R 251538Z JUL 25
MARADMIN 349/25
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/CY26 DARPA SERVICE CHIEFS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM (SCFP)//
REF/A/LTR/CMC MOA/01FEB11//
AMPN/REF A IS THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT ADDRESSING USMC
PARTICIPATION IN THE DARPA SERVICE CHIEFS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM//
POC1/CHANDLER B. HIRSCH/CTR/MCWL FTO/USMC/TEL: (571)254-7249/
EMAIL: CHANDLER.HIRSCH.CTR@USMC.MIL//
POC2/JOHN E. MOORE/CIV/MCWL FTO/USMC/TEL: (571)254-7185/
EMAIL: JOHN.E.MOORE4@USMC.MIL//
REMARKS/1.  The purpose of this MARADMIN is to solicit nominations 
for the first half CY26 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency 
(DARPA) Service Chiefs Fellowship Program (SCFP).  The DARPA SCFP 
convenes quarterly and lasts approximately 12 weeks.  The intent of
this program is to increase the awareness of key Marine Corps 
commands of DARPA technology development efforts as well as enhance
the professional development of top Marine Corps officers.  Upon 
completion of their assignment to the SCFP, Fellows serve as 
informal liaisons between DARPA and the Marine Corps based on the 
close relationships developed during the program and an enhanced 
understanding of the DARPA technology development process.  Previous
applicants who applied prior to the CY26 fellowship must submit a 
new application in accordance with this MARADMIN. 
2.  Background: Marine Corps participation in the formal fellowship
program with DARPA was established by the CMC in 2003.  The DARPA 
mission, as the central research and development agency for the 
Department of Defense, is to maintain U.S. technical superiority 
and prevent technological surprise by making pivotal investments 
in breakthrough technologies for national security.  At DARPA, more
than 100 program managers oversee approximately 250 research and 
development programs, such as Liberty Lifter, Cornucopia, and 
emerging technologies relevant to the ground, aviation, and enabling
communities.  For additional information on DARPA programs, visit 
www.darpa.mil.
3.  Description: The DARPA SCFP was established to expose military
officers and government civilians to a unique organization whose 
mission is to rapidly develop imaginative, innovative, and often 
high-risk research ideas.  The SCFP assists DARPA in understanding
service needs based on input from the Fellows into DARPA technology
development efforts.  The Marine Corps benefits when participants 
return to the Marine Corps armed with the knowledge of emerging 
technology and contacts made with members from other services, 
government agencies, and DARPA program managers.  SCFP members also
have the opportunity to choose focus areas for deeper exploration
while participating in the program.
3.a.  Location: Arlington, Virginia
3.b.  SCFP Dates:
3.b.3.  QTR 1: 12 JAN – 1 APR 26
3.b.4.  QTR 2:  6 APR – 24 JUN 26
4.  Eligibility: 
4.a.  Rank/MOS: Active duty majors and lieutenant colonels in all 
MOS are eligible to apply.  Captains who are major-selects may apply
but should be projected to promote prior to attendance.  Civilian 
personnel (GS14/GS15) may be nominated, but priority will generally 
be given to active duty personnel.
4.b.  Experience: All applicants should be considered highly 
competitive for promotion.  MOS credibility and recent operational 
experience are beneficial.
4.c.  Education: All applicants must possess a minimum of a 
Bachelor’s degree.  Competitive applicants will have both a strong 
academic and operational background.
4.d.  Security Clearance: A secret or higher clearance is required
for all applicants. 
4.e.  Utilization Tour: There is no formal utilization tour required
for this program.
4.f.  Applicants should not anticipate resignation or retirement 
within three years of completing the program.
4.g.  Applicants requesting selection for a quarter following their 
expected rotation date will not be considered without prior 
coordination with their monitor and approval from their receiving 
command.
5.  Submission Process: 
5.a.  Applications will be submitted via AA form (NAVMC 10274), 
and all supporting documentation is to be included as enclosures. 
Completed applications are to be sent electronically to the POC(s) 
listed on this message.
5.b.  Instructions for AA Form:
5.b.1. Block 7, To: 
Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory
Attn: Future Technology Office
1000 Corporate Drive
Suite 200
Stafford VA 22554
5.b.2.  Block 8, Subject: DARPA Service Chiefs Fellowship Program
Application
5.b.3.  Block 11, Enclosures: 
5.b.3.a.  Military Biography.
5.b.3.b.  Undergraduate Transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be
accepted, but official transcripts may be requested following 
selection.
5.b.3.c.  Graduate Transcripts (if applicable). Unofficial 
transcripts will be accepted, but official transcripts may be 
requested following selection.
5.b.3.d.  DAU Transcripts (if applicable).
5.b.4.  Block 12, Supplemental Information: 
5.b.4.a.  Personal statement regarding desire and motivation for
participating in the SCFP.
5.b.4.b.  Up to three focus areas of interest. Examples include 
unmanned systems, technology-enabled squads, or electromagnetic 
spectrum operations.
5.b.4.c.  Requested quarter(s) for selection consideration. List
requested quarter(s) in order of preference.
5.b.4.d.  Primary and secondary MOS.
5.b.4.e.  Current assignment, MCC, rotation date.
5.b.4.f.  Current security clearance level, adjudication date.
5.b.4.g.  Deployment History.
5.b.4.h.  Key Billets (Company Commander, Division Head, Battalion 
Operations Officer, Battalion Executive Officer, or equivalent).
5.b.4.i.  Degree type, year, and university.
5.b.4.j.  Contact phone and e-mail address.
5.b.4.k.  The following statement must be included: “I do not 
anticipate resigning or retiring within three years of program 
completion.”
5.c.  Endorsement from first colonel, or higher, in chain of command
is required.
6.  Submission Deadline:
6.a.  1 October 2025
6.b.  The submission deadline is the same for all CY26 DSCFP 
quarters. Applicants are encouraged to select both quarters to 
increase their selection opportunity.
6.c.  Following the submission deadline, additional packages may be
accepted on a space-available basis.
6.d.  A semi-annual selection board will be held to select DARPA 
SCFP nominees and alternates. Selected applicants will be announced
via MARADMIN.
7.  Coordinating instructions: 
7.a.  All costs associated with the SCFP will be funded by DARPA.  
For Marines traveling from outside the national capital region, 
DARPA will provide billeting, per diem, and travel costs. Marines 
within the national capital region will be reimbursed for mileage 
between their command and the agency, as well as any additional 
travel costs required by the program.
7.b.  SCFP participants will receive a non-observed, academic 
fitness report from DARPA for the period.
8.  This MARADMIN is applicable to Active Duty Marine Officers and
Officers on Active Reserve Status.
9.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Eric E. Austin, Deputy
Commandant for Combat Development and Integration.//