The DC I Service Data Office (SDO) is running a second FY26 cohort of its AI fellowship program at NPS. Selected Marines spend five months doing project-based AI research, mostly teleworking, with three short TAD trips to Monterey. The program is open to a wider range of ranks than you might expect, and your command picks up the TAD bill (roughly $5K total). This is a real research gig with a publishable paper as the graduation requirement.
Bottom line: Applications close 30 April 2026 and require a signed O-6 endorsement letter, so don't wait until the last week to loop in your chain of command.
Who it affects
This is open to active and reserve Marines and Marine Corps civilians in the following grades:
| Category | Eligible Grades |
|---|---|
| Officers | O-1 through O-5 |
| Enlisted | E-4 through E-8 |
| Warrant Officers | CWO-1 through CWO-5 |
| Civilians | GS-5 through GS-14 |
You also need to have a command-endorsed, unclassified AI use case ready to bring into the program. If you don't have a project concept with accessible data, you're not eligible for this cohort.
What you need to do
- Identify an unclassified, actionable AI use case that your command will sponsor. You need to have access (or a reasonable path to access) to the data required.
- Notify your chain of command and get a command endorsement letter signed by your first O-6 in the chain.
- Submit your application through the online portal before the deadline. The portal address from the MARADMIN is:
forms.osi.apps.mil/r/KuXD4BgLmg(note: the MARADMIN omittedhttps://before the domain, so confirm the full URL resolves before submitting, or contact the POC). - Confirm you can telework daily throughout the fellowship (personal computer and internet connection are required).
A few things to know going in: you'll be under NPS operational control for the five months but your current command keeps administrative control. You must stay remote for the duration except for the three TAD trips. Graduation requires producing a publishable research paper.
Key dates
- 30 April 2026 at 2359 EST: Application portal closes. No late or incomplete applications accepted.
- On or about 4 May 2026: Selection committee convenes.
- NLT 15 May 2026: Applicants notified of selection or non-selection.
- TAD 1: 8 to 12 June 2026 (Monterey, CA)
- TAD 2: 24 to 27 August 2026 (Monterey, CA)
- TAD 3: 2 to 5 November 2026 (Monterey, CA)
The official version
See MARADMIN 135/26 for the full text.
Direct questions to the POCs listed in the message:
- MAJ Christopher D. Clark (AI Lead, DC I SDO):
christopher.d.clark.mil@usmc.mil/ 703-692-3780 - Colin Crosby, HQE (USMC Service Data Officer, DC I SDO):
colin.crosby@usmc.mil/ 703-693-9979
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.