Official websites use .mil
Secure .mil websites use HTTPS
Communication Strategy & Operations (COMMSTRAT) provides for the timely and accurate information and messaging to our internal and external audiences, about our defense roles and obligations, and generating public awareness of our organization’s capabilities, global interactions and mission-related activities.
To request a COMMSTRAT correspondent for your event, please submit the event details via SharePoint or via e-mail (iwakuni.commstrat@usmc.mil) if you don't have SharePoint access.
Submission Guidelines:
Review Process: All submissions will be screened for editorial content and clarity to ensure alignment with communication standards.
Timeliness: To allow adequate planning and coordination, we strongly recommend submitting requests at least two weeks before your event. Late submissions may limit our ability to provide coverage.
Essential Information: When submitting your request, please include:
Event name and purpose
Date, time, and location
Key participants (e.g., speakers, VIPs, attendees)
Specific coverage needs (e.g., photography, interviews, live coverage)
If you have any special requests or require additional support, feel free to reach out, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Photography Studio Services (graphic of Authorized Photo Studio Support here) Authorized photos include OMPF/Navy promotion, Chain of Command (CO/XO/SEA), command staff, biography, official no-fee passport, ISO-PREP, and PT 360/tattoo documentation. All services are by appointment only.
Appointment Requests – Submit at least 2 business days in advance. Some services require an Administrative Photo Verification (APV) Form and references; missing documents may delay processing. Walk-ins are not accepted.
For questions or special circumstances, contact 315-253-6835, 5931, or iwakuni.commstrat@usmc.mil.
**Appointments can be made by calling DSN: 253-6835, 5931, or by visiting Building One, Room 115.
If customer does not have an appointment and proper photo documentation forms, COMMSTRAT personnel reserves the right to deny photo support.
Confirmation email will be sent once your appointment is booked.
Please arrive 10 minutes early; bring someone to assist with uniform if possible.
Limited Walk-In Hours (Official Bio Photos Only) Every Tuesday, 0930–1030, for H&HS Officers and SNCOICs Every Thursday, 1000–1130, for MAG-12 Officers and SNCOICs
The photographer is responsible for ensuring the photo taken is correct in accordance with service 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 Staff 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.
(Service C) Uploaded via Manpower Management Records and Performance (MMRP)/OMPF. Please complete the Administrative Photo Verification Form and have it electronically signed by your CO, XO, SgtMaj, 1stSgt /Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) as required per MARADMIN 052/19 and MARADMIN 369/21.
* Copy of OMPF will not be given to individual Marines
*All Command Board Photos will be taken in Service A Distributed electronically with limited printing. Hard copy prints (2) are provided for command level or slated billets.
Limited to E-6 and above. Distributed electronically. An APV Form signed and justified by the CO, XO or SEA and references are required for all E-5 and below.
*Per MCO 3104.1B: Official photographs are any other photograph required for official use to identify positions of leadership, authority or billet that are not command specific such as:
Requires Appointment Letter (US flag with gold border)
Per MCASO 5720.6H: Unofficial command board photos, personal passport photos, and tattoo photos of areas under Physical Training (PT) gear are not authorized.
Will be distributed electronically.
Official No-Fee Passport Photo Requirements
For your reference, a webpage for the U.S. Visa and Passport Photo Composition Template: https://tsg.phototool.state.gov/photo
Individuals applying for a regular visa or passport, or those urgently applying for an official visa or passport may find that using this tool eliminates the need to visit a photo booth or photo studio. COMMSTRAT can provide photos only for official no-fee passports upon receipt of the required documentation.
Civilian attire required (polo shirt recommended, not white/Khaki/Brown).
Photos for U.S. visas or Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) for dependents are NOT provided because these are regular fee-based applications for personal matters. Photos may be available only for official no-fee visas when assigned to a foreign country other than the U.S. for official duty. Please confirm your visa type with the Legal Office.
APV Form
For more detailed information on the requirements for each photo type, call DSN: 253-6835, 5931, or by visiting Building One, Room 115.
Capabilities are limited to direct support of mission essential operations, training, and investigations.
*Large format printing is currently unavailable. Large format lamination is limited to 24 inches at the shortest edge.
Some restrictions may apply.
If there is a product request not listed, contact COMMSTRAT (DSN: 315-253-5931 E-mail: iwakuni.commstrat@usmc.mil) to determine where support can be provided.
To ensure products can be produced on time, please submit requests no later then dates listed. All requests less then these timelines will require approval from the Graphics & Reproduction Section Head. Quantities or specifications may effect the timeline.
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 COMMSTRAT for inclusion into record.
Due to budget constraints, support is limited to mission essential training, investigations, operational readiness, and valid requirements. All non mission essential may require reimbursement or referral to DLA .
Maps can be obtained through MCAS Iwakuni, Facilities Department, Geospatial Information & Services (GIS) at DSN: 315-253-4187.
Printing and finishing services not provided by COMMSTRAT can be obtained through Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Document Services. POC: DSN: 315-234-0662 | Takahiro.Ono.jpn@dla.mil | Akira.Taniyama.jpn@dla.mil | contact.docsvcs@dla.mil
Front Desk: 253-5551 / 6835
Photography Studio: 253-6325