ALCOAST 259/26 - AUG 2026 SOLICITATION FOR CANDIDATES FOR THE ARCTIC FRONTIERS, EMERGING LEADERS (AFEL) PROGRAM - 2027

R 242006Z AUG 26  MID120041464161U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 259/26
SSIC 1500
SUBJ: SOLICITATION FOR CANDIDATES FOR THE ARCTIC FRONTIERS,
EMERGING LEADERS (AFEL) PROGRAM - 2027
1. The Center for Arctic Study and Policy (CASP) located at the
U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT is soliciting for a
participant to attend the Arctic Frontiers, Emerging Leaders
Program (AFEL); this an educational and international engagement
opportunity. The week long program, which includes travel to Norway,
is fully-funded through CASP and the Polar Coordination Office
(CG-PCO) in Washington, D.C.
    a. Eligibility for this program is open to Coast Guard military
(active duty officer and enlisted) and Coast Guard civilian
personnel who are under the age of 35 at the time of application.
        (1) Candidates should have operational, policy, academic, or
other research experience in the polar regions of the world.
2. This program brings together early career professionals from
various sectors, including Indigenous Peoples, business, policy,
and research representatives, for leadership and cultural
development in issues relevant to the Arctic.
    a. The selected candidate will be one of 30 participants from
different countries, cultures, and sectors in a blend of technical,
social, and cultural events accompanied by mentors from business,
politics, research and academia to expand the participants'
professional competence on topics of Arctic security, economic
development, and environmental protection.
    b. The Emerging Leaders Program experience concludes with
participation in the Arctic Frontiers Conference, where participants
with further engage with various stakeholders to share their views
and expertise. Additional details are available at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser.)

https://arcticfrontiers.com/emerging-leaders/

AARs from previous Coast Guard participants are available at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser.)

https://uscga.edu/academics/osri/casp/engagements/

3. The program takes place from 28 JAN Through 04 FEB 2027
starting in Bodo to Lofoten to Tromso, Norway, then
culminating at the Arctic Frontiers 2027 conference.

4. Interested candidates should submit a two (2) page memorandum
in 12-font with command endorsement via email directly to the
POC in para 6. The Coast Guard memorandum should include the
following:
    a. Why you want to participate in the AFEL?
    b. What are your expectations of the experience?
    c. How would you apply this experience to your CG Career?
    d. What do you think is the main challenge to knowledge-based
discussions regarding the Arctic, and what is your role in meeting
this challenge?
        (1) This question relates specifically to the theme of this
year's Emerging Leaders program, Navigating Noise, as well as the
overarching theme for the Arctic Frontiers 2027 conference,
"Information/Disinformation."
5. Memorandum applications are requested by COB 01 OCT 2026
and must include a command endorsement of the candidate and
permitting the TDY dates above to support the program.
6. POC. Mr. Tony Russell, Executive Director of CASP, or LT
Samantha Farquhar, Assistant Director of CASP at casp@uscga.edu.
7. Mr. Michael D. Emerson, SES, Director of Marine Transportation
Systems (CG-5PW), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.