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Service Chiefs Fellowship Program

Your Opportunity to Transition Breakthrough Ideas Into Operational Reality

Fellowship dates | Take the first step | Alumni

The Service Chiefs' Fellowship Program allows outstanding service members to immerse themselves in our world of innovative science and technology research.  

Participants gain an understanding of DARPA’s mission and our unique approach to ensuring the U.S. maintains the advantage of technological surprise. They also get to delve into specific areas of scientific interest to them and their respective service branch. After completing the program, Fellows serve as informal liaisons, bolstering the vital link between DARPA technology and the battlefield of tomorrow.  

2026 class of the Service Chiefs Fellowship program
Source: DARPA

Fellowships

For active-duty participants, the fellowship lasts 12 weeks.

2026
WinterJanuary 12 – April 1
SpringApril 6 – June 24
SummerJune 29 – September 16
FallSeptember 21 – December 16
2027
WinterJanuary 11 – March 31
SpringApril 5 – June 23
SummerJune 28 – September 15
FallSeptember 20 – December 15


Updated Feb. 24, 2026
 

Take the First Step

For interested candidates, the Service Chiefs Fellow path begins within your branch:
 

Air Force
Log on to MyFSS and access the Active Duty: Personnel Services Delivery Memorandums (PSDM) home page
Marine Corps
Navy
Contact your Navy detailer at Navy Personnel Command working with the PERS-440 Branch Head
Space Force
Contact the Enterprise Talent Management Office

 

Calling all Alumni

If you are a former DARPA Service Chiefs’ Fellow, we encourage you to stay connected to DARPA and fellow SCFP alumni. Sign up to receive the SCFP alumni newsletter and stay current on alumni news and reunion events.

Sign up

 

Hear from Former Fellows

Former Service Chiefs Fellows share their unique insights and perspectives from their experiences at DARPA.

View the full playlist by clicking the icon in the top right corner of this video.

Alumni

If you are a former DARPA Service Chiefs’ Fellow, sign up to receive the SCFP alumni newsletter and stay current on alumni news and reunion events.

Sign up

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