1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21350November 5, 2002Defense Fellows Programsname redactedNational Defense FellowForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryEach year, over one hundred commissioned military
2、officers and Department ofDefense (DOD) civilians participate in diverse programs outside DOD aimed atprofessional education of the individual and enrichment for the services and the hostagency. Over the years, the general process of assigning DOD personnel, and especiallymilitary officers, outside
3、of the Department has drawn public scrutiny. With U.S. forcesinvolved in numerous military operations around the world and experiencing a highdegree of personnel tempo, many have raised concerns that assignment of militaryofficers to Defense Fellows Programs may detract from war-fighting efforts. Th
4、us, itappears likely there will be ongoing congressional interest in and oversight of theseprograms. This report will be updated as events warrant.IntroductionFor 40 years, commissioned officers of all military services and Department ofDefense (DOD) civilians have participated in diverse programs o