What is a Federal Executive Fellowship and Why Does It Matter? - CDR Trevor Prouty, USN

What is a Federal Executive Fellowship and Why Does It Matter?

By CDR Trevor Prouty, USN

On an unseasonably cold evening last October, I settled in to learn from a guest lecturer as part of my Federal Executive Fellowship (FEF) Program in Boston. Dr. Henry Kissinger opened his remarks with his thoughts on Sino-U.S. relations, and over the next hour I had the privilege of interacting with one of the most influential statesmen of the twentieth century as he provided an unfiltered perspective on both past and present geopolitical issues.

My journey to that discussion began a year earlier, when I submitted an application to the FEF Program. My application ultimately resulted in my selection as a fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Security Studies Program. During the fellowship, I benefit from the flexibility to enroll in my choice of national security classes across a consortium of three outstanding universities–MIT, Harvard, and Tufts. The program’s academic focus parallels a year at a senior war college, but with the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse collection of civilian undergraduates, PhD candidates, and policy makers.

This civilian immersion constantly challenges my ingrained assumptions resulting from two decades in uniform. I hear differing perspectives that too often get lost in the echochamber of homogenous military ideals. I contribute to academic discussions on wide-ranging topics, humanizing the Navy perspective and adding context that occasionally goes missing in discussions which lack military representation.

The FEF Program exists as only one example of the incredible options that await you when you make a concerted effort to step away from the aircraft. This broad category of opportunities also includes Legislative Fellowships, the Secretary of Navy Tours with Industry Program, the Fleet Scholars Education Program, and the Politico-Military Master’s Program among others.

Developing leaders who are competent in national level decision-making requires broad revision of talent management among the Armed Services, including fellowships, civilian education, and assignments that increase understanding of interagency decision-making processes, as well as alliances and coalitions.

These Navy endorsed opportunities provide tremendous advantages, yet while they count many of our senior leaders as participants and alumni, these programs too rarely enter our conventional discussions of the “golden career path.” Involvement in these programs adds breadth and depth to your contributions as a uniformed warfighter, while also expanding your areas of expertise for your inevitable eventual transition to the civilian world.

Participation in these opportunities requires proactive career management. Community milestone requirements, the potential ramifications of unobserved evaluations, and, of course, the traditional “needs of the Navy” detailing that accompanies any career choice remain key factors in determining suitability for candidates. Simply put, certain times in your career allow participation; other times do not. With that in mind, researching available programs now, combined with assertive planning on your part, may lead to your ability to participate in the future.

So, how can you learn more about these programs? Every year the responsible custodian releases a NAVADMIN message delineating the timelines and requirements for each program. The updated MyNavyHR Website allows easy access to all released messages—simply enter “NAVADMIN” in the search box on MyNavyHR and scroll to find the applicable message with details specific to each opportunity.

If you determine one of these programs fits your goals, successfully maneuver through the inevitable obstacles, and triumphantly arrive in-residence, you will reap tremendous rewards. Your unique experience will make you a better Naval Officer, and make our Navy, and our Community, even stronger.

Editor's Note

Commander Trevor Prouty has served in three helicopter aviation squadrons, most recently leading the Dragon Whales of HSC-28. He will report next to Charleston, SC for nuclear power training, with follow-on orders to the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79).