Veterans Advanced Energy Fellowship, Global Energy Center

The Atlantic Council’s Veterans Advanced Energy Fellowship is a one-year, unpaid fellowship program that highly values the contributions of veterans, reservists, and military spouses committed to shaping the future of US energy security and national defense. Hosted by the Global Energy Center’s Energy & Defense program, the fellowship supports experienced professionals committed to advancing energy-informed solutions to strategic defense challenges.

Fellows participate in high-level policy discussions, engage with senior leaders, and provide thought leadership on policy issues at the intersection of energy, defense, and national security. As part of the fellowship, participants will contribute to the work of the Energy & Defense program by collaborating on a research project aligned with one of the program’s four pillars:

1. Installation Energy Security & Infrastructure Resilience
2. Operational Energy for Future Warfighting
3. Energy Logistics & Supply Chains in Contested Environments
4. Allied Energy Interoperability & Coalition Readiness

Fellows will work closely with Council experts, contributing to publications, events, and strategic dialogues that shape the national energy security conversation. Fellows also join a growing network of peers working across energy, defense, and public service—building lasting connections that extend beyond the fellowship year.

Expectations for the program:

Fellows are expected to:

• Participate in a virtual orientation in September 2025, as well as monthly webinars from October 2025 through September 2026.
• Travel to Washington, DC, for two in-person study tours: October 7–9, 2025, and a second session tentatively scheduled for October 2026 (airfare and lodging provided).
• Contribute to a collaborative research project aligned with one of the four pillars of the Energy & Defense program.
• Take initiative in advancing independent research, dedicating time outside of scheduled programming to develop analysis, support group deliverables, and engage substantively with their research team.
• Support Atlantic Council programming through written analysis, roundtable participation, and other forms of strategic engagement.

Highly valued attributes of candidates for the Veterans Advanced Energy Fellowship are:

• Status as a veteran, reservist, or military spouse of the US Armed Forces (active-duty service members are not eligible).
• Mid-to-senior professional careers with 5-15 years of experience in the energy sector or energy-focused roles in the defense, national security, and policy sectors.
• Strong writing and analytical thinking skills with the ability to contribute to collaborative research and policy projects.
• Thought leadership with a demonstrated interest in how energy issues intersect with national security and defense.
• Full commitment to participation, with the flexibility and employer support needed to engage in all program activities and broader Atlantic Council initiatives.

Application materials:

• Current resume or CV*
• Cover letter*: Upload a cover letter explaining how you are a good fit for the fellowship. Your cover letter should describe any military affiliation, relevant professional experience in the energy sector or an energy-focused role, and interest in shaping policy at the intersection of energy and defense.
• Short biography*: Please provide a professional bio (200 words or fewer) that may be used for publication if selected.
• Essay question*: Select one of the below prompts and write a brief essay (500 words or less) in response:
  • As the United States prepares for future conflicts in contested or resource-constrained environments, how should energy considerations shape defense strategy, force posture, or operational planning?
  • Addressing energy and national security challenges requires coordination across the defense, energy, and policy communities. Describe a major barrier to that coordination and propose a realistic path forward to improve collaboration and outcomes.

Applications close on July 13, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Please reach out to VetsEnergy@AtlanticCouncil.org with any questions.