UNCLASSIFIED

Army Regulation 1–202

Administration

Army 

Congressional 

Fellowship 

Program

Headquarters

Department of the Army

Washington, DC

7 April 2017
SUMMARY of CHANGE

AR 1–202

Army Congressional Fellowship Program

This major revision, dated 7 April 2017—

o Requires the Chief of Legislative Liaison, in consultation with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint 

Staff, to identify potential utilization tours in combatant commands and defense agencies (para 2–2b).

o Revises eligibility and military education requirements for the fellowship to include captains and majors (paras 3–

1b(1) and 3–1c).

o Expands eligibility for congressional fellowships to senior noncommissioned officers (para 3–1b(1)).

o Changes civilian eligibility from General Schedule-13 through General Schedule-15 or equivalent levels to General 

Schedule-11 through General Schedule-14 or equivalent levels (para 3–1b(2)).

o Expands the National Guard status and requirements for officers selected for the Army Congressional Fellowship 

Program requirements (paras 3–1b(1)(c) and 3–1c).

o Updates the fellowship timeline to integrate a master’s degree in Legislative Affairs Program (para 3–3b).
*This publication supersedes AR 1-202, dated 26 May 2000.

AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017

UNCLASSIFIED

i

Headquarters

Department of the Army

Washington, DC

*Army Regulation 1–202

7 April 2017 Effective 7 May 2017

Administration

Army Congressional Fellowship Program

History. This publication is a major revision.

Summary. This regulation contains 

policy, guidance, and procedures for legislative and congressional activities for the 

Army Congressional Fellowship Program.

Applicability. This regulation applies 

to members of the Regular Army, the Army 

National Guard/Army National Guard of 

the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve unless otherwise stated. It also applies 

to civilian employees of the Department of 

the Army, to include employees of non-appropriated fund instrumentalities. During 

mobilization, chapters and policies contained in this regulation may be modified by 

the proponent.

Proponent and exception authority. The proponent of this regulation is the 

Chief of Legislative Liaison. The proponent 

has the authority to approve exceptions or 

waivers to this regulation that are consistent 

with controlling law and regulations. The 

proponent may delegate this approval authority, in writing, to a division chief within 

the proponent agency or its direct reporting 

unit or field operating agency, in the grade 

of colonel or the civilian equivalent. Activities may request a waiver to this regulation 

by providing justification that includes a 

full analysis of the expected benefits and 

must include formal review by the activity’s senior legal officer. All waiver requests will be endorsed by the commander 

or senior leader of the requesting activity 

and forwarded through their higher headquarters to the policy proponent. Refer to 

AR 25–30 for specific guidance.

Army internal control process. This 

regulation contains internal control provisions and provides an internal control evaluation for use in evaluating key internal 

controls (see appendix B).

Supplementation. Supplementation 

of this regulation is prohibited without prior 

approval from Headquarters, Department of 

the Army, Office of the Chief of Legislative 

Liaison, Washington, DC 20310–1600.

Suggested improvements. Users 

are invited to send comments and suggested 

improvements on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank 

Forms) directly to Headquarters, Department of the Army, Office of the Chief of 

Legislative Liaison, 1600 Army Pentagon, 

Room 1E416, Washington, DC 20310–

1600.

Committee continuance approval. AR 15–1 requires the proponent to justify 

establishing/continuing committee(s), coordinate draft publications, and coordinate 

changes in committee status with the Office 

of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, Department of the 

Army Committee Management Office 

(AARP–ZA), 9301 Chapek Road, Building 

1458, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060–5527. Further, if it is determined that an established 

“group” identified within this regulation, 

later takes on the characteristics of a committee, as found in the AR 15–1, then the 

proponent will follow all AR 15–1 requirements for establishing and continuing the 

group as a committee.

Distribution. This publication is available in electronic media only and is intended for command levels B, C, D, and E 

for the Regular Army, the Army National 

Guard/Army National Guard of the United 

States, and the U.S. Army Reserve.

Contents (Listed by paragraph and page number)

Chapter 1

Introduction, page 1

Purpose • 1–1, page 1

References • 1–2, page 1

Explanation of abbreviations and terms • 1–3, page 1

Responsibilities • 1–4, page 1

Statutory authority • 1–5, page 1

Chapter 2

Responsibilities, page 1
Contents—Continued

ii AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017

Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) • 2–1, page 1

Chief of Legislative Liaison • 2–2, page 1

Director of the Army Staff • 2–3, page 2

Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1 • 2–4, page 2

Deputy Chief of Staff, G–3/5/7 • 2–5, page 2

Chief, Army Reserve • 2–6, page 2

Director, Army National Guard • 2–7, page 2

Chapter 3

Army Congressional Fellowship Program Selection, page 3

Eligibility criteria • 3–1, page 3

Army Congressional Fellowship Selection Board process • 3–2, page 4

Fellowship timeline • 3–3, page 5

Army Congressional Fellowship Program reports • 3–4, page 6

Chapter 4

Army Congressional Fellowship Program Fellowship Sponsors, page 6

Fellowship sponsor criteria • 4–1, page 6

Approval process for fellowship sponsors • 4–2, page 7

Chapter 5

Army Congressional Detail Assignments and Tracking, page 7

Policy • 5–1, page 7

Detail request processing • 5–2, page 7

Tracking participants • 5–3, page 8

Appendixes

A. References, page 9

B. Internal Control Evaluation, page 11

Glossary
AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017 1

Chapter 1

Introduction

1–1. Purpose

The purpose of this program is threefold. First, it provides outstanding commissioned officers, noncommissioned officers 

(NCOs), and Department of the Army Civilians (DACs) with firsthand experience and understanding of the strategic relationships between the Army and Congress. Second, the program exposes Congressional members and staff to the outstanding quality of the Army’s commissioned officers, NCOs, and DACs to allow them to learn about the Army as an institution 

through contact with Army personnel working in their office. Third, the program develops individuals for possible future 

selection as congressional liaison personnel.

1–2. References

See appendix A.

1–3. Explanation of abbreviations and terms

See glossary.

1–4. Responsibilities

Responsibilities are listed in chapter 2.

1–5. Statutory authority

Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 1322.06 contains information on the Army Congressional Fellowship Program 

(ACFP) and the roles and responsibilities of the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) (USD (P&R)) and 

the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Legislative Affairs) (ASD (LA)).

Chapter 2

Responsibilities

2–1. Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs)

ASA (M&RA) has Army oversight responsibility and approval authority for ACFP fellows, fellowships, sponsors, details, 

and detailees. Oversight responsibilities for ensuring overall compliance with the DOD intent of the program include:

a. Conducting an annual review to ensure compliance with DODI 1322.06 and submitting final results of this review 

to USD (P&R) no later than 31 January each year.

b. Preparing quarterly reports, as needed, on congressional fellows who, as of the date of such report, have served 

continuously in the legislative branch for more than 12 consecutive months in one or a combination of covered legislative 

details or fellowships, in accordance with Public Law 109–364.

c. Preparing, as needed, a report on any member of the U.S. Army assigned to a legislative detail or fellowship as the 

last tour of duty before retirement or separation from the Armed Forces. The report will include a rationale for the waiver 

of the DOD regulations in order to permit the detail or Fellowship, in accordance with Public Law 109–364.

2–2. Chief of Legislative Liaison

The CLL will—

a. Recommend to ASA (M&RA) those positions on the Army staff, direct reporting units (DRUs), Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), and the Joint Staff requiring legislative branch experience.

b. Coordinate with ASD (LA) and the Joint Staff to identify positions at defense agencies and combatant commands 

which may require officers with legislative branch experience.

c. Recommend changes to the number of ACFP fellows, to include needed specialties and branches, required each year.

d. Advise the U.S. Army Human Resources Command (USAHRC) on the timing of, and specific needs of, the program 

for the annual Army Congressional Fellowship Selection Board.

e. Provide central oversight and guidance to military and DAC ACFP fellows during all phases of the fellowship.

f. Coordinate with appropriate agencies to conduct Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) orientation and 

training for fellows prior to placement in congressional offices.

g. Coordinate with ASD (LA) for placement of fellows in approved congressional offices.
2 AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017

h. Coordinate with the appropriate agencies to monitor and ensure proper utilization of former military fellows in positions identified in paragraphs 2–2a and 2–2b.

i. Process requests for new ACFP fellowship sponsors.

j. Request funding in the Army Budget and Program Objective Memorandum for Advanced Civil Schooling to allow 

congressional fellows to pursue a master’s degree in legislative affairs.

k. Periodically reviews the fellows’ duties to ensure compliance with this regulation and DODI 1322.06.

l. Recommend waivers or deferments of utilization tours to Commander, USAHRC. Deferments and waivers are limited to centrally selected positions and for the good of the Army.

2–3. Director of the Army Staff

DAS has Army staff oversight responsibility for the ACFP.

2–4. Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1

a. The DCS, G–1 will—

(1) Solicit applicants through the use of worldwide messages and training catalogs.

(2) Approve applicants to compete for ACFP fellowships through the use of a screening process to ensure that the 

requirements of paragraph 3–1 are met.

(3) Forward endorsed applications, with the appropriate personnel records, to the Army Congressional Fellowship Selection Board (ACFSB).

(4) Provide career management and guidance to ACFP applicants and fellows.

(5) Provide funds to compensate ACFP sponsors.

(6) Facilitate follow-on utilization assignments.

b. The Commanding General (CG), USAHRC will—

(1) Conduct annual, centralized, multi-panel, and/or component ACFSBs to select the best-qualified eligible candidates 

for ACFP fellowship from the Regular Army, the Army National Guard (ARNG), the U.S Army Reserve (USAR), and 

DACs. (See para 3–2.)

(2) Maintain a single database of all ACFP fellows and congressional detailees and make those personnel who have not 

done so available to complete their 2-year utilization tour.

(3) Coordinate payment of the master’s degree education to the civilian institution.

2–5. Deputy Chief of Staff, G–3/5/7

The DCS, G–3/5/7 will—

a. Solicit applicants through the use of worldwide messages and training catalogs.

b. Approve applicants to compete for ACFP fellowships through the use of a screening process to ensure that the requirements of paragraph 3–1 are met.

c. Forward endorsed applications, with the appropriate personnel records, to the ACFSB.

d. Provide career management and guidance to ACFP applicants and fellows.

e. Provide funds to compensate ACFP sponsors.

f. Facilitate follow-on utilization assignments.

g. Allocate the number of master’s degrees in legislative affairs the Army will resource between the Active Component 

(AC), RC, and Army Civilian work force.

2–6. Chief, Army Reserve

The CAR will—

a. Solicit applicants through the use of worldwide messages and training catalogs.

b. Approve applicants to compete for ACFP fellowships through the use of a screening process to ensure that the requirements of paragraph 3–1 are met.

c. Forward endorsed applications, with the appropriate personnel records, to the ACFSB.

d. Provide career management and guidance to ACFP applicants and fellows.

e. Provide funds to compensate ACFP sponsors.

f. Facilitate follow-on utilization assignments.

2–7. Director, Army National Guard

The DARNG will—

a. Solicit applicants through the use of worldwide messages and training catalogs.
AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017 3

b. Approve applicants to compete for ACFP fellowships through the use of a screening process to ensure that the requirements of paragraph 3–1 are met.

c. Forward endorsed applications, with the appropriate personnel records, to the ACFSB.

d. Provide career management and guidance to ACFP applicants and fellows.

e. Provide funds to compensate ACFP sponsors.

f. Facilitate follow-on utilization assignments.

g. Allocate the number of master’s degrees in legislative affairs the Army will resource between the AC, RC, and Army 

Civilian work force.

Chapter 3

Army Congressional Fellowship Program Selection

3–1. Eligibility criteria

a. Specific eligibility. Eligible recipients must meet specific eligibility criteria established annually in a USAHRC military personnel (MILPER) message and DCS, G–3/5/7, Civilian Training and Leader Development Division’s training 

announcement. In general, the following eligibility criteria apply:

b. Rank/grade.

(1) Military.

(a) Regular Army. Commissioned officers will be in the grade of O–3 (captain) or O–4 (major) with at least 6 years of 

active Federal commissioned service as of the date of application. NCOs will be in the grade of E–9 (sergeant major) with 

at least 6 years remaining until their retention control point or mandatory retirement date as of the date of application.

(b) Army Reserve. Commissioned officers will be in the grade of O–3 (captain) or O–4 (major) and currently serving 

in the selected reserve. Officers selected for the fellowship but not in an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) status will be 

accessed into the AGR Program for a minimum of 4 years. NCOs will be in the grade of E–9 (sergeant major).

(c) National Guard. Commissioned officers will be in the grade of O–3 (captain) or O–4 (major) and currently serving 

in the ARNG. Officers selected for the fellowship but not in an AGR status will be placed in a one-time-occasional-tour 

(OTOT) status for the duration of the program. NCOs will be in the grade of E–9 (sergeant major). Title 32 AGR and MDay applicants must have a signed The Adjutant General (TAG) release letter to apply for the program.

(2) Civilians. DAC employees (general schedule (GS)-11 through GS–14 or equivalent levels) must have a minimum 

of 3 consecutive years of service under one or more permanent civilian positions.

c. Education.

(1) Military education.

(a) Regular Army. Commissioned officers will be Captain Career Course graduates. NCOs must be graduates of the 

United States Army Sergeants Major Academy or an equivalent sister service academy.

(b) Army Reserve. Captains must have completed the Captain Career Course. Majors are recommended to have completed intermediate level education (ILE) prior to reporting for the fellowship.

(c) National Guard. Captains must have completed the Captain Career Course. Majors are recommended to have completed ILE prior to reporting for the fellowship.

(2) Civilian education. All applicants (military and civilian) must have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an 

accredited educational institution. Applicants may have post-baccalaureate education, but may not have a post-baccalaureate degree in legislative affairs or any other similar discipline.

(3) Applicants. All applicants for the ACFP must show strong academic performance and aptitude to successfully complete a graduate-level degree.

d. Other qualifications.

(1) Previous duty positions. Commissioned officer applicants must have successfully completed company, troop, or 

battery command, or equivalent captain-level key developmental (KD) position for their branch or functional area in accordance with Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA Pam) 600–3.

(2) Civilian Education System (CES) training. DACs must have completed CES training or received course credit documentation via the Civilian Human Resource Training Automation System (CHRTAS) as follows: CES Advanced Course 

for grades GS–13 and above, or the CES Intermediate Course for grades GS–12 and below or equivalent levels.

(3) Strong interpersonal communication and written communication skills are critical to performance as a fellow. Fellows must be adaptable to diverse work environments.

(4) Physical fitness and appearance. Military congressional fellows must be physically fit and present a neat, professional military appearance.

e. Service obligation.
4 AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017

(1) Military personnel selected for the fellowship will incur two active-duty service obligations (ADSOs) that will be 

served concurrently upon completion of service in a congressional office. Pursuant to Title 10 United States Code Section 

2005 (10 USC 2005) and AR 350–100, military personnel will incur an ADSO equal to three times the length of advanced 

civilian schooling, computed in days. Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2603 and AR 350–100, military personnel who accept a fellowship will incur an ADSO equal to three times the length of the education or training, computed in days.

(2) Pursuant to 5 USC 4108(a) and 5 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 410.309(b)(2), prior to beginning the fellowship, civilian employees selected for the fellowship must sign an agreement to continue to serve in DOD for a period equal 

to at least three times the length of the program, upon completion of the fellowship.

f. Utilization.

(1) Military personnel must agree to serve in a position utilizing experience gained during the congressional fellowship 

for at least 2 years immediately following the fellowship.

(a) All or part of the 2-year utilization may be deferred or waived only with approval from the CLL or Commander, 

USAHRC based on the best interests of the Army (for example, selection for central command selection or equivalent). 

The Army Reserve and National Guard will determine deferments and waivers for their assigned personnel.

(b) ACFP is a credentialing course in lieu of the Command and General Staff Officer Course (CGSOC) Advanced 

Operations Course (AOC). In order to receive credit for CGSOC–AOC, military education level 4, and joint professional 

military education phase 1, officers must—

1. Complete all ACFP requirements and CGSOC Common Core.

2. Be in the zone for attendance or selection for attendance at ILE in order to be considered for CGSOC–AOC credit. 

This is defined as all officers who would be eligible for double below-the-zone consideration for promotion to major and 

officers who are majors. Officers will be identified by their respective human resources command for inclusion in ILEbroadening opportunities.

(2) DACs remain assigned to their parent organization throughout their time in the fellowship program. Upon completion of the fellowship, DACs will return to their parent organization.

g. Restrictions. Numerous restrictions are placed on Army military and civilian personnel regarding partisan political 

activities. Eligible candidates must agree to comply with DODI 1322.06. Fellows must also be familiar with congressional 

staff ethics rules and guidelines.

3–2. Army Congressional Fellowship Selection Board process

a. Solicitation of nominations. The DCS, G–1; the CAR; the DARNG; and DCS, G–3/5/7 solicit qualified applicants 

through appropriate personnel channels in sufficient time to bring screened records before the ACFSB.

b. Application procedures. Military members should consult the annual MILPER message. Civilians should consult 

the Army Civilian Training Catalog.

c. Application packet contents. Applicants will include the following with their application packets:

(1) Statement of purpose, for military.

(2) Statement of interest, for civilians.

(3) Civilian resume.

(4) All post-secondary education transcripts.

(5) Current DA Form 705 (Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard), for military applicants.

d. Screening.

(1) Regular Army. The Commander, USAHRC will screen military applications to ensure that eligibility criteria set 

forth in paragraph 3–1 of this publication are met. The Commander, USAHRC, is the final approving authority for Regular 

Army ACFP nominations. Applicant files will be forwarded to the board only after the appropriate career assignment 

manager determines that the officer or NCO can complete the full length of the program, including utilization, without 

adversely affecting the applicant’s career timeline.

(2) Army Reserve and National Guard. The CAR and the DARNG will screen USAR and ARNG applications to ensure 

that eligibility criteria set forth in paragraph 3–1 of this publication are met. The CAR and DARNG will endorse applications meeting the above criteria and forward them under a cover memorandum, to Commander, USAHRC, 1600 Spearhead 

Division Avenue (AHRC–OPL), Fort Knox, KY.

(3) Civilian employees. Nominating supervisors, commands, and DCS, G–3/5/7 are responsible for ensuring civilian 

applicants meet the criteria set forth in paragraph 3–1. The DCS, G–3/5/7 will endorse applications of civilians meeting 

the above criteria and forward them under a cover memorandum to Commander, USAHRC, Fort Knox, KY. The DCS, 

G–3/5/7 is the final approving authority for civilian nominations.

e. Board procedures.

(1) The ACFSB will convene annually at USAHRC.

(2) The Commander, USAHRC will issue a memorandum of instruction no later than 2 months prior to the ACFSB.
AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017 5

(3) The Selection Board will consist of five panels, one each for Regular Army officers, ARNG officers, USAR officers, 

NCOs, and civilians. The military panels will consist of at least three military personnel of equal or higher grade than the 

applicants. The civilian panel will consist of the Chief, Civilian Training and Leader Development Division and at least 

two GS-14s or GS-15s. Additionally, at least two members from the Office of the Chief, Legislative Liaison (OCLL) will 

sit on each panel and one member from the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller) 

(ASA (FM&C)).

(4) The Commander, USAHRC will submit board selection results to the CLL. The CLL will vet each candidate and 

make the final selection of fellows based on Army requirements and candidate interviews before forwarding the final list 

through the DAS to ASA (M&RA).

(5) The ASA (M&RA), after endorsing the list of Army congressional fellows, will forward the list to the USD (P&R) 

for final approval.

(6) The ASA (M&RA) will provide the list of OSD-approved applicants through the DAS and the CLL to the Commander, USAHRC; the CAR; the DARNG; and the DCS, G–3/5/7 for notification and production of orders.

(7) Each personnel management organization must notify all their applicants of the results of the Selection Board (including those selected and those not selected).

(8) OCLL will forward the list of OSD-approved applications and contact information to the ACFP sponsor(s), who 

will then initiate contact with the fellows and provide instructions for admission to the program.

(9) A criminal history, Inspector General, and Equal Opportunity/Equal Employment Opportunity background check 

of all selectees will be conducted prior to final notification announcements.

f. Acceptance.

(1) Fellows must agree, in writing, to the ADSO (military) or continued service (civilians) before starting the fellowship. (See para 3–1e.)

(2) All fellows must acknowledge in writing their understanding of, and their commitment to complying with, the ethics 

requirements of DODI 1322.06 and other DOD and Army regulations governing participation in partisan political activities.

(3) All fellows must be admitted to the civilian institution hosting the ACFP graduate degree in order to participate in 

the fellowship program.

3–3. Fellowship timeline

a. Phase I: Academics.

(1) Selected military fellows will conduct a permanent change of station move to the National Capital Region in accordance with assignment instructions, generally by 1 May of the year prior to assignment to a congressional office. Fellows will be assigned to the U.S. Army Student Detachment, Fort Jackson, SC, and attached to HQDA for the duration of 

the fellowship. In-processing is conducted online at http://www.jackson.army.mil/. USAR and ARNG personnel will conduct in-processing with their respective component.

(2) Selected civilian fellows will be in a temporary duty status for the duration of the training period. Command activities are responsible for associated travel and per-diem costs. HQDA central training funds may be used to fund travel and 

per-diem with the approval of the respective functional chief representative.

b. Master’s degree. Following acceptance into the sponsor’s program, fellows will pursue a master’s degree in legislative affairs through an intensive and rigorous course at a National Capital Region area university. Fellows will continue 

taking classes in the evening while serving in a congressional office. Concurrent with advanced civil schooling in phase I, 

fellows will receive in-depth orientation of HQDA roles. This orientation enables the fellows to achieve the following:

(1) Understand the professional and ethical roles and responsibilities of ACFP fellows.

(2) Understand how HQDA operates to develop and implement Army policy.

(3) Understand the Army's position on a wide range of issues of interest to Congress.

(4) Develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the legislative policy process.

(5) Understand all restrictions in seeking an assignment to and working for a Member of Congress or a congressional 

committee, including guidance encompassing standards of conduct and prohibition to engage in campaigns, fund-raising, 

political party activities, and lobbying.

c. Phase II: Capitol Hill fellowship. CLL will coordinate with ASD (LA) to slate fellows in congressional committees 

or offices.

(1) When developing the slate, the CLL will consider the following:

(a) OSD allocations.

(b) Match of the fellow’s skills to the Member’s committee assignments and congressional district and/or state.

(c) Needs of the Army.

(d) Fellows with pre-existing relationships with Members of Congress.
6 AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017

(2) Legislative duties within a Member’s office are at the discretion of the Member and staff. Most fellows will be 

assigned to Members of the defense oversight committees or committee staff. However, fellows will gain substantial and 

useful knowledge of the legislative process regardless of the legislative portfolio to which they are assigned.

(3) General duties while serving in a Member’s office include:

(a) Providing general military and veterans’ experience to the office.

(b) Researching and analyzing legislative proposals and advising the staff on courses of action.

(c) Preparing the Member for meetings, hearings, and other functions.

(d) Assisting the staff and the Member in long-term legislative planning.

(e) Responding to constituent inquiries.

(f) Assisting in the development of strategic communications for the Member.

(g) Event planning and speech writing.

(4) Fellows are expected to fully and professionally support the Member’s goals and direction, regardless of their personal political views, while also adhering to DOD and Army regulations covering political activity and ethics. (See DOD 

5500.7–R, Joint Ethics Regulation.)

(5) During the fellowship, fellows will attend periodic seminars designed to facilitate feedback, enhance the fellows' 

knowledge of Congress, and to receive updates on Army and DOD priorities.

(6) OCLL House Liaison Division and Senate Liaison Division chiefs will serve as the fellows’ military mentor. In this 

capacity they will maintain contact with and provide general information to fellows while they are serving on Capitol Hill. 

However, the fellow is not expected to and should not appear to provide the Army with private or privileged information 

from the Member’s office.

(7) Military fellows will maintain the Army values, appearance, and fitness standards. All fellows will represent the 

Army in a positive light.

(8) The duty uniform is typically civilian business attire, in accordance with office policy. For military fellows, the 

Army personal grooming standards remain in effect.

(9) Commissioned officers are not eligible for a civilian clothing allowance and should budget for purchase of sufficient 

business attire.

(10) Specific laws, DOD, and Service regulations govern service member participation in partisan political activity. 

There are also specific congressional restrictions on a member’s legislative office and staff use in campaign work. Fellows 

must be aware of and comply with these laws, rules, and guidelines.

(11) Military and civilian fellows will receive an annual evaluation report for the 12 rated months in the Member’s 

office. The Member of Congress serves as rater and senior rater for officers, NCOs, and civilians.

d. Phase III: Utilization.

(1) Military fellows will make a permanent change of station move to start a 2-year utilization tour in January of the 

year following completion of 12 months of service in a congressional office.

(2) For active duty officers and NCOs, the priority for utilization tour assignments will be in OCLL, the ASA (FM&C), 

Budget Liaison, the Army staff, the OSD, or the Joint Staff.

(3) Personnel may also be assigned to legislative liaison duties for Army DRUs, combatant commands, DOD agencies, 

or other operational headquarters as required.

(4) The Office of the Chief, Army Reserve (OCAR) and DARNG will assign USAR and ARNG officers to utilization 

tours. The CLL will assign those reserve component fellows not returning to OCAR or ARNG after consultation with 

OCAR and ARNG.

(5) The CLL may approve deferment or waiver of all or part of the utilization tour for exceptional circumstances that 

include selection for battalion command, attendance at a Department of the Army centralized selection list school or assignment, or the best interest of the service or the service member.

3–4. Army Congressional Fellowship Program reports

To satisfy the requirements of DODI 1322.06, an annual report must be prepared by the CLL, endorsed by the DAS, and 

forwarded by the ASA (M&RA) to the Office of the USD (P&R).

Chapter 4

Army Congressional Fellowship Program Fellowship Sponsors

4–1. Fellowship sponsor criteria

a. Eligible sponsors. In accordance with DODI 1322.06, eligible sponsors are—

(1) Corporations, foundations, funds, and educational institutions organized and operated primarily for educational purposes that are tax-exempt under 26 USC as determined by the General Counsel of the Army.
AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017 7

(2) Corporations, foundations, funds, or educational institutions that would qualify as tax-exempt organizations under 

paragraph 4–1a(1) as determined by the General Counsel of the Army, with the exception of foreign corporations, foundations, funds, or educational institutions.

(3) Any other corporation, foundation, fund, or educational institutions not covered by paragraphs 4–1a(1) and 4–

1a(2) that the CLL and the DAS endorse, that the ASA (M&RA) approves for the Army, and that the USD (P&R) or their 

designee, has determined operates primarily for educational purposes.

b. Ineligible sponsors. These are—

(1) Business groups operating for profit.

(2) Political organizations.

4–2. Approval process for fellowship sponsors

a. New requests for ACFP sponsorship are forwarded to OCLL for processing. Requests should include the following:

(1) Purpose and scope of the sponsor's program.

(2) Timeline of the sponsor's program.

(3) Sponsor's application process and competition requirements.

(4) Interviews with participants in the sponsor's program.

(5) Cost of the sponsor's program.

(6) Consistency of the sponsor's program.

(7) Applicability of the sponsor's program activities to the ACFP and relevant laws, directives, and regulations.

b. The CLL forwards the request through the DAS to the ASA (M&RA).

c. The ASA (M&RA) forwards requests to the General Counsel of the Army to ensure the sponsor complies with 

paragraph 4–1 of this regulation, DODI 1322.06, and relevant statutes of the U.S. Code.

d. The ASA (M&RA) approves program sponsors to ensure they sufficiently fulfill the needs of the Army to prepare 

personnel for their Army congressional fellowship and follow-on utilization assignments, and forwards to USD (P&R) for 

final approval.

Chapter 5

Army Congressional Detail Assignments and Tracking

5–1. Policy

a. Army personnel may be detailed to congressional committees and staffs to support specific projects of predetermined 

duration, on a reimbursable basis, when Army personnel are found to be uniquely qualified to accomplish the task and the 

detail is in the interest of the Army and DOD.

b. Each detailee will receive practical training on avoidance of prohibited political activities and must acknowledge his 

or her understanding, in writing, of the requirements of DODI 1000.17 during in-processing through the OCLL prior to 

performing any duty with a congressional committee.

c. Personnel will not be detailed to the legislative branch when such a detail would be the last tour before retirement or 

separation.

5–2. Detail request processing

a. All requests for details are forwarded to the CLL, who then notifies the ASA (M&RA) and the DOD Executive 

Secretariat.

b. Each request will include a statement of duties along with the proposed duration of the detail; the funding basis 

(reimbursement or non-reimbursement), including rationale if a non-reimbursable detail is being requested; security clearance requirements; and requested personnel attributes (grade or rank, skills, and qualifications).

c. The Secretary of Defense is the approval authority for detail of members of the Armed Forces and DOD civilian 

personnel to the legislative branch outside the parameters of the Legislative Fellowship Program.

d. The CLL has operational responsibility for the detailees and provides the detailees with orientation and guidance. 

The orientation includes classes or seminars covering the operation and organization of Congress. Guidance must encompass standards of conduct, including prohibition to engage in campaigns, fund-raising, political party activities, or lobbying.

e. Detailees serve their tours with the legislative branch, with periodic feedback to the CLL.

f. At the completion of the detail, the detailee must submit a written report through the CLL and the DAS to the ASA 

(M&RA). At a minimum, that report must include benefits gained by the DOD from details and major duties performed.
8 AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017

5–3. Tracking participants

a. USAHRC retains a master database of former and current congressional fellows and detailees.

b. The CLL derives information from the database to produce the reports required by DODI 1322.06 as prescribed in 

paragraph 3–4.

c. ASA (M&RA) derives information from the database to produce the reports, as prescribed in paragraph 3–4.
AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017 9

Appendix A

References

Section I

Required Publications

DODI 1322.06

Fellowships, Scholarships, Training with Industry (TWI), and Grants for DOD Personnel (Cited in para 1–5.)

Section II

Related Publications

A related publication is a source of information. The user does not have to read it to understand this regulation. Unless 

otherwise stated, Army publications are available at http://www.apd.army.mil. DOD issuances are available at 

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/index.html. Public Laws, United States Codes, and Codes of Federal Regulations are 

available at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/.

AR 15–1

Boards, Commissions, and Committees – Committee Management

AR 25–30

The Army Publishing Program

AR 350–1

Army Training and Leader Development

AR 350–100

Officer Active Duty Service Obligations

AR 621–1

Training of Military Personnel at Civilian Institutions

AR 621–7

Army Fellowships and Scholarships

DA Pam 600–3

Commissioned Officer Professional Development and Career Management

DOD 5500.07–R

Joint Ethics Regulation (JER)

Public Law 109–364

John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007

5 CFR 410.309

Agreements to continue in service

5 USC 4108

Employee agreements; service after training

10 USC 2005

Advanced education assistance: active duty agreement; reimbursement requirements

10 USC 2603(b)

Acceptance of fellowships, scholarships, or grants

26 USC

Internal Revenue Code

Section III

Prescribed Forms

This section contains no entries.
10 AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017

Section IV

Referenced Forms

Unless otherwise indicated, DA forms are available on the Army Publishing Directorate Web site, at 

http://www.apd.army.mil.

DA Form 11–2

Internal Control Evaluation Certification

DA Form 705

Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard

DA Form 2028

Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms
AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017 11

Appendix B

Internal Control Evaluation

B–1. Function

The function covered by this evaluation is the administration of the ACFP.

B–2. Purpose

The purpose of the evaluation is to assist internal control administrators in evaluating key internal controls. It is not intended to cover all controls.

B–3. Instructions

Answers must be based on actual testing of the key internal controls such as document analysis, direct observation, interviewing, sampling, and simulation. Answers that indicate deficiencies must be explained and the corrective action indicated in supporting documentation. These internal controls must be evaluated at least once every 5 years. Certification that 

the evaluation has been conducted must be accomplished on DA Form 11–2 (Internal Control Evaluation Certification).

B–4. Test questions

a. Are key internal controls identified in the governing Army regulation? (HQDA functional proponent only.)

b. Are required publications, as shown in appendix A, available to administrators of the ACFP? (They do not have to 

be maintained on hand.)

c. Are procedures in place to ensure all personnel, including ACFP fellowship sponsors, are aware of the provisions of 

this publication?

d. Have procedures been put in place to ensure the ACFP tracking system has been updated?

e. Have records of the board proceedings in the selection of the ACFP been tracked?

f. Are systems in place to track utilization of participants in the ACFP?

g. Have the annual reports been prepared to satisfy the requirements of DODI 1322.06?

B–5. Supersession

Not applicable.

B–6. Comments

Help make this a better tool for evaluating internal controls. Submit comments to Headquarters, Department of the Army, 

Office of the Chief of Legislative Liaison, 1600 Army Pentagon, Room 1E416, Washington, DC 20310–1600.
12 AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017

Glossary

Section I

Abbreviations

AC

Active Component

ACFP

Army Congressional Fellowship Program

ACFSB

Army Congressional Fellowship Selection Board

ADSO

Active Duty Service Obligation

AGR

Active Guard Reserve

AR

Army regulation

ARNG

Army National Guard

ASA (FM&C)

Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller)

ASA (M&RA)

Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs)

ASD (LA)

Assistant Secretary of Defense (Legislative Affairs)

CAR

Chief, Army Reserve

CES

Civilian Education System

CFR

Code of Federal Regulations

CG

Commanding General

CGSOC

Command and General Staff Officer Course

CHRTAS

Civilian Human Resource Training Automation System

CLL

Chief of Legislative Liaison

DA Pam

Department of the Army pamphlet

DARNG

Director, Army National Guard

DAS

Director of the Army Staff

DCS, G–1

Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1
AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017 13

DCS, G–3/5/7

Deputy Chief of Staff, G–3/5/7

DOD

Department of Defense

DODI

Department of Defense instruction

DRU

direct reporting unit

GS

general schedule

HQDA

Headquarters, Department of the Army

ILE

intermediate level education

KD

key developmental

MILPER

military personnel

NCO

noncommissioned officer

OCAR

Office of the Chief, Army Reserve

OCLL

Office of the Chief of Legislative Liaison

OSD

Office of the Secretary of Defense

RC

Reserve Component

TAG

The Adjutant General

USAHRC

U.S. Army Human Resources Command

USAR

U.S. Army Reserve

USC

United States Code

USD (P&R)

Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness

Section II

Terms

Army Congressional Fellowship Program eligible recipient

A person seeking to participate in an ACFP fellowship by meeting criteria specified in paragraph 3–1 of this publication.

Army Congressional Fellowship Program fellow

A person serving in an ACFP fellowship.
14 AR 1–202 • 7 April 2017

Army Congressional Fellowship Program fellowship

The preparation and assignment (under the auspices of an approved sponsor) of selected Army personnel to work within 

the legislative branch for a specified period of time to gain education or experience of future value to the Army.

Army Congressional Fellowship Program fellowship sponsor

The third-party organization approved by the ASA (FM&C) to sponsor an ACFP fellow under the requirements of DODI 

1322.06.

Army Congressional Fellowship Program tracking system

A database that contains current and historical ACFP personnel data and provides a single source for inquiries regarding 

all ACFP fellows and detailees.

Army Congressional Fellowship Selection Board

A centralized, multi-panel and/or component, best-qualified selection board held annually to identify the eligible candidates of ACFP fellowships, by an order-of-merit list, for Regular Army, ARNG, USAR, and DAC personnel.

detail

A temporary assignment of a military member or DAC to perform duties in the legislative branch. A detail excludes ACFP 

fellowships, as defined in this regulation and by DODI 1322.06.

detailee

The person serving on a detail assignment whose compensation is appropriated to perform duties in the legislative branch, 

with the intention of his or her returning to the DOD upon completion of those duties.

Section III

Special abbreviations and terms

AOC

Advanced Operations Course

DAC

Department of the Army civilian

OTOT

one-time-occasional-tour
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