George C. Marshall Fellowship 2026: Develop Grand Strategy Skills and Advance U.S. National Security Leadership @The Heritage Foundation

Overview

The George C. Marshall Fellowship is a prestigious leadership development program offered by The Heritage Foundation. It provides a comprehensive foundation in grand strategy theory and practice, strategic leadership, and the integration of national power instruments to advance U.S. national security interests.

About the Fellowship

Mission

To provide exceptional conservative professionals with the opportunity to apply grand strategy principles, integrate national power instruments, develop practical approaches to U.S. national security objectives, and strengthen leadership capabilities grounded in conservative policy principles.

Vision

Offers a comprehensive overview of grand strategy theory and its practical application to global challenges. Participants gain exposure to experts, practical insights into defense and foreign policy, understanding of geopolitical threats, and real-world strategic decision-making exercises.

Program Schedule (April - September)

Program Launch

April 30: Dinner and discussion with a guest speaker.

Defense Budget 101

May 14: Briefing and workshop on the Defense Budget, covering budget process, resource allocation, funding priorities, and the connection between budget decisions and national strategy.

Gettysburg Staff Ride

May 29: Day trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for a battlefield tour to study strategic decision-making, leadership, and operational successes/failures.

Module 2: Deterring China

June 11 & June 25: Dinner and discussion, followed by a practical exercise focusing on China's strategic challenge, deterrence theory, and policy recommendations.

Module 3: Hemispheric Security

July 9 & July 23: Dinner and discussion/panel focusing on Western Hemisphere security dynamics, U.S. regional partnerships, emerging threats, and strategic coordination.

Program Graduation

September 10: Dinner and happy hour to recognize achievements and foster networks.

Benefits

Advanced training in grand strategy, direct engagement with national security experts, applied policy workshops, leadership development, networking opportunities, exposure to policy analysis, and a prestigious credential from The Heritage Foundation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the official application portal linked below. For more information, click here: here.

Deadline

Not specified