MARADMIN 135/26 - FY26-2 Artificial Intelligence Fellowship Programs

Scope

MARADMIN 135/26 solicits nominations for the FY26-2 Marine Corps Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fellowship programs. DC I, Service Data Office (SDO), partners with the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) to send Marines to NPS for a project-based AI fellowship. Cohorts are interdisciplinary teams creating new algorithms, technologies, and solutions tied to mission problems. Applications close 2026-04-30. Selection committee convenes on or about 2026-05-04. Notifications no later than 2026-05-15.

Audience

• Marines O-1 through O-5. Officer-level applicants.
• Marines E-4 through E-8. Enlisted-level applicants.
• Chief Warrant Officers 1 through 5. CWO applicants.
• Government civilians GS-5 through GS-14. Civilian applicants.
• First O-6 commander in the applicant chain. Signs the command endorsement letter required for the application.
• Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). Holds operational control of fellows during the program.
• Current commands of selected Marines. Retain administrative control. Fund the TAD trips.

Program structure

• AI Fellows fall under NPS operational control for the duration. Current command retains administrative control. Telework daily.
• Cohort size. No fewer than two Marines per cohort.
• Program length. 5 months.
• Three unit-funded TAD trips to NPS Monterey campus. Approximate cost $5,000.
• TAD 1. 08 to 2026-06-12.
• TAD 2. 24 to 2026-08-27.
• TAD 3. 02 to 2026-11-05.
• Output. Publishable, quality research paper based on the capstone project required for graduation.

Eligibility

• Unclassified command-sponsored, actionable AI use case with associated data identified.
• Demonstrated experience self-directing in a semi-unstructured environment.
• Remote and telework capable. Personal computer and internet connection required throughout.

Application process

1. Confirm eligibility at the time of submission. Late or incomplete applications are rejected.
2. Inform the chain of command of the intent to apply.
3. Submit a command endorsement letter signed by the first O-6 commander in the chain through the application portal. Applications missing the endorsement letter are rejected.
4. Apply online at https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/KuXD4BgLmg.
5. Portal closes at 2359 (EST) on or about 2026-04-30.
6. Indicate program preference (either or both).

Action items

1. Identify Marines and civilians in the unit who hold an actionable AI use case with associated data.
2. Coordinate the O-6 command endorsement letter.
3. Confirm applicants are remote and telework capable.
4. Schedule unit funding for the three TAD trips (approximately $5,000).
5. Coordinate with NPS for operational control transfer if selected.

Connection to higher policy

• US Naval Postgraduate School AI research programs. Hosts the fellowship.

Connection to Marine Corps doctrine

• MARADMIN 018/26. Enterprise Generative AI availability. Companion governance message.
• MARADMIN 270/25. AI and Data Management Training Solutions. Companion training overview.
• MARADMIN 214/26. Mandatory Basic AI Course. Companion baseline training.
• MCO 5231.4. Marine Corps Data and Artificial Intelligence.

Status

Released 2026-03-30, DTG R 271752Z MAR 26. Originator CMC DC I Washington DC. Release authorized by Lieutenant General J. A. Matos III, Headquarters Marine Corps, Deputy Commandant for Information. Applicability is the Marine Corps Total Force. POCs Major Christopher Clark (AI Lead, DC I SDO) and Dr. Colin Crosby (HQE, USMC Service Data Officer, DC I SDO). Application window closes 2026-04-30.