Embedded Files
The Secretary of the Air Force Enlisted Legislative Fellowship develops senior enlisted Airmen and Guardians through congressional education, national-security exposure, and hands-on legislative experience. Fellows complete a developmental rotation, serve on Capitol Hill in a congressional office, and then apply that experience in a legislative or policy assignment within the Department of the Air Force or broader Department of War. The program is designed to build strategic leaders who understand how Congress, policy, resources, and military operations intersect.
ARRIVE & ORIENT
June 30 – July
Report by June 30 and begin the fellowship with orientation and Washington-area in-processing.
Enlisted Fellows in-process through SAF/LL
Program orientation and administrative onboarding
Preparation for developmental assignments and congressional education
Phase I
Develop
July – December | 6 Months
Build the congressional, policy, and national-security foundation needed for service on Capitol Hill.
Developmental Rotation
Beginning in August, Fellows serve with organizations across the national-security and public-policy enterprise. Previous opportunities have included RAND, Congressional Research Service, Department of State, SAF/LL, U.S. Special Operations Command, U.S. Central Command, and others.
Congressional Education
Complete three intensive, one-week courses through the Government Affairs Institute (GAI) focused on Congress and the legislative process.
Professional Development
Participate in recurring engagements with think tanks, senior leaders, government agencies, industry, and national-security organizations throughout the developmental period.
Phase II
Serve on Capitol Hill
January – December | 12 Months
Spend one year embedded in the legislative branch, serving as a Defense Fellow in the House of Representatives or Senate.
Serve on the staff of a Member of Congress
Support the office's defense and national-security portfolio
Conduct policy research and legislative analysis
Support hearings, oversight, authorization, appropriations, and other congressional activity
Bring operational military experience into the legislative process
Optional Academic Opportunity
Fellows may complete two additional 12-week GAI courses toward the Certificate Program in Legislative Studies through Georgetown University.
Phase III
Return & Apply
Following Capitol Hill | 16-Month Payback Assignment
Bring the experience back to the Department by serving in a legislative or policy-focused assignment within the Pentagon and national-security enterprise.
Potential assignments may include:
SAF/LL • Joint Staff • Office of the Secretary of War • other legislative/policy organizations
During this assignment, Fellows apply the congressional knowledge, relationships, strategic perspective, and communication skills developed throughout the fellowship.
Upon completion of the payback tour, Fellows PCS to their next assignment.
Legislative Studies Certificate Program
Legislative Studies Certificate Program
Legislative Fellows have the opportunity to participate in The Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University's Legislative Studies Program.
The GAI Legislative Studies program provides individuals with the background and skills to become more effective in a wide range of interactions with Congress, as well as enabling individuals to better understand developments and actions taken in the legislative arena.
The program focuses on congressional process, organization, and practices, and on the relationship between Congress and the other branches of national government. The format of the program provides a mix of classroom courses explaining how procedures, organizations, rules, and practices shape the contemporary Congress.
Engagement with Think Tanks
Engagement with Think Tanks
The program offers fellows the opportunity to engage with various D.C.-based think tanks through fellowship programs, round-table discussions, seminars, and dining events.
Explore Capitol Hill
Explore Capitol Hill
During the year on the Hill, you will have the opportunity to explore and experience one of the most important and historical buildings in the United States. Since 1800, the US Capitol has housed the legislative branch of government where it has played a part in some of our most important events in US history. From the Capitol Rotunda and historical art pieces to the statues of the National Statuary Hall collection, you will gain a better appreciation of why we support and defend the US Constitution and where our democratic freedoms originated.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse