2026 Commanders' Media Training Symposium

1.  The Communication Directorate New York (CDNY)
will host the annual Commanders' Media Training Symposium in New
York, New York from 15-18 September 2026.
2.  This symposium will empower commanders with critical skills
necessary to understand the demands of the modern media environment
by providing access to some of the world's most reputable news
organizations and emerging media corporations.  This symposium will
offer board-selected commanding officers unprecedented access to
nationally recognized members of the media and one-on-one interview
training.  Participants will gain insight into the service-level
communication initiatives, and will emerge from the symposium
with an enhanced understanding of the global media environment and
how it impacts the Marine Corps.
3.  Participant Audience.  Current O-5 and O-6 commanders or those
selected for command.  If space allows, Executive Officers may
attend in the absence of the commander.  Priority will be given to
those who have never attended previous media training.
4.  Registration.  Nominees must submit registration requests no
later than (NLT) 7 August 2026 via an electronic form that can be
found using the following link:
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/eNiwA4nRyW.  Should the number of
requests exceed capacity, they will be prioritized based on the date
command was assumed.  Communication Directorate will notify those
approved NLT 17 August 2026.
5.  Funding.  All travel costs will be funded by the participant's
parent command.  Government Travel Charge Cards must be used for
official travel.  No disbursing or transportation assistance is
available on site.  Rental vehicles are highly discouraged due to
lack of parking and traffic conditions.  Public transportation is
the recommended form of transportation in New York City.
6.  Uniform.  The uniforms of the day will be Service Charlies with
Garrison Cap and smart business casual attire: blazers and slacks
(tie optional) for gentlemen, and a reserved dress, skirt, or slacks
with a dress shirt for ladies.
7.  Billeting.  Individual travelers are responsible for billeting
arrangements in Manhattan.  Upon selection, all attendees will
receive a Welcome Packet with recommended billeting and additional
symposium information.
8.  Training.  Training begins promptly at 0900 on 15 September
2026 and will conclude NLT 1700 on 18 September 2026.
The training location will be provided upon selection.
9.  Symposium Material.  Read-ahead content, itinerary, Letter of
Instruction, and other coordinating information will be distributed
via e-mail to all attendees.  Participants are highly encouraged to
familiarize themselves with all content and discuss with their unit
Communication Strategy and Operations Officer prior to arrival.
10.  Point of contact is Lieutenant Colonel Matthew H. Hilton, at
(571) 732-7953 or matthew.h.hilton@usmc.mil.
11.  Release authorized by Colonel John O. Caldwell, Director,
Communication Directorate, Headquarters Marine Corps.