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John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellows Program

Section 932 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, 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 National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2019, this program provides the DoD headquarters staff offices 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.  Fellows that successfully complete the program are eligible for conversion into a position with the DoD.

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