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: [email protected] POC/SPRADLIN/WE/CWO5/VISUAL INFORMATION OFFICER/OCCFLDSPT/CD/TEL: 703-614-1494/EMAIL: [email protected]  POC/MCDOLE/KL/GYSGT/BRANCH SNCOIC/OCCFLDSPT/CD/TEL: 703-694-1494/EMAIL: [email protected]// 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 [email protected]. 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.//