MARADMIN 427/26
INTERIM IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SERVICE-WIDE COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS (COMMSTRAT) PORTFOLIO PROGRAM EFFECTIVE CY27
R 181328Z SEP 26 MARADMIN 427/26 MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC CD// SUBJ/INTERIM IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SERVICE-WIDE COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS (COMMSTRAT) PORTFOLIO PROGRAM EFFECTIVE CY27// REF/A/MSGID: DOC/MCO 3104.1B W/CH 1// REF/B/DOC/CY2025 MARINE CORPS VISUAL INFORMATION AND EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNICATION AWARDS PROGRAM SOP// NARR/REF A IS MCO 3104.1B W/CH 1, COMBAT CAMERA. REF B IS THE CY 2025 VISUAL INFORMATION AND EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNICATION AWARDS PROGRAM SOP.// POC/MCDOLE, K. L. /MSGT/OFS/CD/TEL: (703) 614-1494 EMAIL:[email protected]// GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Purpose. To announce the interim implementation of the service-wide Communication Strategy and Operations (COMMSTRAT) portfolio program effective 1 January 2027. This program reestablishes standardized technical evaluation, quality control, and professional development processes for Marines holding primary Military Occupational Specialties of 4512, 4541, and 4571 pending final promulgation of MCO 5700.45 volume 3. 2. Background. 2.A. Interim Governance. While Marine Corps Order 5700.45 volume 3 undergoes formal service staffing, this interim policy establishes governing technical standards and standardized evaluation criteria for occupational field initiatives, including the Visual Information and Excellence in Communication (VIEC) awards program. 3. Execution. 3.a. Intent. Institute a standardized, service-wide portfolio program that enables consistent quality control procedures, standardizes technical evaluation, enhances talent management processes, and informs institutional training at all echelons of command. 3.b. Concept of Operations. The portfolio program will be executed under a three-tiered operating model: 3.b.1. Headquarters Marine Corps (policy and governance). 45XX Occfield Support (OFS) Branch, Communication Directorate (CD), will maintain program oversight, issue interim technical standards, define digital repository architecture guidelines, and leverage empirical fleet metrics to drive Defense Information School (DINFOS) curriculum updates and future policy refinement. 3.B.2. Major Commands (MAJCOMS). Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEFs), Marine Corps Installations (MCIs), Training and Education Command (TECOM), Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC), and Marine Corps Forces (MARFOR) visual information officers (VIOs) and staff noncommissioned officers (SNCOs) will supervise command compliance, establish regional technical benchmarks, validate portfolios for local talent recognition and selection boards, and utilize portfolio assessments to drive unit training plans. COMMSTRAT units not residing under a MAJCOM are responsible for internal quality control and compliance of their respective portfolio programs. 3.b.3. Unit leadership (counseling and execution). COMMSTRAT unit directors will enforce mandatory semiannual portfolio reviews aligned with regular junior enlisted performance evaluation system (JEPES) and counseling schedules. These reviews shall provide structured, technical counseling and validate marines' adherence to core occupational field performance standards. 3.c. Applicability. Mandatory for all active and reserve Marines holding PMOS 4512, 4541, and 4571. 4. Administration and Logistics. 4.a. Digital Hosting Architecture. Portfolios shall be compiled and maintained utilizing existing enterprise cloud storage and authorized public-release systems at zero additional procurement cost to commands. Detailed access permissions, folder taxonomy, and naming conventions will be promulgated in separate guidance. 4.b. Fleet Working Group. OFS will convene a virtual working group with fleet representatives no later than 30 days following the release of this message to finalize standardized portfolio content guidelines, scoring rubrics, and unit implementation procedures. In the interim, utilize reference (B) for content requirements and VI evaluation criteria for iterative reviews between Marines and leaders. At a minimum, individual Marines’ portfolios will replicate an “of the year” submission for their respective PMOS IAW reference (B). 4.c. Integration with Awards. Portfolio submissions will directly interface with and serve as the baseline requirement for submissions to the annual VIEC awards program. 5. Command and Signal. 5.a. Effective Date. This program is effective 1 January 2027. 5.b. Cancellation. This interim policy will remain in effect until superseded by the formal promulgation of reference (B) or separate written direction from DIRCOMM. 5.c. Direct all questions pertaining to this message to the point of contact listed above. 6. Release authorized by Colonel John O. Caldwell, Director, Communication Directorate, Headquarters Marine Corps.//