Important Update:

The Department of Defense has implemented a hiring freeze, effective February 28th, and it will remain in place until further notice. In light of this directive, the Department will re-evaluate the Fellowship Program’s application period in alignment with the hiring limitations. Please stay tuned to this website for emerging information regarding the program and future application windows.

The John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellowship Program is a 1-year Department of Defense (DoD) development program for recent advanced degree program graduates from across multiple academic disciplines. This program provides the DoD Components with the ability to recruit and develop future leaders from across the United States. Fellows are provided with challenging developmental opportunities and flourish into problem solvers, strategic thinkers, and future leaders. The Program instills a spirit of public service and a commitment to the larger DoD community.

The Fellowship Opportunity

Key Fellowship Benefits

  • Full time salaried job
  • Employment benefits (e.g., health, life, dental and vision, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), paid holidays and leave, and flexible work schedules)
  • Additional benefits including public transportation subsidies and telework
  • Program Incentives including Student Loan Repayment and Relocation
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • Opportunity to network with DoD professionals
  • The Opportunity to Serve!

Program Requirements

  • Individual Development Plan (IDP)
  • Assignment to a senior-level mentor
  • Formal professional training and development

Career Series

The job series identified below are the positions the Department is seeking to fill in the 2025-2026 application cycle. Prospective applicants may find a general description of each job series in the Occupational Handbook.

  • Foreign Affairs (0130)
  • Miscellaneous Admin & Program Analysis (0301)
  • Management & Program Analysis (0343)
  • General Engineering (0801)
  • Business & Industry (1101)
  • Operations Research (1515)
  • Information Technology (2210)