Ethics and Service Maritime Fellowship​

January 28, 2025

Ethics and Service Maritime Fellowship:

We are currently accepting applications for our Fall 2026 Ethics and Service Maritime Fellowship. Applications are due 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 12.  

The Ethics and Service Maritime Fellowship will support students, young professionals, and future naval officers who exemplify moral courage, selfless leadership, and an unwavering commitment to ethical decision-making — qualities essential for those pursuing service in the Navy, Marine Corps Coast Guard, or Merchant Marine. This opportunity allows Fellows to meaningfully contribute to the Center’s mission while fostering a deeper understanding of ethical leadership, maritime strategy, and principled public service. The Ethics and Service Maritime Fellowship is designed to cultivate future naval and maritime leaders whose character and service-minded leadership will strengthen national security and the broader maritime community. 

Fellows will assist CMS with policy research, strategic communications, and project support, as well as contribute to CMS initiatives with a focus on ethical leadership, maritime security, and service-driven national security policy. Most importantly, over the course of the program (12 weeks), Fellows will be mentored by retired Navy personnel and will write a research paper addressing a topic of ethics and service in maritime leadership to be published by CMS. 

Successful candidates must have a strong and proven interest in maritime security, naval affairs, defense policy, strategic studies, global affairs, national security, public policy, ethics, or a closely related discipline. 

We will work with candidates to ensure that they gain academic credit if applicable. Note that graduate students must provide written documentation of eligibility to receive academic credit from their university. 

We are not able to sponsor candidates for visas. 

Fellows will receive a modest stipend to defray living costs. 

Eligibility: 

  • Current undergraduate or graduate students, NROTC midshipmen, officers in the sea services (Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine), or recent graduates are encouraged to apply. 
  • Applicants must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent academic standing at a non-U.S. institution. 
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States. 
  • Must be available to work full-time in-person. 

Qualifications: 

  • Must have a strong and proven interest in maritime security, naval affairs, defense policy, strategic studies, global affairs, national security, public policy, ethics, or a closely related discipline.  
  • Demonstrated record of ethical leadership, service to community or country, and commitment to integrity in action. 
  • Demonstrated interest in serving in the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marine.  
  • Must possess high-quality writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. 
  • Must be able to work well with team members and maintain professionalism when working with senior figures. 
  • Must be able to assist with a variety of tasks including but not limited to administrative and operations support. 
  • Preference for individuals who have publishing experience. 

Application: 

To apply, please email a single, combined PDF file with the materials listed below to Nick Weising (nweising@navyleague.org) with the subject line “Fall 2026 Ethics & Service Fellowship Application.” 

  • Resume 
  • A cover letter addressing your interest in the program, including how it aligns with your values and naval or maritime service aspirations. 
  • 5-10 page writing sample 
  • A short concept paper (1–2 pages) outlining the topic or theme you would like to explore during the fellowship, with emphasis on its relevance to ethics, maritime leadership, or national security.