R 271752Z MAR 26 MARADMIN 135/26 MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC DCI WASHINGTON DC//  SUBJ/FY26-2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS//  POC/C D CLARK/MAJ/ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LEAD, DC I SDO/ 703-692-3780/[email protected]//  POC/C A CROSBY/HQE/USMC SERVICE DATA OFFICER, DC I SDO/ 703-693-9979/[email protected]// GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Purpose.  The purpose of this message is to solicit nominations for the FY26-2 Marine Corps Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fellowship programs.   2. Background. The Deputy Commandant for Information (DC I), Service Data Office (SDO), in partnership with the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), is sending Marines to NPS for a project-based AI fellowship. The program is designed to make fundamental advancements in AI through project-based research. The cohorts are comprised of interdisciplinary teams that collaborate to create new algorithms, technologies, and solutions relevant to mission problems.   3. AI Project.  All applications will include an AI use case as the primary project that will be developed throughout the fellowship. To ensure candidates begin work immediately and maximize the productivity of their time, this project must be endorsed by the command, unclassified, actionable, and the applicant must have  access to, or reasonably assume they will be able to obtain the necessary data.   4. Program Structure.  AI Fellows will be under operational control of NPS for the duration of the program and will be expected to telework daily. Their current command will retain administrative control.  4.a. No fewer than two individuals will be selected to participate in each USMC NPS AI Fellowship cohort.  4.b. The fellowship lasts 5 months and includes three unit funded temporary additional duty (TAD) trips to the NPS Campus in Monterey.    4.c. Tentative dates for the TAD trips for the upcoming cohort are as follows: TAD 1: 8 to 12 June 2026; TAD 2: 24 to 27 August 2026; TAD 3: 2 to 5 November 2026.  4.d. There are no costs for sponsoring commands associated with participation other than approximately $5k to cover TAD.  Marines who are selected to participate in the program should remain remote throughout its duration.  4.e. As a requirement for successful graduation, participants must produce a publishable, quality research paper based on their capstone project.   5. Application Process.   5.a. Applications must be received NLT 30 April 2026. Requests to submit late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.    5.b. Applicants must meet program requirements in accordance with paragraph 6 at the time of submission, regardless of their personal situation or deployment status.  Applicants who do not meet the requirements are ineligible and must apply for a future cohort once the requirements are met.    5.c. Applicants must inform their chain of command of their intent to apply and are required to submit a command endorsement letter signed by the first O-6 commander in their chain of command via the application portal. Applicants missing this endorsement letter will not be considered.  5.d. Candidates may indicate whether they wish to be considered for either or both programs.    6. Eligibility Requirements.  Marines and civilians must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements for consideration for this program:  6.a. An unclassified command sponsored, actionable AI use case, with associated data identified, for solutioning by the selectee in the program.  6.b. Rank/Grade: O1 – O5; E4 – E8; CWO 1-5; GS-5 through 14.  6.c. Demonstrated experience of self-directing and exceling in a semi-unstructured environment.  6.d. Be remote/telework capable  (personal computer and internet connection is required throughout).  7. Submission/Selection Process:  7.a. Online application portal will close at 2359 (EST) on or about 30 April 2026. The application is located at: https: forms.osi.apps.mil/r/KuXD4BgLmg  7.b. The selection committee will be convened on or about 4 May 2026. The Deputy Commandant for Information reserves the right to modify board results based on mission requirements.  7.c. Applicants will be notified of selection/non-selection NLT 15 May 2026. The selected applicants will receive additional coordinating instructions.  8. Direct all questions to MARADMIN POCs.  9. Release authorized by Lieutenant General J. A. Matos III, Headquarters Marine Corps, Deputy Commandant for Information.//