Academy cadet awarded post graduate Marshall Scholarship
U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Mark Tang, a member of the Class of 2026, has been awarded the highly competitive Marshall Scholarship, a prestigious honor that provides full funding for two years of postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
By U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Mark Tang, Class of 2026, has been awarded the highly competitive Marshall Scholarship. Upon his graduation this May, Tang will commission into the U.S. Space Force, making him the Academy’s first Space Force Marshall Scholar.
“I want to congratulate Cadet Tang for capturing a Marshall Scholarship,” said U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind. “Cadet Tang is a great example of a warrior-scholar that has forged his own path to excellence through the Academy’s rigorous and nationally recognized academic program.”
Founded by a 1953 Act of Parliament and named in honor of U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall, the Marshall Scholarship, a fully funded 2-year postgraduate program in the United Kingdom, commemorates the humane ideals of the Marshall Plan and expresses the continuing gratitude of the British people to their American counterparts.
“Cadet Tang’s selection as a Marshall Scholar is a testament to his outstanding leadership and commitment to making a difference in the world” said Col. Steven C. M. Hasstedt, Academy Acting Dean of the Faculty. “This honor reflects not only his dedication and hard work but also the inspiring mentorship and support from our faculty and staff, who continually encourage our cadets to pursue excellence and make a meaningful impact in the world.”
A political science and management major, Tang has conducted research on nuclear nonproliferation with the Institute for National Security Studies in the Republic of Korea and Japan. Tang also interned at the Joint Staff Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Planning Division at the Pentagon and the Nevada Test Site. He was a member of the Academy’s Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association team and has served in many leadership positions where he oversaw policy reform and implementation for the 4,000-person cadet wing.
“Being named a Marshall Scholar is an incredible honor and opportunity to represent the Air Force Academy and the U.S. Space Force internationally. It is an incredible honor to be the Academy’s first Space Force officer-candidate to be named a Marshall Scholar,” said Tang, a native of Moraga, Calif. “The Air Force Academy prepared me for this scholarship and beyond by combining academic rigor with real military leadership experience and athletic training. The demands of balancing academics, research, military training and service forced me to develop discipline and resilience.”
Marshall Scholars have options to study at primary and partnering universities and colleges throughout the United Kingdom. Tang will spend his first-year pursuing and studying for a Master of Arts in War Studies at King’s College London, focusing on nuclear deterrence and nonproliferation. His second year will be pursuing a Master of Science in the Theory and History of International Relations at the London School of Economics, studying great-power politics and the theoretical foundations that shape global security today.
“The Marshall Scholarship represents the chance to deepen my understanding of nuclear deterrence and international relations alongside future UK leaders and strengthen the U.S.-UK relationship that is essential to global stability,” said Tang. “My selection as a Marshall Scholar is a testament to the village of people and the immense support I’ve received from my Academy mentors. The Academy provided me irreplaceable opportunities, such as conducting research internationally, interning at the Pentagon, and working with the top scholars on nuclear policy.”
“This opportunity will not only broaden his academic horizon but also empower him to contribute innovative solutions to global challenges, embodying the spirit of leadership and service that defines the U.S. Air Force Academy,” said Hasstedt.
Following his time in the United Kingdom, Tang hopes to become a space intelligence officer. He will be the Academy’s 26th Marshall Scholar.