AI Fellowship Programs (NPS)

Start Here If You Are New to the AI Fellowship

The MARINE CORPS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FELLOWSHIP at NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL (NPS) is a project-based fellowship for Marines and civilians pursuing AI expertise. Per MARADMIN 135/26 (signed 30 March 2026 by Lieutenant General J. A. Matos III, DC I). The DEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR INFORMATION (DC I), SERVICE DATA OFFICE (SDO), partners with NPS. 5-MONTH program. Project-based research with INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAMS. Goal is fundamental advancements in AI through project-based research relevant to mission problems. Eligibility O1-O5, E4-E8, CWO 1-5, GS-5 through GS-14. APPROXIMATELY $5K in TAD costs for sponsoring command. THREE TAD trips to NPS Campus in Monterey (TAD 1 8-12 June 2026, TAD 2 24-27 August 2026, TAD 3 2-5 November 2026 for FY26-2 cohort). Remote/telework otherwise. Capstone research paper required for graduation. Application deadline NLT 30 April 2026 (for FY26-2 cohort). Per MARADMIN 135/26.

This page walks you through the AI Fellowship from your seat as a Marine. By the end you will know.

• What the AI Fellowship is
• Eligibility requirements
• Program structure (5 months, 3 TAD trips)
• The capstone research paper requirement
• The AI project and command sponsorship
• Application process and deadline
• Selection committee timeline
• What it costs the sponsoring command
• Career and AI development benefits

Every fact on this page comes from MARADMIN 135/26, the USMC AI Implementation Plan, and MCO 5231.4.

What the AI Fellowship Is

The Marine Corps AI Fellowship is a partnership between DC I Service Data Office (SDO) and Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). The program is designed to make fundamental advancements in AI through project-based research.

Cohorts

Cohorts are comprised of interdisciplinary teams that collaborate to create new algorithms, technologies, and solutions relevant to mission problems.

No Fewer Than Two Per Cohort

Per MARADMIN 135/26 paragraph 4.a, no fewer than two individuals are selected per USMC NPS AI Fellowship cohort.

Eligibility Requirements

Per MARADMIN 135/26 paragraph 6.

Required AI Project

An unclassified, command-sponsored, actionable AI use case, with associated data identified, for solutioning by the selectee in the program.

Rank/Grade

• Officers. O1 through O5.
• Enlisted. E4 through E8.
• Warrant Officers. CWO 1 through CWO 5.
• Civilians. GS-5 through GS-14.

Experience

Demonstrated experience of self-directing and excelling in a semi-unstructured environment.

Remote Capability

Must be remote/telework capable. Personal computer and internet connection required throughout.

Eligibility Timing

Applicants must meet program requirements AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION, regardless of personal situation or deployment status. Applicants who do not meet requirements at submission are ineligible and must apply for a future cohort once requirements are met.

Program Structure

Duration

5 months total.

Operational Control

AI Fellows are under operational control of NPS for the duration of the program. Current command retains administrative control.

Telework Daily

Fellows are expected to telework daily. Remote work is the norm.

Three TAD Trips

Per MARADMIN 135/26 paragraph 4.c, tentative dates for FY26-2 cohort TAD trips to NPS Campus in Monterey.

• TAD 1. 8 to 12 June 2026.
• TAD 2. 24 to 27 August 2026.
• TAD 3. 2 to 5 November 2026.

Cost to Sponsoring Command

Per MARADMIN 135/26 paragraph 4.d. There are no costs for sponsoring commands associated with participation OTHER THAN approximately $5K to cover TAD trips.

Marines who are selected to participate in the program should remain REMOTE throughout its duration. They do not need to PCS or otherwise relocate.

Capstone Research Paper Requirement

Per MARADMIN 135/26 paragraph 4.e. As a requirement for SUCCESSFUL GRADUATION, participants must produce a PUBLISHABLE, QUALITY RESEARCH PAPER based on their capstone project.

Why This Matters

• The research paper formalizes the AI work.
• Contributes to Marine Corps AI knowledge base.
• Provides career-defining demonstration of AI expertise.
• May be published in military or academic journals.

The AI Project and Command Sponsorship

Per MARADMIN 135/26 paragraph 3. All applications must include an AI use case as the primary project that will be developed throughout the fellowship.

Required Project Characteristics

• ENDORSED by the command.
• UNCLASSIFIED.
• ACTIONABLE.
• Applicant must have access to, or reasonably assume they will be able to obtain, the necessary data.

Why Endorsement Matters

The command endorsement letter is signed by the FIRST O-6 commander in the applicant's chain of command. Applicants missing this endorsement letter will not be considered.

Crafting a Good AI Use Case

Good AI use cases align mission problems with available data.

• Identify a specific operational or administrative problem.
• Identify what data exists that could inform a solution.
• Articulate how AI could be applied.
• Confirm the project is unclassified and feasible.

Application Process

Per MARADMIN 135/26 paragraph 5.

Step 1. Inform Chain of Command

Applicants must inform their chain of command of intent to apply.

Step 2. Obtain Command Endorsement Letter

Get a command endorsement letter signed by the first O-6 commander in your chain of command. This is REQUIRED. Applications missing this letter will not be considered.

Step 3. Submit Application Online

The application is at https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/KuXD4BgLmg (per MARADMIN 135/26 paragraph 7.a, for the FY26-2 cohort). Future cohorts will have different application URLs.

Step 4. Indicate Program Preferences

Per MARADMIN 135/26 paragraph 5.d. Candidates may indicate whether they wish to be considered for either or both programs.

Step 5. Submit NLT Deadline

For FY26-2 cohort, applications close at 2359 (EST) on or about 30 April 2026.

Late Submissions

Requests to submit late or incomplete applications WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Selection Committee Timeline

Per MARADMIN 135/26 paragraph 7.

Committee Convened

On or about 4 May 2026 (for FY26-2 cohort).

Modification Rights

The Deputy Commandant for Information reserves the right to modify board results based on mission requirements.

Notification

Applicants are notified of selection/non-selection NLT 15 May 2026 (for FY26-2 cohort).

Selected Applicants

Selected applicants receive additional coordinating instructions.

Career and AI Development Benefits

For Marines

• AI expertise that supports career-broadening assignments.
• Publishable research output that supports promotion file.
• Network with NPS faculty and AI researchers.
• Direct application to mission problems.

For Sponsoring Commands

• AI capability directly addressing command mission problems.
• Marine returns with deepened expertise.
• $5K investment generates significant AI capability.

For the Marine Corps

• Service-wide AI capability development.
• Foundational research advancing operational AI.
• Workforce alignment to AI roles per MCO 5231.4.

Common Reasons For Non-Selection

Weak AI Use Case

The project is too broad, too ambitious without data, or not actionable.

Mitigation. Refine the use case with specific data sources and feasible scope.

Missing Command Endorsement

The application lacks the O-6 endorsement letter.

Mitigation. Start the endorsement process early. Allow time for chain of command coordination.

Late or Incomplete Submission

The application misses the deadline or lacks required components.

Mitigation. Submit well before the deadline. Verify all required items.

Insufficient Telework Capability

The applicant cannot remote work daily.

Mitigation. Confirm reliable internet and a suitable workspace.

Lack of Self-Direction Experience

The applicant lacks demonstrated semi-unstructured work experience.

Mitigation. Document prior independent work in the application narrative.

After the Fellowship

Return to Command

Fellows return to their sponsoring command after the 5-month program.

Continuing AI Application

The capstone project is intended to be ACTIONABLE. After graduation, the work continues at the command.

Career Trajectory

Fellowship graduates often pursue subsequent AI roles, NPS degree programs, or AI-related assignments.

Points of Contact

Per MARADMIN 135/26.

• Major C. D. Clark, Artificial Intelligence Lead, DC I SDO. Phone 703-692-3780. Email CHRISTOPHER.D.CLARK.MIL@USMC.MIL.
• C. A. Crosby, HQE, USMC Service Data Officer, DC I SDO. Phone 703-693-9979. Email COLIN.CROSBY@USMC.MIL.

Cross References

• For overall AI framework, see AI Overview and Authorities
• For governance under DC I SDO, see AI Governance and Approval
• For workforce roles framework, see Data and AI Workforce Roles
• For NPS Distance Learning options (non-fellowship), see AI and Data Management Training
• For NPS broader programs, see Marine Corps University and Resident Schools
• For basic prerequisite training, see Basic AI Course (Mandatory)

Quick Reference

• Authority. MARADMIN 135/26.
• Partner. Naval Postgraduate School (NPS).
• Sponsor. DC I Service Data Office (SDO).
• Duration. 5 months.
• Cost to command. Approximately $5K (TAD).
• Eligibility. O1-O5, E4-E8, CWO 1-5, GS-5 through GS-14.
• Required. O-6 endorsement letter, unclassified actionable AI use case, telework capable.
• TAD trips. Three (FY26-2 dates 8-12 June, 24-27 August, 2-5 November 2026).
• Graduation requirement. Publishable research paper.
• Application URL (FY26-2). https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/KuXD4BgLmg.

Records To Keep

• Command endorsement letter
• Application submission confirmation
• Selection notification
• TAD orders for Monterey trips
• Capstone research paper (final version)
• Graduation certificate

If you have a question about the AI Fellowship, contact the MARADMIN POCs (Major Clark or HQE Crosby). For sponsorship within your command, engage your O-6 commander early.