R 091305Z MAY 25
MARADMIN 226/25
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC DCI WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/FY25 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PHANTOM FELLOWSHIP CALL FOR
APPLICANTS//
POC/C D CLARK/CAPT/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/
- Purpose. This message announces the availability and application
requirements for the August 2025 USMC Cohort 4/DAF Cohort 14
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Phantom Fellowship program.
- Background. The Deputy Commandant for Information (DC I), Service
Data Office (SDO), in partnership with the Department of the
Airforce (DAF), is sending Marines to the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) for a rigorous AI education fellowship. The program
is designed to make fundamental advancements in AI to improve
operations while addressing broader progress in the field of AI. The
cohorts are comprised of interdisciplinary teams, including Marines
and Airmen, who collaborate across disparate fields of AI to create
new algorithms, technologies, and solutions.
- Use Case Identification. An UNCLASS command sponsored, actionable
AI use case, with associated data identified, is a pre-requisite for
all applications to ensure candidates can begin work immediately and
maximize their time in the program. This use case will be submitted
in the application.
- Program Structure. Phantoms will be under operational control
(OPCON) to the AIA for the duration of the program and will be
expected to telework daily. The USMC will select no more than three
Marines to participate in each cohort, which lasts 5 months and
includes three unit funded temporary additional duty (TAD) trips to
the main MIT campus in Boston. Dates for the TAD trips for the
upcoming cohort are as follows: TAD 1 – 10 to 15 August 2025;
TAD 2 – 02 to 07 November 2025; TAD 3 – 11 to 16 January 2026.
There are no costs for sponsoring commands associated with
participation other than approximately $5k to cover TAD. Marines who
are selected to participate should remain remote throughout its
duration. As a requirement for successful graduation, participants
must produce a publishable, quality research paper based on their
capstone project. For more information, please visit the official
Phantom program website at: https:(slash)(slash)aia.mit.edu .
- Application Process. Applications must be received NLT 16 June
- Requests to submit late or incomplete applications will be
disapproved without exception. Candidates must meet program
requirements in accordance with paragraph 6 at the time of
submission, regardless of their personal situation or deployment
status. Candidates who do not meet the requirements are ineligible
and must apply to a future cohort once the requirements are met.
Candidates must provide a signed and dated letter of approval from
the first O-6 in their command. Please fill out the application and
submit all supporting materials for consideration via the following
link: https:(slash)(slash)forms.osi.apps.mil/r/ajQVxsG7Lq.
- Eligibility Requirements. Marines and civilians must meet the
following minimum eligibility requirements for consideration for the
program:
6.a. An UNCLASS command sponsored, actionable AI use case, with
associated data identified, for solutioning by the selectee in the
program.
6.b. Rank/Grade: O1 - O4; E4 - E7; GS-3 through 13.
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).
- Selection Authority. Submissions will be reviewed by the USMC
Artificial Intelligence Working Group and assessed based on current
priorities. No more than two Marines will be selected per cohort.
- Direct all questions to MARADMIN POCs.
- Release authorized by Lieutenant General M. G. Carter,
Headquarters Marine Corps, Deputy Commandant for Information.//