R 251346Z FEB 25
MARADMIN 087/25
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC CD WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/SOLICITATION OF NOMINEES FOR SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY ADVANCED
VISUAL INFORMATION TRAINING PROGRAM (2025-2026 ACADEMIC YEAR)//
POC1/SPRADLIN/WE/CWO5/45XX TRAINING PILLAR LEAD/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//
POC3/MCDOLE/KL/GYSGT/45XX MOS SPECIALIST /CD/ TEL:
703-614-1494/ EMAIL: KASSIE.MCDOLE@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Purpose. This message provides information for
solicitation of 45XX Occupational Field (OccFld) nominees to attend
the 2025-2026 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 2025.  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 NLT 7 March 2025.
7.  The CD selection committee will judge nominees based on the
Whole 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 14 July 2025 in time for orientation.  The course begins
on/about 4 August 2025 with a May 2026 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 SES April L. Langwell, Director of
Communication, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps//