R 211730Z JUN 24
MARADMIN 287/24
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC CD WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/2024 COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS (COMMSTRAT) EXECUTIVE STEERING COMMITTEE (ESC) AND TRAINING AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT (TLDS) CALLING MESSAGE//
REF/A/MCO 5311.1E TOTAL FORCE MANAGEMENT PROCESS/18 NOV 2015//
REF/B/COMMSTRAT ESC CHARTER /27 OCT 2023//
NARR/REF A PROVIDES AUTHORITY FOR OCCFLD SPONSORS TO CONDUCT TOTAL FORCE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES FOR THEIR DESIGNATED FUNCTION. 
NARR/REF B PROVIDES PROCEDURES FOR THE CONDUCT OF A 45XX COMMSTRAT OCCFLD ESC. 
POC/SPRADLIN/WE/CWO4/VISUAL INFORMATION OFFICER/OCCFLDSPT/CD/TEL:703-614-1494/ EMAIL: WADE.SPRADLIN@USMC.MIL 
POC/MCDONNELL/BA/CAPT/DEPUTY BRANCH HEAD/OCCFLDSPT/CD/TEL:703-693-4906/EMAIL:  BRYAN.MCDONNELL@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. This calling message provides information for the combined COMMSTRAT ESC and TLDS taking place 5-9 August 2024. 
2.  These events will be hosted by the Director of Communication, Communication Directorate, Headquarters Marine Corps.
3.  Purpose 
3.a. The COMMSTRAT ESC, held 5-9 August 2024, is the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration-directed forum for interface, planning and decision between Headquarters Marine Corps,the operating forces and the supporting establishment concerningissues that affect the COMMSTRAT OCCFLD. The ESC strives to increase COMMSTRAT capabilities, employability, development and readiness in support of the Marine Corps’ operational and institutional missions. It provides a critical forum for the OCCFLD to provide input to the Public Affairs (PA), Visual Information (VI) and Combat Camera (COMCAM) principle advisor based on their current operational perspectives. Furthermore, the ESC will offer individual and group breakout sessions, panel discussions, and guest presenters that provide essential skills towards building successful careers, leveraging external resources, and increasing technical proficiency.
3.b. The TLDS, held 6-9 August 2024, will be committed to equipping our Marines with the strategic acumen and tactical proficiency needed to perform PA and COMCAM activities in the information environment.  The TLDS is not just about training; it is about fostering a culture of continuous learning, leadership development, and operational excellence, ensuring that COMMSTRAT Marines are ready for future conflicts.  It is imperative to cultivate a generation of communicators and VI professionals who can acquire VI with an operational mindset and execute inform operations in support of U.S. government strategic objectives.  
4. ESC Participants. To effectively support the ongoing COMMSTRAT force optimization review, the following commands are requested to send 45XX leadership resident within their commands for the ESC. Commands will ensure equitable representation from COMMSTRAT Directors, Visual Information Officers, and Senior Enlisted Advisors or Staff Non-commissioned Officers In Charge. 
4.a.  Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration (CIO and DIR) (2 PAX).
4.b.  Marine Forces Pacific (3 PAX).
4.c.  Marine Forces Command/North (2 PAX).
4.d.  Marine Forces Reserve/South (3 PAX).
4.e.  Marine Forces Central Command (2 PAX).
4.f.  Marine Forces Europe/Africa (2 PAX). 
4.g.  Marine Forces Special Operations Command (2 PAX).
4.h.  Marine Corps Information Command (2 PAX).
4.i.  I Marine Expeditionary Force (7 PAX).
4.j.  II Marine Expeditionary Force (7 PAX).
4.k.  III Marine Expeditionary Force (7 PAX).
4.l.  Marine Corps Installations Command (1 PAX).
4.m.  Marine Corps Installations West (2 PAX).
4.n.  Marine Corps Installations East (2 PAX).
4.o.  Marine Corps Installations Pacific (2 PAX).
4.p.  Marine Corps Recruiting Command (2 PAX).
4.q.  Marine Detachment Ft. Meade (1 PAX).
4.r.  Defense Media Activity (Marine Production) (1 PAX).
4.s.  Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (1 PAX).
4.t.  Commanding General, Training and Education Command (3 PAX).
4.u.  Deputy Commandant for Information (1 PAX). 
4.v.  Marine Corps Systems Command (Project Officers) (1 PAX).
5. TLDS Participants. In order to receive maximum training this year’s TLDS is to prepare our Marines to excel in the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare. TLDS will include an immersive field craft event.  The foundational training requirement for this event will be the rigorous standards outlined in the updated NAVMC 3500.XX Training and Readiness Manual collective training CMST-TRNG-10001 Certify COMMSTRAT Forces.  The TLDS is geared toward company grade officers, Gunnery Sergeants, Staff Sergeants and Sergeants and below.
5.a.  Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration (2 PAX).
5.b.  Marine Forces Pacific (2 PAX).
5.c.  Marine Forces Command/North (2 PAX).
5.d.  Marine Forces Reserve/South (2 PAX).
5.e.  Marine Forces Central Command (2 PAX).
5.f.  Marine Forces Europe/Africa (2 PAX). 
5.g.  Marine Forces Special Operations Command (2 PAX).
5.h.  I Marine Expeditionary Force (10 PAX).
5.i.  II Marine Expeditionary Force (10 PAX).
5.j.  III Marine Expeditionary Force (10 PAX).
5.k.  Marine Corps Installations Command (2 PAX).
5.l.  Marine Corps Installations West (3 PAX).
5.m.  Marine Corps Installations East (3 PAX).
5.n.  Marine Corps Installations Pacific (3 PAX).
5.o.  Marine Corps Recruiting Command (15 PAX).
5.p.  Marine Detachment Ft. Meade (2 PAX).
5.q.  Defense Media Activity (Marine Production) (2 PAX).
5.r.  Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (2 PAX).
5.s.  Commanding General, Training and Education Command (5 PAX).
5.t.  Deputy Commandant for Information (1 PAX). 
5.u.  Marine Corps Systems Command (Project Officers) (1 PAX).
6.  2022 and 2023 VIEC Award winners will be recognized during the Friday night United States Marine Corps Combat Correspondent Association banquet. All 2022 and 2023 COMMSTRAT Marine of the Year, COMMSTRAT Staff Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO) of the Year, COMMSTRAT Visual Information Officer of the Year, COMMSTRAT Officer of the Year, COMMSTRAT Unit of the Year representative, Marine Corps Communicator of the Year, Marine Corps Graphic Designer of the Year, Marine Corps Photographer of the Year, Marine Corps Videographer of the Year, Marine Corps Writer of the Year, Marine Corps Civilian Writer of the Year, Marine Corps Civilian Photographer of the Year to include all first, second and third place finishers will be recognized.
6.a.  For the TLDS, participants, per paragraph 5, will need to register with the United States Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association (USMCCCA) for the week and for the banquet dinner on 9 August 2024:  https:(slash)(slash)usmcccaonline.com/symposium. The registration fee is reimbursable but not the banquet dinner fee due to Marines traveling on per diem. Guests and family members are welcome to attend the Awards Banquet if reserved and paid for ahead of time with the USMCCCA (reach out to hq@usmccca.org).
7.  Coordinating Instructions
7.a.  Command representatives are required to have the authority to speak on behalf of their respective commander on all areas of the 45XX OCCFLD, and if required, vote on the outcome as briefed to the ESC chair.
7.b.  Working Groups.  The COMMSTRAT ESC will be comprised of working groups to be identified later via SEPCOR.
7.c.  During the TLDS, Staff Sergeants and below attending should bring their assigned program of record visual information acquisition and editing equipment.  A subsequent gear list will be provided for the field training exercise.
7.d.  Request RSVP from representatives no later than 1 July 2024. Use the following link to register for the 2024 COMMSTRAT ESC/TLDS: https: (slash)(slash)einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=893006&k=0A6841097B51
7.e.  Commands requesting additional participation should contact POCs for approval prior.
7.f.  The uniform for ESC is business casual (jacket/sports coat, open collar, khakis/slacks, skirts, blouse, collared shirt (no jeans, no shorts, no flip flops, no sneakers)) for all participants. Training day 1 and 4 of the TLDS is business casual and training day 2 and 3 are green combat utilities. The uniform for the VIEC awards dinner is Blue Dress A, with white trousers for SNCOs and Officers.
7.g.  Location. The events will take place at the Pacific Views Event Center located at 202850, San Jacinto Rd, Oceanside, CA 92058.
7.h.  Travel.  Travel days for the ESC are 4 and 10 August 2024. Travel days for the TLDS are 5 and 10 August 2024. All travel expenses are a unit responsibility. Travelers from outside the continental United States should be afforded additional travel days at the discretion of their commands.  
7.i.  Lodging. Limited lodging is available at Pacific Views Lodge and Ward Lodge. Please use the hotel room code “COMMSTRAT TLDS” to reserve rooms. 
7.j.  Attendees and commands must comply with MCO 4600.40b concerning the government travel charge card program.  DTS will identify the 2024 max per diem rate for Camp Pendleton, California.
7.k.  Transportation and parking.  Transportation is the responsibility of the attendee.  
7.l.  Cell phones and computers are authorized, and WiFi will be available.
7.m.  RSVP’s and questions related to the COMMSTRAT ESC should be sent to the CD OFS POCS listed above.  Coordinating instructions and finalized agenda will be provided to confirmed attendees no later than 25 July 2024.
8.  Release authorized by SES April Langwell, Director of Communication, Communication Directorate.//