NEW YORK – Commanders from across the Marine Corps gathered in New York City, September 16–19, 2025, for the annual Commanders’ Media Training Symposium, hosted by the Communication Directorate - New York.
The four-day event brought together Marine leaders and professionals from the media, entertainment, innovative companies, and financial institutions to sharpen communication skills essential for today’s complex information and media environment.
Attendees engaged with subject matter experts from Headquarters Marine Corps’ Communication Directorate who outlined the Corps’ service-level communication strategy and emphasized the critical role effective communication plays in mission success across peacetime, crisis, and combat operations. Lt. Col. Matthew Hilton, Director of Communication Directorate - New York (CDNY), highlighted how leaders can integrate Communication Strategy and Operations (COMMSTRAT) capabilities into unit training and operations to better engage with media and surrounding communities.
“This symposium gives leaders the chance to gain insight and learn directly from media industry experts at the national level,” Hilton said.
Throughout the week, commanders engaged with leading media professionals from outlets like Newsweek, Fox, and Bloomberg, gaining firsthand insight into newsroom dynamics, AI-driven content production, and effective journalist engagement. Sessions also explored evolving trends in digital and social media, equipping commanders with the tools to integrate strategic external engagement into training and real-world operations.
"This training provided a vital platform for fostering a deeper understanding of the connection between strategic communication and the evolving media environment," said Col. Wynndee Young, Program Manager for Training Systems at Marine Corps Systems Command. "The opportunity to learn directly from media professionals and industry leaders, coupled with discussions on emerging technologies, enhanced my ability to effectively engage various audiences."
The symposium concluded with realistic, on-camera interview exercises simulating high-pressure scenarios such as operational mishaps and emerging crises. Each participant worked with an assigned COMMSTRAT officer to develop key messages, ensure accuracy, and maintain alignment with strategic objectives. Recorded interviews were reviewed for feedback, helping leaders refine their delivery and strengthen their ability to communicate under pressure in front of media.
As the information environment continues to evolve, so too will the Commanders’ Media Training Symposium, expanding its scope, sharpening its relevance, and deepening its impact. This enduring investment ensures Marine leaders remain at the forefront of strategic communication, equipped to work with media, tell their unit’s story, and lead with clarity in an information driven world.
Marines interested in attending future Commanders’ Media Training Symposiums can contact CDNY at NYCMARINES@usmc.mil for details on upcoming dates, itineraries and travel arrangements. Information will also be released via MARADMIN.
| Date Taken: | 09.19.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.03.2025 10:33 |
| Story ID: | 549357 |
| Location: | NEW YORK, NEW YORK, US |
| Hometown: | NEW YORK, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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