July 2021 in time for orientation.  The course begins on 1 August 2021 with a May 2022 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.
9.  Release authorized by Brigadier General George B. Rowell IV, Director of Communication, Headquarters Marine Corps Communication Directorate.//