R 251728Z JUN 25
MARADMIN 296/25
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC CD WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/2025 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 /25 NOV 2024//
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/COLVIL/SF/MAJ/PLANNER/OCCFLDSPT/CD/TEL: 703-614-1494/EMAIL:
SKY.COLVIL.MIL@USMC.MIL
POC/SPRADLIN/WE/CWO5/VISUAL INFORMATION OFFICER/OCCFLDSPT/CD/TEL:
703-614-1494/EMAIL: WADE.SPRADLIN@USMC.MIL 
POC/MCDOLE/KL/GYSGT/BRANCH SNCOIC/OCCFLDSPT/CD/TEL:
703-694-1494/EMAIL: KASSIE.MCDOLE@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This calling message provides information for
the combined COMMSTRAT ESC and TLDS taking place 25-28 August 2025. 
2.  These events will be hosted by the Director of Communication,
Communication Directorate, Headquarters Marine Corps.
3.  Purpose 
3.a.  The COMMSTRAT ESC, held 25-28 August 2025, 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 concerning
issues 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) principal advisor based on their current operational
perspectives.  Furthermore, the ESC will offer individual and group
breakout sessions, as well as panel discussions related to
Operations, Activities, and Investments.
3.b.  The TLDS, held 25-28 August 2025, 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 (VIO), and Senior Enlisted
Advisors (SEA) or Staff Non-commissioned Officers in Charge
(SNCOIC). 
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 (2 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 (1 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 (3 PAX).
4.n.  Marine Corps Installations East (3 PAX).
4.o.  Marine Corps Installations Pacific (3 PAX).
4.p.  Marine Corps Recruiting Command (2 PAX).
4.q.  Marine Detachment Ft. Meade (2 PAX).
4.r.  Defense Media Activity (Marine Production) (1 PAX).
4.s.  Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (1 PAX).
4.t.  Training and Education Command (2 PAX).
4.u.  Deputy Commandant for Information (1 PAX). 
4.v.  Marine Corps Systems Command (1 PAX).
5.  TLDS participants. This year’s TLDS is designed to provide
maximum training and prepare our Marines to excel in the
ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare.  The TLDS will include an
immersive field craft event.  The foundational training requirement
for this event is the standards outlined in the NAVMC 3500.9D
Training and Readiness Manual, specifically collective training,
CMST-TRNG-10001, Certify COMMSTRAT Forces.  The TLDS is geared
toward company grade officers, and Gunnery 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 (1 PAX).
5.f.  Marine Forces Europe/Africa (2 PAX). 
5.g.  Marine Forces Special Operations Command (1 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 Information Command (1 PAX).
5.l.  Marine Corps Installations West (10 PAX).
5.m.  Marine Corps Installations East (10 PAX).
5.n.  Marine Corps Installations Pacific (7 PAX).
5.o.  Marine Corps Recruiting Command (3 PAX).
5.p.  Marine Detachment Ft. Meade (1 PAX).
5.q.  Defense Media Activity (Marine Production) (2 PAX).
5.r.  Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (1 PAX).
5.s.  Training and Education Command (6 PAX).
5.t.  Marine Corps Systems Command (Project Officers) (1 PAX).
6.  2024 Visual Information and Excellence in Communication (VIEC)
Award winners will be recognized during the 28 August 2025 United
States Marine Corps Combat Correspondent Association (USMCCCA)
banquet. All 2024 COMMSTRAT Marine of the Year, COMMSTRAT SNCO of
the Year, COMMSTRAT VIO of the Year, COMMSTRAT Officer of the Year,
COMMSTRAT Unit of the Year representative, Communication Plan 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, and Marine Corps
Civilian Videographer of the Year to include all first, second, and
third-place finishers will receive recognition.
6.a.  For all ESC, TLDS, FTX training leads, observers, USMCCCA
awards banquet attendees and participants, per paragraph 4 and 5,
must register no later than 15 July 2025. Use the following link to
register: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/G059SyVKZuorigin=lprLink 
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 focus on doctrine development.
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 registration from ESC representatives no later than 15
July 2025 at the link provided in paragraph 6.a.
7.e.  Commands requesting additional participation should contact
POCs for approval prior. Any unused quotas will be distributed to
other units.
7.f.  The uniform for ESC and TLDS observers is MARPAT woodland
combat utilities, sleeves up with eight-point covers.  The uniform
for TLDS participants will be MARPAT woodland combat utilities,
sleeves down with boonie cover.  The uniform for lane leads,
assistant lane leads, subject matter experts and evaluators will be
MARPAT desert combat utilities, sleeves down with boonie cover.  The
uniform for the VIEC awards dinner is Blue Dress A, with white
trousers for SNCOs and Officers.
7.g.  Location. Welcome remarks, ESC and USMCCCA events will take
place at the Pacific Views Event Center located at 202850, San
Jacinto Rd, Oceanside, CA 92058. TLDS FTX events will take place at
Division Schools, 33 Area, Camp Pendleton, California and K2 Combat
Town, Camp Pendleton, California.  A finalized gear list will be
provided to TLDS FTX participants via SEPCOR.
7.h.  Travel.  Travel days for the ESC and TLDS are 24 and 29 August
2025.  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.  To reduce cost of travel, barracks will be provided
in a limited capacity for Sergeants and below.  Marines are
encouraged to reserve a barracks room using the link provided in
paragraph 6.a.  Further coordination for barracks rooms will be
provided via SEPCOR.  Additional lodging is available at Ward Lodge.
Participants are responsible for coordinating their own lodging with
Ward Lodge staff.  80 rooms have been reserved under group booking;
to reserve a room call:  760-725-5304 or email
Lodgingreservations.wardlodge@usmc-mccs.org. When booking, provide
group name, arrival and departure dates, and preferred room type.
(e.g. TLDS Confirmation #968259, 24-29 August 2025, standard or
kitchenette).  Reservations must be made no later than 10 August
2025. Any unreserved rooms will be released after this date. 
7.j.  Attendees and commands must comply with MCO 4600.40b
concerning the government travel charge card program.  DTS will
identify the 2025 max per diem rate for Camp Pendleton, California.
7.k.  Transportation and parking.  For ESC members and observers,
transportation is the responsibility of the unit.  For TLDS
participants, transportation will be provided to and from billeting
and training areas.  All other transportation is the responsibility
of the unit. 
7.l.  Cell phones and computers are authorized.  Wi-Fi and power
will be available at all locations.
7.m.  ESC and TLDS registration and questions related to the
COMMSTRAT ESC and TLDS 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 2025.
8.  Release authorized by Colonel John O. Caldwell, Director of
Communication, Communication Directorate, Headquarters Marine
Corps.//