Next Harding Fellows selected, program expanded

THE ARMY UNIVERSITY, FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas - The second group of Harding Fellow military editors-in-chief have been selected and will be the first to experience the expanded broadening opportunity.

This cohort's fellow program will see them not just editing their journals, but also on the University of Kansas campus as graduate students.

A cooperative agreement with the university represents a mutually beneficial education arrangement for the Fellows to earn a Master of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications before editing their journals.

Five Army journals, Army Sustainment, Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin, Special Warfare, Infantry, and Air Defense Artillery, will gain their new Fellows starting summer of 2026, following their degree program.

"The selection of the first full cohort of Harding Fellows is an important step in strengthening our Army profession. These specially selected Fellows will acquire and apply editorial skills at our Centers of Excellence to revitalize our professional journals," Gen. Gary M. Brito, Commanding General, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. "This program not only strengthens the quality and accessibility of our military journals but also ensures that our leaders can share lessons learned and insights that drive professional discourse and discussion in support of our Army's mission."

The FY25 Harding Fellow Cohort includes:

Army Sustainment: Capt. Steven M. Denaro (AG)

Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin: Capt. Thepnakone T. Souimaniphanh (MI)

Special Warfare: 1st Sgt. Alexander A. Conaty (CA)

Infantry: Capt. Jared G. Petersen

Air Defense Artillery Journal: Capt. Matthew A. Becker (AD)

Capt. Matthew Becker is one of the five Soldiers selected for the second group of Harding Fellows.

The program provides Becker with the chance to improve himself and his profession.

"I am always drawn to opportunities that are both challenging and rewarding," he said. "The Harding Fellowship offers a unique platform to push my intellectual and professional boundaries while representing and promoting the Air Defense Artillery branch, highlighting its vital contributions to the Army's mission."

Harding Fellow Program

The Maj. Gen.

Edwin Forrest Harding Fellowship was established in July 2024 as a continuation of the Harding Project's drive for cultural change through professional writing and discourse.

The first group included 11 junior officers, hand-picked by their branch leadership, to be the first uniformed editors for their Army branch journals in almost two decades.

Paired with the talented civilian editors, the Fellows worked to renew the impact of their journals.

The first Fellows were instrumental in the increase of professional writing and publication across their respective journals, with a nearly 50% increase in submissions.

They also supported the launch of the Line of Departure website, which provides web-first, mobile-friendly professional pieces for the Army from any device and location.

The program, which is a two-year assignment, became an official broadening opportunity in August 2024.

For more information on the CSA's Harding Project, visit Harding Project Substack | Zachary Griffiths | Substack.

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