Solicitation of Nominees for Syracuse University Advanced Visual Information Training Program

1.  Purpose.  This message provides information for solicitation of 45xx occupational field nominees to attend the 2020-2021 Syracuse University advanced visual information training program.<br>
2.  The nominees will be boarded and selected by Communication Directorate, HQMC to attend this program.<br>
3.  Purpose. The DOD, through the defense information school, offers an advanced visual information training program at Syracuse University.  This year-long course emphasizes visual and mass communication, shooting in still and motion media digital formats, writing, layout and web design, communication law, and desktop publishing.  The program provides a working knowledge of cameras, lenses and filters, interview techniques, feature stories, picture stories, techniques for controlled and uncontrolled action, advanced audio capture, lighting, documentation, and post-production.  Upon completion, the student will have earned an intensive 30 credit hours towards a baccalaureate degree from Syracuse University.<br>
4.  The 45xx Occfld has been allotted a total of (8) allocations as follows:  (4) for advanced photojournalism and (4) for advanced motion media journalism.  Complete packages are due NLT 15 February 2020.<br>
5.  The prerequisites for this program are as follows:<br>
5.a.  PMO's 4512, 4541, 4571, 4591 e-5 through e-6; marines who are previously selected for promotion to e-7 are ineligible to apply for the program.<br>
5.b.  Applicants must have at least six years, time in service at the time of application.<br>
5.c.  Portfolio of five (minimum) video products or ten (minimum) photojournalism examples, depending on the program the marine is applying for (include links to published material in an MS word doc).<br>
5.d.  Written essay on why the applicant wants to attend the DOD advanced VI training program at Syracuse University, which program the applicant desires, and how he/she intends to apply the skills upon return to the fleet (500-1,000 words).<br>
5.e.  S-3/command-certified promotion photo in service "c."<br>
5.f.  BIR/BTR<br>
5.g.  Page 11<br>
5.h.  Complete an independent duty screening checklist (disregard any references to 36-months service or dress blue issuance).  However, applicants must have 24-months of service remaining after completion of this program.  If required, extensions can be sought via the unit career planner.<br>
5.i.  Letters of Recommendation.<br>
5.i.1.  Commstrat Chief.  If applicant is the Commstrat Chief and does not have a senior Commstrat SNCO assigned to the office, this requirement may be omitted.<br>
5.i.2.  Visual information officer (VIO).  If applicant does not have a VIO assigned to their unit, a letter of recommendation from a higher, adjacent, or subordinate unit's VIO should be sought.  When access to a VIO is not geographically feasible, this requirement may be omitted.<br>
5.i.3.  Letter of recommendation from the commstrat officer in charge.<br>
5.j.  Applicants will create and scan the entire package contents into a single pdf file.  Send the .pdf package via an encrypted email to:  POCs and hqmc_45xx_proponent@usmc.mil NLT 15 February 2020.<br>
5.k.  Applicants should have a minimum of 24 months on station by 1 July 2020.  Occfld sponsor will assist in submission of any applicable time on station waivers.<br>
6.  Selectees and alternates will be notified via Maradmin and email by their Commstrat chief or director.<br>
7.  Selectees should expect to report on or about 31 Jul 2020 in time for orientation.  The course begins on 1 Aug 2020 with a May 2021 graduation date.  Ms. Nancy Austin of Syracuse University remains the program's student liaison and may be reached at njaustin@syr.edu and phone 315-443-4082.  The marines will rate a non-observed academic fitness report based upon their Syracuse GPA.  While attending the course the marines will be administratively assigned to 4th LAR BN, 4th MarDiv.  This is an accompanied pcs.<br>
8.  Release authorized by Brigadier General Sean M. Salene, Director of Communication, Headquarters Marine Corps Communication Directorate.