CNAS Announces Second Annual Next Generation National Security Leaders Program

Washington, D.C., August 4, 2010 - As part of its mission to prepare and foster the next generation of national security and defense leaders, the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is pleased to announce the launch of its second annual Next Generation National Security Leaders Program.

For the second successive year, CNAS will gather potential future national security leaders to participate in a series of frank and open discussions on immediate and long-term national security and foreign policy challenges. The Next Generation National Security Leaders Program will consist of a bipartisan group of emerging analysts and practitioners who will participate in a series of events aimed at developing a shared understanding of the nation’s security interests and international priorities.

During the program, Next Generation Leaders will engage with influential figures in the national security field in a series of candid discussions on several of the most pressing issues the United States faces, as well as contribute to collaborative writing projects with their fellow Leaders.  Next Generation Leaders will also have the opportunity to participate in variety of CNAS-hosted events. 

The 2010-2011 program will again be led by CNAS President John Nagl and Steve Biegun, corporate officer and vice president of international governmental affairs for Ford Motor Company, former senior advisor to Senator John McCain, and CNAS advisory board member.

Applications for the program are being accepted now through September 3, 2010. Click here for more information.

Application Process

To be considered for the Next Generation National Security Leaders Program applicants must submit a complete application, which includes:

• Online application form
• Letter of interest
• Résumé/CV
• Nominating letter from a non-family member describing the candidate’s strengths

Please do not submit the online form until you are ready to upload your complete application (with the possible exception of the nominating letter).  You will not be able to log back in to update your application.  Any changes to your application should be emailed to [email protected].

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Be a United States citizen
• Be between 25-32 years old
• Possess a Bachelor’s Degree
• Have at least three years of professional experience in researching or executing U.S. national security policy
• Demonstrate a commitment to public service

Please note: CNAS encourages active duty members of the military to apply for the program.
CNAS understands that most of the participants will be employed full-time, but expects the Next Generation Leaders to attend and participate in all events. Please note that this is a time-consuming program. Efforts will be made to schedule events in such a way so as to reduce conflicts for the participants.
 

Nominating Letters 

Nominating letters should be no longer than 500 words. Letters should address attributes such as the candidate’s experience, intellectual abilities, leadership capacity and potential. If not submitted with the other application materials through the online form, nomination letters can be emailed directly to CNAS at [email protected] with "Nominating Letter" in the subject line or mailed to:

Center for a New American Security
c/o Zachary Hosford
1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Ste. 403
Washington, D.C. 20004
 
Deadline: All applications must be received (or postmarked in the case of nominating letters mailed separately) by 5:00 PM EST on Friday, September 3, 2010.  Applicants selected to participate in the program will be notified by Wednesday, September 15.
 
This information and the link to the online application form is available on the CNAS website here.

An opening reception will take place in early Fall. Unless otherwise stated, all events will take place in Washington, D.C.; individuals are responsible for any travel expenses incurred.
 
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The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is an independent and nonpartisan research institution that develops strong, pragmatic and principled national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow.