R 151700Z FEB 24
MARADMIN 072/24
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC CD WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/SOLICITATION OF NOMINEES FOR SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY ADVANCED VISUAL INFORMATION TRAINING PROGRAM (2023-2025 SCHOOL YEAR)//
POC1/SPRADLIN/WE/CWO4/45XX TRAINING PILLAR HEAD/CD/TEL: (703) 614-1494/EMAIL: WADE.SPRADLIN@USMC.MIL//
POC2/GIBSON/AM/MGYSGT/45XX OCCFLD SPONSOR AND SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR/CD/TEL: (703) 614-1387/EMAIL: ANTWAUN.GIBSON@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Purpose. This message provides information for solicitation of 45XX Occupational Field (OccFld) nominees to attend the 2024-2025 Syracuse University Advanced Visual (VI) Information Training Program.
2. Communication Directorate (CD) will review and select nominees to attend this program.
3. Purpose. The Marine Corps, through the Department of the Navy, offers an advanced visual information training program at Syracuse University. This yearlong course emphasizes visual and mass communication theory, visual storytelling, advanced audio, advanced production planning, advanced post-production editing, immersive design, graphic design theory and application, news writing, communication law, and social media. The program provides a working knowledge of cameras, lenses and filters, interview techniques, feature stories, picture stories, techniques for controlled and uncontrolled action, field audio capture, studio and on-location lighting, documentary storytelling, and post-production. Upon completion, the student will have earned an intensive 30 credit hours toward a baccalaureate degree from Syracuse University.
4. CD will fund (8) 45XX Marines in the following programs of study: (2-4) for Advanced Graphic Design, (2-4) 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-4 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 five years time in service (TIS) at the time of application.
5.c. Applicants should have a minimum of 24 months time on station (TOS) by 1 July 2024. OccFld Manager/MOS Specialists will assist in submission of any applicable TOS waivers.
5.d. Applicants must have completed intermediate level PMOS course in accordance with NAVMAC 1200.1H at the time of application.
5.e. Applicants must submit an essay explaining the personal and professional reason for attending the Advanced VI Training Program at Syracuse University, which program the applicant desires, and how he/she intends to apply the learned skills upon return to the fleet (500-1,000 words).
5.f. First Endorsement Letter:
5.f.1. The Communication Strategy and Operations (COMMSTRAT) Officer or civilian director are required to submit a nomination letter endorsing the Marine applying for the program, emphasizing the Whole Marine Concept, such as leadership traits and principles, maturity, and physical fitness.
5.g. Second Endorsement Letter:
5.g.1 The Marine’s commander shall provide an endorsement highlighting the Marine’s adherence to height and weight standards, financial responsibility, physical fitness, and eligibility for continued service as integral criteria for consideration.
5.h. Letters of recommendation:
5.h.1. At least one letter of recommendation from the unit’s Visual Information Officer (VIO), Senior Enlisted Advisor, or COMMSTRAT Chief within the operational chain of command. The letter of recommendation will include the Marine’s overall impact to the unit’s mission and achievement of communication goals, storytelling ability, use of intermediate skills, mentorship of subordinates, and technical skill.
5.h.2 Additional letters from prior leadership may be included.
5.i. BIR/BTR
5.j. Page 11
5.k. Complete an independent duty-screening checklist (disregard any references to 36-months service or dress blue issuance) endorsed by Marine’s commander.
5.l. 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.m. Portfolio of five (minimum) video products, five (minimum) graphic products, or ten (minimum) photojournalism examples, depending on the program the Marine is applying for (include links to published material in a PDF document). A Marine may elect to send a single link using the gallery feature on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) or submit individual content links. Marines are authorized to submit personal work outside of their official duties. Marines applying for multiple programs must submit separate portfolios, per program, for consideration.
6. Applicants will create and scan the entire package contents into a single .pdf file, and must be scanned in sequence listed in para 5.d through 5.j above. Send the .pdf package via an encrypted email to: POCs and hqmc_45xx_proponent@usmc.mil NLT 23 February 2024.
7. The CD selection committee will judge nominees based on whole-of-Marine concept, technical ability, previous education/experience, PME completion, TOS requirements, and TIS service requirements.
8. CD will notify units, selectees and alternates via MARADMIN.
9. This is an accompanied PCS. Selectees should expect to report on or about 15 July 2024 in time for orientation. The course begins on/about 1 August 2024 with a May 2025 graduation date. Ms. Nancy Austin of Syracuse University is the program's student liaison and may be reached at njaustin@syr.edu and phone 315-443-4082.
10. While attending the course, Marines will be administratively assigned to 4th LAR Bn, 4th MarDiv. Marines will rate a non-observed academic fitness report based upon their Syracuse GPA. 
11. Release authorized by Lieutenant General Gregg P. Olson, Director, Marine Corps Staff.//