A Catalyst for Radical Innovation:
The Blue Horizons Fellowship, chartered by the Air Force Chief of Staff and hosted by the Center for Strategy and Technology at Maxwell AFB, is a unique opportunity to shape the future of air and space power. Our mission is to forge radical pathways to victory across all warfighting domains, focusing on the potent intersection of strategy and technology—a historical wellspring of military advantage.
This dynamic program brings together a select cohort of 12-15 officers from the Air and Space Forces, representing both Intermediate and Senior Developmental Education (IDE/SDE). Each year, Fellows tackle a broad challenge area defined by the CSAF, forming small teams to address specific problem sets within that area. The culmination of the academic year is a briefing to the CSAF and other senior Air Force leaders, presenting findings and recommendations that can influence strategy, technology, policy, and future initiatives. Blue Horizons is not just about developing singular solutions; it's about cultivating you as a highly effective, innovative thinker and leader.
An Unparalleled Learning and Development Experience:
Selected Fellows embark on a 10-month intensive exploration of a critical challenge posed by DAF senior leadership. You will be empowered with the time, resources, and necessary support to tackle this challenge and make a tangible impact on the Department's operations. The program provides a hands-on learning experience encompassing metacognition, strategy, technology, geopolitics, design thinking, strategic communication, and program management. Engage with senior leaders at the Pentagon, Combatant Commands, national labs, leading think tanks, innovation centers, and private industry partners ranging from dynamic startups to established defense contractors. Your project could involve prototyping organizational structures, developing operational concepts, or applying cutting-edge technologies. Ultimately, you will brief your findings to the CSAF and CSO, directly influencing the future of the Department. While tangible project outputs are valuable, the program’s most significant deliverable is its graduates: battle-ready entrepreneurs and critical thinkers equipped to lead transformational change.
Is Blue Horizons Right for You?
Blue Horizons thrives on a unique blend of intellectual curiosity, collaborative spirit, and a drive to push boundaries. This program is ideal for you if you are excited by:
- Collaborating with experts and stakeholders across the military and private sectors
- Engaging in TDY travel
- Contributing to a high-performing team
- Experiencing diverse learning modalities, from book seminars to company visits and hands-on workshops
- Completing JPME I (IDE) independently, as the program doesn't cover JPME curriculum or confer credit
- Synthesizing insights from diverse sources and disciplines to develop practical solutions for complex challenges
- Presenting ideas to senior DAF leadership and receiving direct feedback
- Navigating ambiguity and charting new territory
This program might not be the best fit if you:
- Prioritize a Distinguished Graduate program (not offered)
- Seek a traditional in-residence ACSC or AWC experience (limited overlap)
- Prefer the structured schedule and curriculum of ACSC or AWC
- Focus on academic paper writing
- Prefer to avoid travel (travel is integral to the program)
Program Details:
- Timing: Aligned with AWC dates.
- Credit: SDE or IDE credit awarded. IDE officers must complete Air Command and Staff College by Correspondence separately for JPME I credit.
- Post-Fellowship Assignments: Graduates are proactively placed in high-impact positions leveraging their unique experience and expertise.
Application Process:
TS/SCI eligible Air and Space Force officers (including Total Force) selected for IDE or SDE are eligible to apply. Indicate your interest via MyVector during the school bidding process and discuss with your senior rater. Applications are submitted through MyVector; no need to contact CSAT directly.