FDD’s National Security Network
FDD's Programming for Mid-Career National Security Professionals
About
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD’s) National Security Network (NSN) is comprised of nearly 600 bipartisan mid-career national security practitioners who have completed FDD’s National Security Fellows Program (NSFP), Media Fellows Program, the National Security Trip to Israel and/or the Military Trip to Israel. Participants are not FDD employees but enjoy year-round programming, which includes invitations to exclusive briefings, policy-related events, international trips and other VIP opportunities. Alumni are also provided with a platform to further connect, network, and collaborate with their peers in the national security community as well as with FDD experts.
National Security Fellows Program
FDD hosts a competitive 12-month National Security Fellows Program that supports the aspirations of promising mid-career professionals by combining networking, skill-building workshops, and roundtable conversations with high-level experts. Upon completion of the program, participants will become members of FDD’s National Security Network.
Media Fellows Program
FDD's Media Fellows Program provides educational programing and professional development opportunities to help media professionals gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between media, strategic communications, public diplomacy, misinformation, disinformation, and national security. Upon completion of the program, participants will become members of FDD’s National Security Network.
National Security Trip to Israel
FDD’s National Security Trip to Israel is a seven-day intensive national security focused trip for DC-based mid-career US national security practitioners. Throughout the week, trip participants will travel around Israel to participate in off-the-record high-level meetings with government officials, current and former Israeli and American national security decision makers; journalists; military officials; and leaders in the private sector. These in-depth conversations will be supplemented by experiential exercises, including visits to elite military installations and the high-tech sector. Upon completion of the trip, participants become members of FDD’s National Security Network.
Military Trip to Israel
FDD organizes an annual Military Trip to Israel for active-duty military officers. Throughout the week, trip participants will travel around Israel to participate in off-the-record meetings with high-level Israeli and American decision-makers, experiential visits to elite military sites, and hands-on training exercises. Upon completion of the trip, participants will become members of FDD’s National Security Network.
Congressional Fellowship Program
FDD’s Congressional Fellowship provides national security professionals with the opportunity to work on Capitol Hill for up to one year in a legislative position with a member of Congress or a congressional committee. The program provides an educational experience that prepares participants for future leadership roles inside or outside of government.
CMPP Visiting Military Officer Program
FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) offers fellowship opportunities for full-time active-duty U.S. military officers to gain research and publication experience on issues related to U.S. defense policy and strategy. The fellowship is open to officers with the rank of O-4 to O-6.