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Navy Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA) 
Fellowships


 

Navy Legislative Fellows Program

The Navy Legislative Fellows program provides an opportunity for selected Navy officers and enlisted to broaden their experience and knowledge in the operations and organization of Congress while enhancing the Navy's ability to fulfill its role in the national policy development process.
 
A follow-on utilization tour in a legislative affairs billet is possible but dependent on community-specific billet requirements, needed officer/enlisted progression, and availability of legislative assignments. 

Program Details and Requirements

The fellowship consists of a year-long full-time assignment to the office of a U.S. Congressional member, either in the Senate or the House of Representatives, who serves on a defense-related committee. The Fellow serves as a member of the staff and is assigned duties and tasks based on the needs of the office. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, drafting legislation; preparing the Member for hearings, meetings, and briefings; advising the Member on Defense, Navy, and/or National Security issues; answering constituent inquiries; coordinating with Professional Staff Members of the various defense committees and subcommittees; and traveling to the district or state.
Amplifying eligibility criteria will be promulgated each year by the program announcement.

Eligibility

Officer Applicants: Participation is open to all Active Duty and Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) unrestricted line, restricted line, and staff corps officers in the permanent grades of
O-3 through O-5. The selection process will focus on individual performance, promotion potential, academic and subspecialty qualifications, needs of the Navy, and availability for follow-on
assignment. Officers with permanent change of station orders already issued will not be considered. All officer applicants must contact their detailers for counseling on the career impact of participation
in the Legislative Fellowship Program. Officers should plan for an immediate follow-on utilization tour or assignment upon completion of the fellowship.

Enlisted Applicants: Participation is open to all Active Duty Navy ratings in the permanent grades of E-7 through E-9. The selection process will focus on individual performance, promotion potential, academic and additional qualifications, needs of the Navy, and projected rotation date. Sailors with permanent change of station orders already issued will not be considered. Following the fellowship, Sailors will be assigned to a single 24-month utilization tour supporting a role determined by the Office
of Legislative Affairs (OLA), which will include time in OLA and in the Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
Officers selected for the Legislative Fellows program may not resign or retire while in the program and will be required to agree in writing to serve on active duty for a period of three years following completion of the fellowship. This obligation is to be served concurrently with any other service obligation. Officers beginning their final tour of duty before retirement are not eligible.
For administrative purposes, nominees will be assigned to the Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA), Washington, D.C. This is a PCS move, not TAD. The Legislative Fellows receive a FITREP from the Congressional Member and a concurrent FITREP from the Chief of Legislative Affairs.

Competition is keen, and the selection process will focus primarily on individual performance, promotion potential, career, timing, breadth of experience, academic and subspecialty qualifications, needs of the Navy, and availability for follow-on assignment. Potential applicants should reach out to CAPT Katherine Noel at katherine.e.noel.mil@us.navy.mil or CTICM Kristina Koch at kristina.l.koch2.mil@us.navy.mil.
 
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