CNAS Launches Next Generation National Security Leaders Program

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 Next Generation National Security Leaders Program. Applications for the program now being accepted through July 31.  

The program will gather future national security leaders to participate in a series of frank and open discussions on the immediate and long-term foreign and national security policy challenges. The goal of the program is to build a bipartisan network of emerging leaders and develop a shared understanding of the nation’s security interests and international priorities.

Applications for the program are being accepted now through July 31, 2009. Click here for more information.

The 2009 program will consist of a series of dinner events led by CNAS President John Nagl and Steve Biegun, corporate officer and vice president of International Governmental Affairs for Ford Motor Company, former McCain senior advisor, and CNAS non-resident fellow.

Each dinner discussion will be centered on a topic in national security and will feature a guest presentation by a leading expert on the subject. Potential topics include: Afghanistan and Pakistan, Natural Security (national security + natural resources), the future of Asia, irregular warfare, the contested commons (air, sea, space and cyberspace), and the effects of the economic crisis on national security.

The opening reception for the program will take place the week of September 1. The four remaining evening events will occur between September 8-18, and the weeks of September 28, October 19, and November 16.

Application Process

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

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

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Be under 35 years of age
• Possess a BA or equivalent degree
• Have two years of experience in researching or executing foreign policy
• Demonstrated interest in American foreign policy and/or national security
• Demonstrate a commitment to public service

Please note: CNAS encourages active duty members of the military to apply for the program.

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 nextgeneration@cnas.org with "Nominating Letter" in the subject line or mailed to:

Center for a New American Security
c/o Michael Zubrow
1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Ste. 403
Washington, D.C. 20004

Deadline: All Applications must be received via e-mail (or postmarked in the case of nominating letters mailed separately) by 5:00 PM EST on Friday, July 31, 2009.  Selected applicants will be notified by August 15. 

This information and the link to the online application form is available on the CNAS website here.

Please note: 24 applicants will be accepted into the program and all events will take place in Washington, D.C.; individuals are responsible for any travel expenses incurred.