COMMSTRAT Mission Statement

Communication Strategy and Operations' mission is to advise commanders and staffs on communication matters; Develop and integrate communication plans; Communicate with internal, domestic and international audiences; Evaluate communication effects and produce written and visual information products by means of acquisition, transmission, archival, editing, writing, photographic, video, and graphic illustration-based products, in order to support administrative, training and historical requirements, improve operational decision making and achieve the Commander's desired effects.

CVIC Mission Statement

Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC) Combat Visual Information Center (CVIC) is organized and structured to provide commanders with photographic, video, digital, printed products, and archival support which directly support Marine Corps operations, enhancing decision making processes and situational awareness. The products and capabilities of the CVIC provides support to both operational and garrison commanders in Japan, Korea, and Guam, and on deployments throughout the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility.

Locations

Camp Foster, Building One, Room 104: 645-7421
Public Affairs/Media Section
Mon – Fri: 0800 – 1130 and 1300 – 1630

Camp Foster, Building 478, Combat Visual Information Center: 645-2533
VI Documentation Section
Administrative Photography Section
Repro/Graphics Support Section
Audio/Visual Library
Mon – Wed and Friday: 0730 – 1100 and 1300 – 1600
Thursday: 0730 – 1100, Closed on Thursday afternoons

Camp Hansen, Building 2729: 623-7315
Camp Hansen Satellite Studio
Thursday only: 0830 – 1100 and 1300 – 1530

How to Request Support

Any MCIPAC or MCIPAC-MCBB unit can request CVIC support. All requests for support will be routed through the MCIPAC COMMSTRAT organizational mailbox: commstratmcipac@usmc.mil and will be prioritized by the Production Chief or VIO. For priority or urgent requests, additional coordination should occur by telephone. Requests for support should contain the following information:

• The capability requested (photo, graphics, video, media, internal OIE support).

• Specific products requested and associated deadlines.

• New/innovative or newsworthy components of the event.

• Who, What, When, Where, and Why of the event, exercise, or operation.

• Brief description of how coverage serves to further the Commander’s communication objectives.

• Specific audiences to be reached.

• Subordinate commander’s communication objectives.

For external media support, media queries, press releases, or press conferences, please submit requests to the MCIPAC Media organizational mailbox: MCIPAC_Media@usmc.mil. Requests for support should contain the following information:

• The capability requested (Press Release, Media escort, etc).

• Date/timeline of event.

• New/innovative or newsworthy components of the event.

• Who, What, When, Where, and Why of the event, exercise, or operation.

• Brief description of how coverage serves to further the Commander’s communication objectives.

• Specific audiences to be reached.

• Subordinate commander’s communication objectives.

All requests from units outside of MCIPAC will be routed through their own COMMSTRAT office first. If that office is not able to support, that COMMSTRAT office will request support from MCIPAC COMMSTRAT. Our support to III MEF and other units will fall in line with the III MEF/MCIPAC COMMSTRAT Memorandum of Understanding.

Administrative Photography Section

Administrative photography support is provided on a walk-in basis, during normal working hours. All photos will be taken in the COMPLETE uniform. All Marines and servicemembers will have, at minimum, a Sgt or above escort to check for uniform discrepancies. Individuals arriving to be photographed in uniforms that do not meet military specifications may be turned away at the discretion of CVIC leadership.

Administrative photography support will include:

• OMPF photos

• Command Board Photo ¹

• Official Photo ^{2 3}

• ISO PREP Photo

• No-fee Passport Photo ⁴

• Naturalization Photo

The photographer is responsible for ensuring the photo taken is correct in accordance with Marine Corps Orders. The photographer is NOT responsible for the appearance of the individual photographed. Photographers are authorized to recommend or make minor uniform adjustments, but they will not use artificial devices (e.g., tape, clips, staples, clothes pins, etc.) to improve the individual’s appearance.

¹ Command board photographs are defined as photographs for Commanders, Chiefs of Staff, Assistant Chiefs of Staff, Executive Officers, Sergeants Major, and First Sergeants. Official Command board photographs will include the National Ensign and Marine Corps colors or service equivalent.

² Official photographs for service members and SOFA status personnel are defined as any other photograph required for official use to identify positions of leadership, authority, or billet that are not command specific (i.e. FRO, EO, UVA, Company Gunnery Sergeant, etc). In accordance with MCO 3104.1B, these photographs will not include the Marine Corps colors.

³ Official photographs for non-SOFA status personnel will not contain any flags.

⁴ No-Fee Passport photos are provided to military personnel, their dependents, and employees of the Federal Government on official orders only. All passport photos must be taken in appropriate civilian attire. A signed copy of DD 1056 must be provided prior to job acceptance. CVIC will not take a photo for a personal passport under any circumstances.

Examples of Administrative Photography

OMPF Photos will require a Height/Weight Verification Letter, signed off by either a 1st Sgt, Sgt Maj, CO, or XO. The uniform for this photo is Service “C”.

Command Board photos are only for Commanders, Executive Officers, Sergeants Major, 1st Sergeants, or Command Master Chief Petty Officers. The uniform for this photo is Service “A”.

Official Photos are for any Marine who requires a photo but not meet the requirement for a Command Board Photo. This photo will NOT include the Marine Corps Colors. The Uniform for this photo is Service “A”.

Isolated Personnel Report (ISO PREP) Photo is for deploying personnel and will be taken in the uniform of the day.

No-Fee Passport or Naturalization Photos will be taken in a collared shirt, preferably not white.

Public Affairs / Media Section

MCIPAC Public Affairs advises commanders and staffs on communication matters; Research, develop, integrate, and assess communication plans; Communicates with internal, domestic, and international audiences; Plans and coordinates coverage of local events; and Maintains regional COMMSTRAT initiatives.

Public Affairs / Media Capabilities

• Synchronize with higher, adjacent, and subordinate commands to ensure nesting of themes and messages.

• Oversee public facing web pages and social media (Facebook, Instagram, X) in both EN and JP.

• Translation for local media, command messaging, and correspondence.

• Draft press releases, coordinate interviews, plan media escorts, and respond to media queries for MCIPAC.

• Serve as the MCIPAC-MCBB spokesperson and direct point of contact for civilian media.

• Media monitoring for current, emerging, or potential MCIPAC and Marine Corps issues to keep command informed. Support the creation and release of the III MEF/MCIPAC Daily Media Report.

• Draft media prep documents for senior leader and subject matter expert engagements.

• Develop Proposed Public Affairs Guidance as required.

• The Big Circle Magazine, a bilingual publication highlighting the importance of the U.S.-Japanese Alliance.

Audio / Visual Library

The MCIPAC COMMSTRAT Audio/Visual Library is an essential resource for equipment and support tailored to military presentations, ceremonies, and official events. Our library offers a range of audiovisual technology available to all SOFA members and MLCs. Whether you are organizing a briefing, coordinating a ceremony, or managing a presentation, we provide the necessary tools and expert assistance to ensure successful execution.

The following equipment is available for check out:

• Projectors and screens

• Public Address Speakers

• Microphones

• Podiums

Equipment checkout is available on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are authorized, so please call ahead of your event to ensure the equipment you need is available. A/V Library equipment is only available for official functions and is NOT authorized for personal use.

The A/V Library is at the following location:

Camp Foster, Building 478, Combat Visual Information Center: 645-7673
Mon – Wed and Friday: 0730 – 1100 and 1300 – 1600
Thursday: 0730 – 1100, Closed on Thursday afternoons

Repro/Graphic Support Section

The MCIPAC Graphics & Reproduction Section provides graphics and print products in direct support of mission essential operations, training, and investigations.

Repro/Graphics Capabilities

• High-Volume Printing

• Binding

• Large Format Printing

• Mounting

• Graphic Design

• Multimedia Design

• Lamination

Products Provided

• Programs ^{1 2}

• Status/Tracker Boards

• Posters

• Books/Handouts

• Animations

• Trifolds/Bi-folds

• Flyers

• Placards

• Business Cards ³

• Logo/Insignia Design/Change ⁴

• Stickers

• Banners

¹ Retirement Programs are restricted to E-9, CWO-5, and O-6 or above. If a requestor does not meet the rank requirements for our support, they will be provided a digital template which can be filled out on their own and is their responsibility to print.

² Change of Command Programs will only be provided at the Battalion-level or higher. If a requestor does not meet the requirements for our support, they will be provided a digital template which can be filled out on their own and is their responsibility to print.

³ Business Cards are restricted to Commanders, Deputy Commanders, Executive Officers, Sergeants Major, Staff Primaries, and Special Staff Officers. Exceptions may be made for billets that require frequent interactions with host nation personnel and other outside entities.

⁴ Logos will only be designed or created for O-6 level commands or higher. COMMSTRAT will NOT design small unit and section level logos. Logos for exercises or operations will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Prohibited Items

The following items will NOT be supported:

• Name cards, tickets and seating charts for unit events, Balls, Mess Nights, and Dining Ins ¹

• Any products for unit social events such as Mess Nights, Dining Ins, and Professional Dinners ¹

• Beautification Projects

• Products that can be purchased through Supply System ²

• Printing of Official Publications with a PCN ²

• Personal Photos and Collages

• Awards or Promotion Warrants

• PowerPoint Presentations

• SOPs or Desktop Procedures

• Cutouts of Logos or Images

• Metal Outdoor Signage ³

• Copies of Administrative Documents to include Medical and Dental Records

• Printing of Maps, Blueprints, Schematics, or TEEPS ⁴

• Lamination of large format paper to be used as a Calendar or Whiteboard

If there is a product request not listed, contact the Graphics & Reproduction Section Head to determine where support can be provided.

¹ Products for the Marine Corps Ball in Okinawa are provided by MCCS Okinawa.

² Publications with a Publication Control Number (PCN) are NOT authorized to be reproduced by any COMMSTRAT office and should be ordered through the unit supply system or kept as a digital-only copy.

³ Exterior signs are provided by Facilities Maintenance Sign Shop: 645-7081.

⁴ While MCIPAC does have large format capabilities we do not have authorization to print maps. If you need to request printed maps, please contact:

Facility Engineers Maps: 645-2207

3d Intel Bn Topography Plt: 645-4588/3060

DLA Document Services

Printing and finishing services not provided by COMMSTRAT can be obtained at Defense Printing, https//dso.dla.mil/DSF, (315)234-0847 | (315)234-0806 | contact.docsvcs@dla.mil

Timeline of Support

All graphic and reproduction products will have a standard 10-day turnaround. All requests less than these timelines will require approval from the Repro/Graphics Section Head. Quantities or specifications may affect the timeline.

*NO large print jobs will be accepted under a three-day turnaround minimum*

Copyright Material

Copying, duplicating, or reproducing any item(s) protected by copyright law is prohibited. The only exceptions are identified under the Fair Use Exception. Permission must be obtained in hard form or written digital correspondents by the copyright owner and must be provided to the Graphics and Reproduction Department for inclusion into record.

Reimbursement

Due to budget restraints, support is limited to mission essential training, investigations, operational readiness, and valid requirements. All other requirements may require reimbursement and is subject to the discretion of the Graphics and Reproduction department head.

Visual Information Documentation Section

CVIC is staffed and equipped to provide a range of photo and video services based on available resources and mission priority. All acquired imagery will be made available to the requester via a OneDrive drop-off, a DVIDS link, or a DoD SAFE Transfer.

The following are examples of garrison events where we will provide support:

· Battalion-level and above ceremonies

· Retirement ceremonies for O-6/CWO-5/E-9 pay-grades

· Retirements in conjunction with change of command or relief and appointment

· Award/promotion ceremony with general officer presentations or in conjunction with official ceremony

· Briefs, messages, or PME for battalions or higher that align with MCIPAC’s communication objectives

· Command chronology group photos ¹

· Non-training specific unit camaraderie and welfare events ²

¹ CVIC will provide the photographer and equipment, and the requesting unit will provide a by name listing of all individuals in the photograph. CVIC will provide one compact disc and two printed copies of the photograph. Additional prints are the responsibility of the requesting unit. Each unit will only be afforded (1) photo shoot per calendar year.

² These events will primarily be supported by Unit Readiness Coordinators, however, when operations and personnel availability permit, MCIPAC COMMSTRAT will support these events on a case-by-case basis.

The following are examples of operational/exercise events where we will provide support:

· Real-world operations involving MCIPAC or its subordinate units

· Multi-national training exercises involving MCIPAC or its subordinate units

· Joint training exercises involving MCIPAC or its subordinate units

· Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluations (MCCRE)

· Unit-level training exercises or events

· Any MCIPAC exercise or operation that aligns with the commanding general’s communication objectives

Still Imagery Turnaround Times.

· Time-sensitive / Newsworthy Images – Within 6 hours

· Operational / Exercise Imagery – Within 24 hours

· Investigative Imagery – Within 24 hours

· Ceremonial Imagery – Within 2 business days

Video Imagery Turnaround Times.

· Time Sensitive / Newsworthy B-Roll – Within 3 hours

· Operational / Exercise B-Roll – Within 24 hours

· Operational / Exercise Productions – Within 5 business days

· Garrison event Video Productions – Within 5 business days

· High-end Video Productions – Within 10 business days of final shooting day ¹

¹ This can vary greatly depending on the length and scale of project. Turnaround on these video productions will be determined by the Video Chief, Production Chief, or the Visual Information Officer.

High-End Video Production

High-end video production encompasses a wide range of video types tailored to serve various purposes within MCIPAC. Each serves a distinct purpose, whether it's to inform, educate, promote, or engage various audiences both within and outside the organization. Creating a high-end video production requires meticulous planning and execution across several key stages to achieve a professional and impactful result. The production style, tone, and content of these videos can vary widely depending on the specific goals and intended audience. Some common types of videos created in high-end video production include:

• Training and Instructional

• Command Information

• Event Coverage and Highlights

• Leadership Interviews and Messages

• Military Storytelling

Early Planning Stages

Video production begins with defining clear goals and objectives: understanding the video's purpose—whether for marketing, training, or internal communication—and identifying the target audience to tailor the content accordingly. Establishing specific goals ensures a focused direction throughout the project.

Pre-Production

Next, a detailed timeline is essential for mapping out milestones and deadlines for each phase from concept development through to distribution and evaluation. Concept development involves brainstorming ideas aligned with the goals and audience, followed by scripting, and outlining the video's structure and content. Pre-production involves extensive planning, including scriptwriting, assembling the production team, securing resources, and scheduling shoots.

Production and Post-Production

During production, attention to detail is paramount as footage is captured according to the script and shot list, with careful consideration given to technical aspects like lighting and sound. Post-production involves editing, adding effects, enhancing audio, and incorporating graphics to achieve a polished final cut. The video undergoes rigorous review and revision stages to ensure it meets objectives and maintains high standards.

Planning and executing each stage meticulously, fosters effective collaboration among the production team and optimizes resource allocation, thereby minimizing delays and maximizing quality control. This structured approach ultimately ensures the video's success in conveying its message effectively and achieving its intended impact.

Receipt of Completed Work

All our completed work will be made available to the customer through the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS). The Marine Corps Installations Pacific page is located at the following link: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/MCIPAC.