Security Affairs Research Fellowship

This paid, semester-long fellowship provides students with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the global security environment and how the U.S. military researches and describes the operational environment. The fellowship is a cooperative project of the U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command G2 (T2COM G2) at Fort Leavenworth, KU Center for Global and International Studies (CGIS), and KU Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (CREES).

About 

The goal of T2COM G2 is to examine the operational environment through a specific set of key analytical questions addressing critical defense and security issues.  The selected students will conduct research using unclassified, credible, open-source materials, and then write a T2COM Intelligence Product (TIP)—usually a three-to-five-page paper—or similar product that substantively contributes to a broader understanding of the operational environment. Students’ contributions will be considered for publication on T2COM’s public website.  Among the users of this research are U.S. and foreign universities and organizations, T2COM, and professionals throughout the U.S. Army and Defense community.

Responsibilities

This fellowship will be conducted remotely; however, students will be asked to attend multiple meetings per semester via Zoom, Teams, or on the KU Lawrence campus to discuss their research and writing progress with T2COM G2 staff. Upon completion of the fellowship, the students will give a presentation on their research and fellowship experience to faculty and other students. This presentation will be held in person on the KU Lawrence campus. 

The fellowship is a great opportunity to learn more about global security and military operational environment analysis, deepen knowledge of a particular region or topic, and discover how select open-source materials are used in developing solid research products. It will require, on average, 10 hours a week for the duration of the semester. 

Types of Fellowships

There are two types of Security Affairs Research Fellowships available at this time. These differ in monetary amount and regional focus and/or topic:

  • CREES: Two student fellows will focus on Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia. They will be funded through CREES, with each receiving $2,000 for tuition at KU. This amount will be paid directly to Student Account Services at the beginning of the semester.
  • CGIS: One student fellow will focus on other world regions, specifically Asia Pacific, Northeast Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. The fellow will be funded through CGIS and will receive $1,500 for tuition at KU. This amount will be paid directly to Student Account Services at the beginning of the semester.

Student fellows will also receive a formal, official letter of recognition from a T2COM G2senior leader, documenting his or her expertise and work experience.

Benefits

In addition to tuition assistance, students have the opportunity to receive the following benefits:

  • Consideration for Publication;
  • Practical application of REE-studies and global studies;
  • Guided work experience in security analysis.

Eligibility

Required: KU graduate student or exceptionally well-prepared undergraduate student with deep interest in and knowledge of a specific geographic region; excellent research and writing skills. 

Preferred: Students with knowledge and foreign language skills of Asia Pacific, Northeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Balkans, Russia, Eurasia, and Central Asia. Preference will be given to students enrolled in a program through CGIS or CREES. 

Please fill out the application. The deadline to apply is August 17, 2026. Please direct any questions to Megan Luttrell (CREES) at megan.luttrell@ku.edu and Jennifer Duhamel (CGIS) jduhamel@ku.edu.

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    The operational environment is a dynamic composite of conditions, circumstances, and influences that shape the decisions of the unit commander and the deployment and employment of military forces, as well as other instruments of national power. It encompasses all variables that affect where Soldiers will train or fight.