Annex A

THE PORTAL FELLOWSHIP

Introduction

1.         The Portal Fellowship consists of sponsorship to allow either serving officers or those approaching retirement to undertake a PhD on a part- or full-time basis.  In either case, the key elements are that gaining the qualification would need to be demonstrably in the Service interest, and the area of study would need to focus on an air power related subject.  Up to 8 Portal Fellowships may run concurrently.

Detailed Elements

2.         A Portal Fellowship is awarded by CAS on the recommendation of COS Pers/Air Sec and D Def S (RAF).   A PhD is a major undertaking that should not be entered into lightly. Therefore, prior to application interested parties should contact the D Def S (RAF) TO to discuss the fellowship and be provided further information.  Following this a letter should be sent to D Def S (RAF) expressing an interest, including a 200 word synopsis of the potential field of study, and an indication of where the study might take place.  If this is assessed as feasible, the individual is likely to achieve academic success and subsequently be in a position to use the PhD for the good of the RAF then D Def S (RAF) will assist in ‘matchmaking’ between the individual, the institution and the supervisor and help to refined the research proposal.  Following this a formal application should be made directly to D Def S (RAF) using the form at Annex H.  D Def S (RAF) will complete the Fellowship application form in concert with COS Pers/Air Sec and chosen academic institution and the application will then be considered at the next Selection board.  The assistance and support of D Def S (RAF) and his staff should not be seen as indicative of success on the board as there can be a significant number of applicants, all whom have had the same support, competing for the 2 places annually.   Fellowships will normally be for no longer than 5 years’ part-time or 3 years’ full time (15 or 9 academic terms respectively), and will cover the following:

a.         Academic fees at the chosen institution.

b.         Travel and subsistence for any necessary visits (serving officers only).

c.         Accommodation at the academic institution (if required – maximum of 1 year full-time or an equivalent period of part-time – serving officers only).

d.         Administrative support from the D Def S (RAF) organisation:

i)          Full support for serving officers including insert slip for the individual’s SJAR reporting chain.

ii)         Limited support for retired officers.

e.         In cases of non-completion of the qualification, any requirement to repay a portion of the fees will be dependent upon the cause of such non-completion.

f.          A book and publications grant (pro-rata against the full academic year award for MPhil/MA/MLitt students: £600 for a full year, up to a maximum of £ 1 800 for either full or part-time PhD).

3.         No Training Return of Service period is associated with the award of a Portal Fellowship.  Where possible, the individual will be encouraged to produce a manuscript for consideration by publishers.

4.         Details regarding the chosen subject (and any subsequent deviation from it), timescales, academic institution, and interim reporting requirements will be determined by D Def S (RAF) and the applicant prior to completion of the application form.  A brief report on completion and a copy of the PhD thesis will be submitted to CAS by D Def S (RAF).

Annex B

THE TEDDER FELLOWSHIP

Introduction

1.         The Tedder Fellowship consists of a place on the MPhil course in International Relations (IR) at the University of Cambridge, and is aimed at officers in the rank of wg cdr/gp capt who have demonstrated the potential to reach one-star rank. It is a one-year part-taught, part-research degree which uses a multidisciplinary approach to IR.  Subjects studied include IR theory, international law, security studies, international economics, international history and regional political systems (Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Latin America).  The course is one of the most competitive and demanding MPhil degrees at Cambridge. There are approximately 600 applicants each year for 60 places available. The course is taught for a term and a half, students are then required to produce a 20 000 word original dissertation in the remaining term and a half.  The dissertation is to be on an air power related topic chosen by the applicant in concert with D Def S (RAF).  Up to 2 Tedder Fellowships will be available each academic year.

The ‘Tedder Pool’

2.         A Tedder Fellowship is awarded by CAS on the recommendation of D Def S (RAF) and COS Pers/Air Sec; two routes of entry exist. 

a.         Desk Officer Selection.  Annually, desk officers will recommend individuals that have the correct career profile, recorded reach to one star and a previously demonstrated academic ability. These individuals will be invited to visit Cambridge University and then decide whether or not they wish to join the ‘Tedder Pool’. Upon joining the pool they will then be required to complete Annex H, in consultation with D Def S (RAF) as required. The completed Annex H should demonstrate the proven academic ability and present a dissertation topic that is of demonstrable benefit to the RAF.

b.         Application.  Individuals not identified by Desk Officers, perhaps due to unknown academic achievement, and with a ‘yes’ or better to one star, may apply direct to D Def S (RAF) by completing Annex H.  These applications will be assessed by D Def S (RAF) and COS Pers/Air Sec and if deemed suitable the applicant will be invited to join the ‘Tedder Pool’. In some case interviews may be required.

3.         Once in the ‘Tedder Pool’ applicants will be considered equally no matter the entry route. It is anticipated that the pool will contain 6-8 potential fellows at any time and from this it follows that membership of the pool does not guarantee a Fellowship.  The Fellows for each year will be chosen from the pool by D Def S (RAF) and COS Pers/Air Sec who will consider a number of factors but particularly how that academic year fits in with the individuals’ posting plots.  Recommendations will be made to CAS who will award the Fellowships.

4.         Leaving the ‘Tedder Pool’. Once in the pool there are three ways to leave:

a.         Selection for a Fellowship.

b.         Deselection by desk officers due to proximity to or actual promotion, or reach to one star becoming unlikely.

c.         An individual no longer wishing to be considered. 

Detailed Elements

5.         Fellowships will last for 3 academic terms, and will cover the following:

a.         Academic fees at Cambridge.

b.         Travel and subsistence for any necessary visits.

c.         Accommodation.

d.         Full administrative support from the D Def S (RAF) organisation.  D Def S (RAF) will act as the individual’s first RO for his/her MOD Form 2020C.

e.         A book and publications grant of £600.

6.         There is a 3-year Training Return of Service associated with a Tedder Fellowship.  The output of the Fellowship will consist of the MPhil dissertation.  Individuals will be required to produce a synopsis of their dissertation for publication in Air Power Review, or other academic journal (if suitable).  A brief report on completion and a copy of the MPhil dissertation will be submitted to CAS through COS Pers/Air Sec by D Def S (RAF). 

Annex C

THE SPAATZ FELLOWSHIP

Introduction

1.         The Spaatz Fellowship consists of a year at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS) at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, and is aimed at officers in the rank of wg cdr of all branches who have demonstrated the potential to reach one-star rank and have already successfully completed study at masters degree level. The SAASS is the most selective of all the USAF schools, taking only 5% of those eligible to attend, and is specifically aimed at developing strategists in the art and science of aerospace warfare.  It is a very demanding course academically, with a reading load of 1200 to 1500 pages per week, and SAASS graduates are in high demand for a wide range of subsequent appointments.  The dissertation will be on an air power related topic chosen by the applicant in concert with D Def S (RAF).  One Spaatz Fellowship will be available each academic year.

Detailed Elements

2.         A Spaatz Fellowship is awarded by CAS on the recommendation of D Def S (RAF) and COS Pers/Air Sec.  Potential Spaatz Fellows will be managed alongside the potential Tedder Fellows in the Tedder Pool, see Annex B.  Again two routes of entry exist, identical to the Tedder process.  Membership of the pool will not guarantee a Fellowship and methods of leaving the pool are the same as for the Tedder Fellowship.  The Fellowship will last for a year, and will consist of undertaking the SAASS course at Maxwell AFB, Alabama.  Where possible this will be associated with a follow-on tour in the USA.  A book and publications grant of approximately US $1000 will be provided to the Fellowship recipient.

3.         There is a 3-year Training Return of Service associated with a Spaatz Fellowship.  The output of the Fellowship will consist of the SAASS dissertation.  Individuals will be required to produce a synopsis of their dissertation for publication in Air Power Review, or other academic journal (if suitable).  A brief report on completion and a copy of the SAASS dissertation will be submitted to CAS through COS Pers/Air Sec by D Def S (RAF). 

Annex D

THE SYKES FELLOWSHIP

Introduction

1.         The Sykes Fellowship consists of one place for an officer or SNCO who is capable of undertaking original study to Masters Degree level.  Whilst the thesis topic does not have to be directly air power related, it will be expected to fall somewhere within the social science/history spectrum (eg international relations, war studies, security studies, peace studies, international law) and must be of demonstrable benefit to the Service.  One Sykes Fellowship will be available each academic year.

Detailed Elements

2.         A Sykes Fellowship is awarded by COS Pers/Air Sec.  Any serving RAF officer or SNCO may apply directly to D Def S (RAF) using the form at Annex H.  Those who apply may be interviewed by the CAS Fellowship Selection Board which will confirm academic suitability and feasibility of dissertation topic, as well as taking into consideration any particular Service interests.  The Fellowship will last for 3 academic terms, and will cover the following:

a.         Academic fees at the chosen academic institution.

b.         Travel and subsistence for any necessary visits.

c.         Accommodation at the academic institution (if required).

d.         Full administrative support from the D Def S (RAF) organisation.  D Def S (RAF) will act as the individual’s first RO for his/her MOD Form 2020C.

e.         A book and publications grant of £600.

3.         There is a 3-year Training Return of Service period associated with a Sykes Fellowship.  The output of the Fellowship will consist of the Masters dissertation.  Individuals will be required to produce a synopsis of their dissertation for publication in Air Power Review, or other academic journal (if suitable).  A brief report on completion and a copy of the Masters thesis will be submitted to COS Pers/Air Sec by D Def S (RAF). 

Annex E

THE SLESSOR FELLOWSHIP

Introduction

1.         The Slessor Fellowship is specifically intended for the use of air officers; the purpose is to afford very senior officers the opportunity to undertake a period of reflection in an academic environment, in order to produce a specific piece of work that will be of benefit to the Service as a whole.  This may be related to a recent appointment, or may consist of a study into a particular area of interest – the most important element is the provision of time and space for thinking, together with academic support appropriate for the subject to be covered.  One Fellowship will be available each academic year.

Detailed Elements

2.         A Slessor Fellowship is awarded by CAS on the recommendation of D Def S (RAF) and COS Pers/Air Sec.  Individuals interested in undertaking the Fellowship may apply directly to D Def S (RAF) using the form at Annex I.  Suitable officers may also be nominated by their command chain or by D Def S (RAF).  In all cases, D Def S (RAF) will complete the form in concert with COS Pers/Air Sec and chosen academic institution.  Fellowships will normally be for no longer than 2 academic terms, and will cover the following:

a.         Academic fees at the chosen institution (negotiated by D Def S (RAF) and the hosting academic).

b.         Travel and subsistence for any necessary visits.

c.         Accommodation at the academic institution (if required).

d.         Full administrative support from the D Def S (RAF) organisation.  D Def S (RAF) will pass comment made by the academic institution to COS Pers/Air Sec for input into the individual’s reporting chain as he sees fit.

e.         A book and publications grant (pro-rata against the full academic year award for MPhil/MA/MLitt students: £600 for a full year) of £400 for a 2-term Fellowship, and £200 for a single term.

3.         There is no Training Return of Service associated with a Slessor Fellowship, but the paper will (if suitable) be considered for publication in Air Power Review.  Alternatively it may be suggested that it is sent for consideration in an external journal (e.g. RUSI).

4.         The output of the Fellowship will be agreed by D Def S (RAF) and the applicant before the placement commences, although it may of course be revised as the study progresses.  A brief report on completion and a copy of the output will be submitted to CAS by D Def S (RAF). 

Annex F

THE TRENCHARD FELLOWSHIP

Introduction

1.         The Trenchard Fellowship is intended to afford officers (below the rank of air commodore) and SNCOs the opportunity to undertake a period of reflection in an academic environment, in order to produce a specific piece of work that will be of benefit to the Service as a whole.  This may be related to a recent appointment/detachment, or may consist of a study into a particular area of interest – the most important element is the provision of time and space for thinking, together with academic support appropriate for the subject to be covered.  Up to 2 Fellowships will be available each year.

Detailed Elements

2.         A Trenchard Fellowship is awarded by COS Pers/Air Sec.  Individuals interested in undertaking the Fellowship may apply directly to D Def S (RAF) using the form at Annex H; applicants via this route will be considered by the CAS Fellowships Selection Board which sits in Nov/Dec each year.  Suitable officers may also be nominated by their command chain or by D Def S (RAF), in which case they will not be put before the Selection Board.  In all cases, D Def S (RAF) will complete the form in concert with COS Pers/Air Sec and chosen academic institution.  Fellowships will normally be for no longer than 2 academic terms, and will cover the following:

a.         Academic fees at the chosen institution (negotiated by D Def S (RAF) and the hosting academic).

b.         Travel and subsistence for any necessary visits.

c.         Accommodation at the academic institution (if required).

d.         Full administrative support from the D Def S (RAF) organisation.  Reporting responsibilities will be as directed by COS Pers/Air Sec.

e.         A book and publications grant (pro-rata against the full academic year award for MPhil/MA/MLitt students: £600 for a full year, so £400 for a 2-term Fellowship, and £200 for a single term).

3.         There is no Training Return of Service associated with a Trenchard Fellowship, but the paper will (if suitable) be considered for publication in Air Power Review.  Alternatively it may be suggested that it is sent for consideration in an external journal (RUSI for instance).

4.         The output of the Fellowship will be agreed by D Def S (RAF) and the applicant before the placement commences, although it may of course be revised as the study progresses.  A brief report on completion and a copy of the output will be submitted to CAS by D Def S (RAF).

Annex G

SUMMARY OF CAS’s FELLOWSHIPS

The table below summarises the principal elements of the range of CAS’s Fellowships.