CY23 CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWSHIP FOR ACTIVE COMPONENT STAFF NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS
Date Signed: 7/6/2021 | MARADMINS Number: 343/21
MARADMINS : 343/21

R 021256Z JUL 21
MARADMIN 343/21
MSGID/GENADMIN, USMTF/CMC WASHINGTON DC OLA (UC)//
SUBJ/CY23 CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWSHIP FOR ACTIVE COMPONENT (AC) STAFF NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS//
REF/A/MSGID: DOC/DOD/YMD: 20040422//
REF/B/MSGID: DOC/DOD/YMD: 20071115//
REF/C/MSGID: DOC/MMOA3/YMD: 19960820//
REF/D/MSGID: DOC/MPO/YMD: 20140818//
REF/E/MSGID: DOC/AR/YMD: 20120124//
REF/F/MSGID: DOC/DOD/YMD: 20120801//
NARR/REF A IS DOD DIRECTIVE 1322.6 FELLOWSHIP, SCHOLARSHIPS, TRAINING WITH INDUSTRY (TWI) AND GRANTS FOR DOD PERSONNEL. REF B IS DOD INSTRUCTION 1322.06 FELLOWSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIP, TRAINING WITH INDUSTRY, AND GRANTS FOR DOD PERSONNEL. REF C IS MCO 1500.41A W/CH1, SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE MARINE CORPS. REF D IS MCO P.1300.8S, MARINE CORPS PERSONNEL ASSIGNMENT POLICY. REF E IS MCO 5216.19A, ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION (AA) FORM, NAVMC 10274. REF F IS DOD INSTRUCTION 1000.30, REDUCTION OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) USE WITHIN DOD.//
POC/D. J. BEERS/GYSGT/TEL: DSN 222-0206/TEL: COMM 703-692-0206//
POC/L. R. HUISENGA/MAJ/ TEL: DSN 222-0232/TEL: COMM 703-692-0232//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This message solicits applications from Active Component (AC) SNCOs for the CY23 Congressional Fellowship Program (CFP). Due date for application is 2359 on 6 August 2021.  The selection board and personal interviews will occur during August 2021.  Final results will be released via MARADMIN NLT 31 January 2022.  Personnel selected to participate in the CY23 CFP will be directed to report no earlier than 1 June 2022 and no later than 27 June 2022, to MCC K20, Legislative Fellows Program, Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA), Pentagon for duty.
1.a.  The CFP offers the opportunity to gain experience working in the Legislative Branch of the United States government on the staff of a United States Senator, United States Representative, or committee.  Typical responsibilities include drafting legislation, floor debate preparation, planning and analysis of public policy, and serving as congressional liaison to constituents and industry.
1.a.1.  Per Refs A through C, active duty selectees will incur a 36 month service obligation that begins upon completion of their fellowship year.
1.a.2.  SNCOs will report in June 2022 for six months of professional development before serving as a Congressional Fellow from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.  Beginning on or about 2 January 2024 fellows serve 24 months in a required utilization tour that is assigned by OLA.  After completing their utilization tours, fellows have a remaining obligation for an additional year of service.  These assignments are made by M&RA based on the individual’s attributes, career progression, and the needs of the Marine Corps.  These assignments are not limited to the NCR and are not typically in legislative billets.
1.a.3. In total, the Congressional Fellowship Program is a 42 month tour that includes an additional 12 month service obligation.
2.  ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES 
2.a.  SNCOs with a minimum of an Undergraduate Degree posted within MCTFS, waivable for exceptional candidates and candidates who will complete their degree before executing orders to OLA.
2.a.1.  Exceptional character and judgement, to facilitate operating independently in an unfamiliar environment.
2.a.2.  Exceptional military and personal appearance, professional performance, and familiarity with current service and DOD specific issues, National Security Affairs, Government Affairs, and International Relations.
2.a.3.  Strong verbal and written communication skills.
2.a.4.  The CFP is open to active component Gunnery Sergeants, Master Sergeants, and Master Gunnery Sergeants from all occupational specialties.
2.a.5.  Time on station (TOS) requirements.  Per Ref D, applicants who complete their prescribed tour lengths by June 2022 are  eligible to apply.  Questions concerning tour lengths should be directed to the appropriate occupational field monitor.
3.  NOT ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION
3.a.  SNCOs with less than 12 years time in service.
3.a.1.  Gunnery Sergeants who denote "F" in section 8c of their fitness reports.
3.a.2.  First Sergeants and Sergeants Major are not eligible due to manpower shortfalls.
3.a.3.  Active duty applicants that have twice failed selection for promotion to the next higher grade.
3.a.4.  Applicants who have been accepted for selection to a Voluntary education program for academic year 2022.
4.  APPLICATION  PROCESS
4.a.  In addition all applicants must notify their primary MOS monitor of their intent to apply with the submission of a completed package using the Special Duty Assignment Miscellaneous Reenlistment Extension Lateral Move (RELM) in the Total Force Retention System (TFRS) via the normal RELM routing chain to CMC (MMEA25).  Unit Career Planners have access to the TFRS program.
4.b.  For program information and application instructions please reference:  https:(slash)(slash)www.hqmc.marines.mil/Agencies/Office-of-Legislative-Affairs/Congressional-Fellowship-Program/.
4.b.1.  Applicants must submit their CFP application with all signed endorsements and privacy act release form NLT 2359 6 August 2021 via email to:  SMB_HQMC_OLA@USMC.MIL.  Direct CFP eligibility questions to POCs listed in MARADMIN. 
4.c.  CMC (MRA) will screen all applications for TOS requirements, career progression, and promotion, and Enlisted Career Force Controls (ECFC).
4.d.  HQMC OLA and HQMC Programs and Resources (PR) will screen applications and select potential candidates for personal interviews.  Interviews will be conducted in August 2021 either by video teleconference, phone, or in person.
5.  Release authorized by Brigadier General R. L. Shea, Legislative Assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps.//