Section 932 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, and its later amendment Section 1113 of the NDAA FY 2024, directs the Secretary of Defense to establish within DOD a civilian fellowship program known as the John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellows Program. The Washington Headquarters Services is responsible for program implementation. DCPAS oversees participation in the fellows program.

The John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellowship Program is a 12-month Department of Defense (DoD) leadership development program for recent advanced degree program graduates from across multiple academic disciplines. Established by the John S. McCain NDAA FY 2019, and its later amendments, this program provides the OSD headquarters staff offices, defense agencies and DoD field activities, with the ability to recruit and develop future leaders who are citizens of the United States or a lawful permanent resident of the United States in the year in which the individual applies for participation in the fellows program. Fellows are provided with challenging developmental opportunities and flourish into problem solvers, strategic thinkers, and future leaders. The fellows program instills a spirit of public service and a commitment to the larger DoD community. Fellows who successfully complete the program are eligible for conversion into a position with the DoD.

Resources

• DCPAS #MSG 2024034 Statutory Changes to the John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellows Program
• Implementation Policy and Procedure
• Application Process
• McCain Fellows Fact Sheet
• McCain Fellows Program FAQs