Published Mar 26, 2024 by Amber Kurka In its inaugural year, the Ted Stevens Center’s Arctic Fellowship program is aimed at cultivating a cadre of security practitioners with a nuanced understanding of Arctic security dynamics. The program, in partnership with the University of Alaska, is designed to equip military leaders with the expertise required to navigate the complex geopolitical and geophysical landscape of the Arctic.
Currently, the program has three fellows: two from the U.S. Air Force, on track to graduate this May after a one-year program, and one from the U.S. Coast Guard, who has one more year remaining in the two-year program. Upon completion of the fellowship, all participants will earn a master’s degree, but most notably they will have gained valuable firsthand knowledge and experience while engaging on a wide-range of Arctic security topics and issues.
The Arctic Fellowship program, developed in alignment with U.S. National Security and DoD strategic objectives, offers participants a comprehensive educational experience. Through engagement with the Ted Stevens Center and the University of Alaska, fellows gain expertise in areas crucial to the DoD mission(s) in the Arctic.
"Developing the future Arctic leaders through professional engagements, professional development, travel, research, and education is crucially important," explained Capt. Grant Thomas, U.S. Coast Guard Liaison and Arctic Fellows coordinator. He highlighted the program's significance in addressing critical issues outlined in national defense and security strategies, citing the Arctic's strategic importance in global geopolitics.
"Establishing relationships and understanding the various intersection of issues impacting the Arctic is crucial," Thomas remarked. |