Marine Corps launches first AI fellowship to train tech-savvy warfighters

The U.S. Marine Corps has launched its first Artificial Intelligence Fellowship at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, running from August 11-14 as part of implementing the 2024 Marine Corps AI Strategy. This pilot program represents a concrete step toward building AI literacy across the force and preparing Marines for increasingly digital warfare environments.

What you should know: The fellowship is designed to accelerate AI adoption throughout the Marine Corps by creating a cadre of technically proficient Marines with operational insight.

• The pilot cohort will spend five months splitting time between their home commands and the Naval Postgraduate School campus.
• Fellows will engage in mentorship, coursework, and prototype development to address real-world Fleet Marine Force challenges.
• Each participant will work on practical AI applications aligned to current military needs.

The big picture: This initiative reflects the Marine Corps’ broader commitment to leveraging emerging technologies for battlefield advantage in future conflicts.

• “This fellowship leverages eager Marines knowledgeable about the Fleet’s modern and relevant issues, faculty experts, state-of-the-art facilities at Naval Postgraduate School, and the incomputable potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning,” said Dr. Christopher Paul, U.S. Marine Corps Chair for Information at the Naval Postgraduate School and lead organizer of the program.

Why this matters: The program addresses a critical need to develop AI-literate military personnel as warfare becomes increasingly digitized.

• “Our goal is to optimize AI’s application across the force,” Paul said. “To do that, we need to grow the AI-proficient and literate population in the military, which this fellowship aims to do.”

What’s next: While currently limited to Marines, future iterations aim to expand participation to include service members from other branches of the Joint Force.

• Information on future fellowship opportunities will be announced via Marine Corps administrative message.
• The program reflects the Marine Corps’ commitment to education, innovation, and preparing for complex modern operating environments.