The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) is soliciting nominees for its FY26 Fellowship Program. Selected Marines spend up to 179 days working directly inside the lab on live-force experimentation, science and technology development, and wargaming. TAD orders and funding are provided by MCWL. Applications for the first window are due within 30 days of this message's release (5 February 2026), putting the initial deadline around 7 March 2026, but confirm the exact date with your S-1 or the MCWL site.
Do this: Submit your application at the link in the article before the 30-day window closes, and get your O5/O6 command endorsement letter attached before you try to submit.
Who it affects
Active-duty Corporals (E-4) through Gunnery Sergeants (E-5 to E-7) and 2nd Lieutenants through Captains. The MARADMIN says total force, but the billets listed are active-duty fills with TAD orders. Reserve Marines should contact their chain of command to clarify eligibility before applying.
Specific billets open by division:
Experiments Division (Apr 26 to Sep 26, Secret clearance required):
| MOS | Pay Grade | Billet |
|---|---|---|
| 0631 | E-4/E-5 | Network Administrator |
| 5948 | E-4/E-5 | Aviation Radar Tech |
| 5974 | E-4/E-5 | Tactical Systems Admin |
| 5979 | E-4/E-5 | Tactical Air Defense Tech |
| 8404 | E-4/E-6 | Hospital Corpsman |
Science and Technology Division (Apr 26 to Sep 26, Secret clearance required):
| MOS | Pay Grade | Billet |
|---|---|---|
| 7316 | E-4/E-7 | Small UAS Operator |
| 8623 | E-4/E-5 | Small UAS Specialist |
| 8404 | E-4/E-6 | Hospital Corpsman |
| Any | Any | AI/Data Science/Robotics background (see below) |
Modeling and Simulations Division (Apr 26 to Sep 26, Secret clearance required):
| MOS | Pay Grade | Billet |
|---|---|---|
| 0321 | E-5/E-6 | Reconnaissance Marine |
| Any | E-4/E-5 | Modeling and Simulation Operator |
If your MOS is not listed but is closely related, you can still apply. You can also apply one rank above or below the stated requirement if you can demonstrate the needed capability. Marines with degrees or certifications in AI, data science, or weapons robotics/controls engineering are strongly encouraged to apply regardless of MOS.
What you need to do
- Check that you meet the basics: full duty status, no pending legal issues, PME complete for your grade, and a Secret clearance.
- Notify your chain of command of your intent to apply.
- Obtain a signed command endorsement letter from your first O5/O6 in the chain. A template is on the MCWL Fellowship SharePoint site. You cannot submit without it attached.
- Complete the online application (takes about 15 minutes) at
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/1F8YrBeU9G. The link needs CAC access but does not require an MCEN account. - The full fellowship details, eligibility requirements, and endorsement template are on the SharePoint site (requires MCEN/CAC):
https://usmc.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/DCCDI_MCWL/MCWL_Fellowship_Program/SitePages/Home.aspx
Key dates
- ~7 March 2026: Initial applications due (30 days from message release on 5 Feb 2026). Verify exact date with MCWL or your S-1.
- No earlier than 15 February 2026: Selection/non-selection notifications sent.
- April 2026: Fellowship start date for all listed billets.
- September 2026: Fellowship end date for all listed billets.
The official version
Full details are in MARADMIN 037/26.
POC: MGySgt D. F. Corr, MCWL, at diego.corr@usmc.mil or (571) 254-7332. General fellowship inquiries: mcwl_fellowship@usmc.mil.
This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.