ALCGOFF 066/19 - AY20 OLMSTED SCHOLARSHIP SOLICITATION

R 31 MAY 19
ALCGOFF 066/19
SUBJ: AY20 OLMSTED SCHOLARSHIP SOLICITATION
A. ALCGPSC 039/19
1. This message solicits applicants for the Coast Guard’s premier post graduate opportunity for the highest performing active
duty junior officers in our service. The Olmsted Scholar Program is three years in duration, to include 12 months of extensive
language training and two years of a masters-level liberal arts education at a university abroad.
2. Overview. The United States of America is a key leader and participant in today's global community. As a result, U.S. leaders
come into contact with citizens and leaders of many nations. Relationships between nations require a unique consideration of many
factors including political, economic, and military, among others. The solutions to difficulties that arise between nations require
a deep understanding and knowledge of the particular nations involved. The Olmsted Scholar Program provides officers a unique
opportunity to acquire those skills required of today’s leader.
3. The Olmsted Foundation's mission is "To provide future leaders an unsurpassed opportunity to achieve fluency in a foreign language,
pursue graduate study at an overseas university, and acquire an in-depth understanding of foreign cultures, thereby further equipping
them to serve in positions of great responsibility as senior leaders in the United States Armed Forces." Officers with demonstrated
leadership and scholastic abilities who strive to become senior leaders in the Coast Guard and beyond are sought to apply.
4. Commands are encouraged to consider this program for their high performing junior officers and assist in publicizing this exclusive and
prestigious opportunity. It is the Command’s responsibility to mentor potential applicants about this program and seek out those who
would likely succeed in it.  Officers do not have to be familiar with the country's language to be eligible for study in that country.
5. The program is named after Major General George H. Olmsted and his wife Carol Olmsted. To read MG Olmsted's biography and for
additional information on the Olmsted Scholar Program and its goals, please go to the Olmsted Foundation's website located
at: http://www.olmstedfoundation.org.
6. Scholarship Location:
A. Once selected by the Olmsted Foundation Panel, the Foundation will notify the scholar of their assigned city and country where they will study.
B. Scholars will attend extensive language training at one of several locations: the Foreign Service Institute, in Arlington VA, or
Defense Language Institute in Presidio of Monterey, CA or Washington, DC. Scholars will begin language training in the summer of 2020.
Language training will be approximately 12 months. Language study locations will be selected and coordinated by the USCG based on the
language requirement determined by the Olmsted Foundation, the scholar’s desires, and course availability.
C. Following successful completion of language training, scholars will be assigned as detached duty from COMDT (CG-DCO-I) to their
international university. Duty at the international university will be approximately 24 months. It is the responsibility of the scholar
to select the university based on the city assignment and any other requirements of the Olmsted Foundation. The USCG expects its Scholars
to achieve a graduate level degree or certificate during this period.
7. Eligibility. Active duty officers with the following qualifications may apply for this program:
A. Consistent superior performance.
B. At least three years of commissioned service but not more than 11 years of total active federal service as of 1 April 2020
(no waivers will be granted).
C. Demonstrated scholastic achievement as captured, at a minimum, in an official undergraduate transcript for a Bachelor’s degree.
D. Strong desire and aptitude to learn a foreign language and study in an international setting.
E. Willingness to commit to the Foundation’s goals. (See Foundation’s website above for more insight)
8. Obligations Incurred:
A. Scholars incur a five-year service obligation upon graduating this program.
B. Within this service obligation, there are no designated follow-on assignments. Scholars will be considered for a career-enhancing
operational assignment at the discretion of OPM.
9. Application Procedures: Applications will require sending the following to PG/ADV Ed email with subject “Olmsted Application.” All
attachments should be PDF files, and named “LAST, FIRST MI_OLMSTED APP.” See example US Army application for reference.
A. Official Photo: A full-length front profile color photo in Tropical Blue Long uniform, uncovered.
B. Complete the Olmsted Application PDF Form and review the program solicitation details available at http://cglink.uscg.mil/4273f8c2.
The application includes the following:
i. Personal Data.
ii. Academic Data.
iii. Language Background.
iv. Scholarship Education Preferences: List, in order of preference, each university and their associated city and country where you wish
to study. See “Olmsted Candidate Study Options” for further direction.
C. One page statement on why you want to be an Olmsted Scholar.
D. Statement of extracurricular activities since beginning of undergraduate studies.
E. List of duty positions held (dates, job title, unit name, and location).
F. No more than or less than three Letters of Recommendation.
G. Additionally, a Commanding Officer’s Endorsement.
H. Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) results.
I. Transcripts of all courses at colleges and universities attended (including undergraduate, post graduate, and DOD Command and Staff courses).
J. GRE results.
Note: Any application incomplete or not following these specified procedures will be returned. Applicants are highly encouraged to review
applications several times prior to submission.
10. Language Requirement: Applicants are required to take the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) no later than 10 Sep in order to be
considered by the Coast Guard Panel. (If DLAB scores need to be submitted separate from the application, send them to the PG/ADV Ed email
with subject “LAST, FIRST MI_DLAB FOR OLMSTED APP”). The DLAB tests a person’s ability to learn a foreign language, and may be scheduled
through an Educational Services Officer (ESO). USCG ESO’s normally schedule these at the nearest DOD base.
A. While studying is not expected nor required for the DLAB, those who want to prepare for the DLAB should ensure they have a solid grasp
of English grammar before taking the test.
B. There is no minimum score required. The Olmsted Panel will consider the score among the applicant’s entire application.
11. For questions regarding this message, contact USCG Olmsted Scholar Program Manager: LCDR Kristen Hahn, COMDT (CG-DCO-I), 202-372-4464
or kristen.a.hahn(at)uscg.mil (until 1 June 2019) or LCDR Mark Brass, 202-372-4496 or mark.j.brass(at)uscg.mil.
12. CAPT M. H. Day, Chief, PSC-OPM, sends.
13. Internet release authorized.