2026 Communication Strategy and Operations (COMMSTRAT) Training and Leadership Development Summit (TLDS) Concept Development Conference (CDC) Calling Message

1.  PURPOSE.  This message calls for a Concept
Development Conference (CDC) to begin the formal planning process
for the 2026 COMMSTRAT Training and Leadership Development Summit 
(TLDS) and its associated Field Training Exercise (FTX).  This CDC
will establish a deliberate, collaborative framework to ensure the
training event is adequately resourced and designed to meet or
exceed all readiness objectives.  
1.A.  The TLDS will be committed to equipping our Marines with the
strategic acumen and tactical proficiency needed to perform Public 
Affairs and Combat Camera activities in the information environment.
The 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 training exercise.  The
foundational training requirement for this event is the standards
outlined in the NAVMC 3500.9D Training and Readiness Manual,
specifically CMST-TRNG-10001, Certify COMMSTRAT Forces.  The TLDS is
geared toward COMMSTRAT O-1 to O-3, and E-7 and below.  
2.  CDC GOALS.  The primary goals of this CDC are to:  
2.A.  Establish a formal Operational Planning Team (OPT) with
clearly defined roles and responsibilities.  
2.B.  Refine and validate a draft five-day FTX Concept of Operations
(CONOP) and identify all major support requirements.  
2.C.  Delineate command responsibilities and assign initial action
items for the development of a Feasibility of Support (FOS) request.  
2.D.  Establish a master event timeline, to include a recurring OPT
battle rhythm and key milestone dates.  
3.  COORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS.  
3.A.  CDC Date/Time: 8–9 Jan 2026, 0800–1600 PST.  
3.B.  Location: I MEF Theater, MEF Operations Center, Marine Corps
Base Camp Pendleton, California.  A virtual option will be provided
via Microsoft Teams.  A link will be sent to confirmed attendees who
are unable to attend in person.  
3.C.  Required Attendees: The following commands are required to  
provide planners and action officers with the authority to speak on
behalf of their sections/units regarding support capabilities and
requirements:  
3.C.1.  HQMC, OFS, CD  
3.C.2.  I MEF (G-3, G-4, COMMSTRAT, EOTG, EOD Planner)  
3.C.2.A.  1st MARDIV (Division Schools, G-3)  
3.C.3.  II MEF (COMMSTRAT)  
3.C.4.  III MEF (COMMSTRAT)  
3.C.5.  MCIWEST (G-3, G-4, COMMSTRAT)  
3.C.6.  MCIEAST (COMMSTRAT)  
3.C.7.  MCIPAC (COMMSTRAT)  
3.C.8.  MARFORCOM (COMMSTRAT)  
3.C.9.  MARFORPAC (COMMSTRAT)  
3.C.10.  MARFORRES (COMMSTRAT)  
3.C.11.  TECOM (COMMSTRAT, TSC/TSD Pendleton)  
3.C.12.  MARCORSYSCOM (Digital Media Systems Project Office)  
3.C.12.A.  MCTSSA (Warfighter Support Division)  
3.D.  Registration: Commands will provide names and contact  
information of their designated planners to the POCs NLT 12 Dec
2025.
4.  AGENDA.  The CDC will be structured to address training
objectives and associated scenario development.  Planners should
arrive prepared to discuss the following:  
4.A.  Day 1, morning session: Problem Framing and COA Development  
4.A.1.  In-brief: review of FY25 AAR and DIRCOMM's intent.  
4.A.2.  Working Group 1: FTX CONOP development (five-day 
"crawl-walk-run" model).  
4.A.3.  Working Group 2: Mandatory participant readiness standards.  
4.B.  Day 1, afternoon session: Delineating support requirements  
through assignment of initial tasks for FOS development.  
4.B.1.  Supporting Arms and SME Working Group (CD/I MEF/TSC).  
Determine requirements including, but not limited to, GCE (platoon
reinforced), EOTG, EOD, Division Schools, and MCTSSA.  
4.B.2.  SME Integration (CD/I MEF/TSC).  Formalize requirements for
SME support and other supporting elements.  
4.B.3.  Logistics and Sustainment Working Group (CD/TSC/I
MEF/MCIWEST).  Determine requirements including, but not limited to,
transportation, power/generators, medical, chow, water, field
support, and battle simulations.  
4.B.4.  Installation Support Working Group (CD/TSC/MCIWEST).
Determine requirements for ranges/training areas, RSO/OICs,
communications equipment, and formalize the IIF draw process.  
4.C.  Outbrief and action item review.  
4.C.1.  Establishment of OPT battle rhythm and key milestone dates.  
5.  ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS.  
5.A.  Travel: In-person attendance is highly encouraged to
facilitate working groups.  All costs associated with travel and
per diem are a parent command responsibility.  
5.B.  Billeting: Attendees are responsible for their own lodging.  
5.C.  Uniform: MARPAT utilities for all attendees.  
5.D.  Read-ahead: A finalized agenda and read-ahead materials will
be distributed to registered attendees NLT 17 Dec 2025.  
6.  COMMAND AND SIGNAL.  Questions regarding this CDC should be  
directed to the POCs listed above.  The success of the 2026  
TLDS requires a return to fundamentals, beginning with the  
formal, deliberate, and collaborative planning initiated by  
this conference.
7.  Release authorized by Col John Caldwell, Director of
Communication, Communication Directorate, Headquarters Marine
Corps.