SUBJECT: MIDN Summer Internship Program After-Action
Report
1. General Information – During my three week summer internship at the Pentagon,
I was assigned to the N3/N5 office, which deals primarily with International
Strategy and policy. As such, the office is the primary point of contact
stateside for Naval attaches abroad and hosts foreign naval attaches. In
addition, the office is responsible for providing background briefs to flag
officers (including the CNO) prior to Navy-to-Navy visits. The office is divided
into regionally into areas of expertise, and I was fortunate enough to work with
both the Asia/ Pacific and Near East/South Asia branches.
2. Experience Gained – The experience fit perfectly in with both my academic and
military experience at the academy. In addition to learning more about
Navy-to-Navy relations and current international events, I think the most
important thing I learned on this internship was individual responsibility. The
other interns and I were treated as officers, not midshipmen. There were no
accountability formations or time clocks—it was up to you to be where you needed
to be when you needed to be there, while providing your own transportation and
housing. In addition, I was given the responsibility as the sole Asia/ Pacific
desk officer for several days to a personnel turnover.
3. Workday -- The workday lasted from 0730 to 1500. Upon arrival in the morning, I helped prepare a daily Political/Military report on a maritime issue in my region (for example, acts of piracy in Southeast Asia). After that, I would generally work on a “read-ahead” which provided background information to officers meeting with foreign officers or government officials.
4. Highlights – I enjoyed finally being able to use my security clearance on a daily basis, to research everything from relations with China and their military advances to Insurgent attack patterns in Iraq. I also enjoyed the responsibility of being the sole desk officer for a period of time toward the end of my internship.
5. Recommendations – I would recommend this internship to any International Relations major, because it offers a glimpse into one of the few offices in the Navy that deal solely with international diplomatic relations on a daily basis. The experience, however, was expensive. Finding short-term housing was difficult and ended up costing over $2,000. Food was also relatively expensive, and since this was an unpaid internship, the academy did not offset the cost.
Subj: INTERNSHIP AFTER ACTION REPORT: HQMC PP&O Division
From 29 June 2006 to 14 July 2006, I worked at Headquaters Marine with the Plans Policy and Operations Division. PP&O is divided into regional specialties, and for most of my time I shadowed LtCol. Fischer who was in charge of SOUTHCOM. Occasionally, I would follow other officers from the division to diversify the area of the world that I was working in. By the end of my internship I had been exposed to every region of the world and worked on different projects pertaining to each region.
Not only did I receive exposure on how foreign relations work on the political and military side, but I was educated on how countries become more involved in the GWOT and aid the United States overseas. Also, the officers regularly shared experiences and lessons learned that made them better leaders and officers.
I participated in a number of projects that dealt with classified material, and I also wrote a nonclassified paper on the North Korean missile launch that took place on 5 July 2006.
The biggest highlight for me was on my last night, I had the opportunity to attend the French Embassy’s party on Bastille Day. I was introduced to numerous foreign dignitaries and attachés.
I highly recommend that this internship become a permanent opportunity for Midshipman on summer cruise to participate. For the future I would recommend that HQMC see if it were to be possible to offer travel vouchers to take the metro in to work in the morning. Also, I did not have access to my own computer, so whenever I needed to use one, I had to wait until someone was not using their own, and ask permission. I know this could have been a burden to some of the officers who complete most of their work on the computer.
The officers at PP&O represent the highest caliber of leaders the military has to offer. I was impressed on a daily basis with their professionalism, work ethic, and dedication. The lessons I learned from them in leadership will prove probably more beneficial to me within the next year than anything I can learn in the classroom. I will highly recommend anyone interested in foreign policy to pursue this internship because it offers so much more than just foreign policy.
Subj: INTERNSHIP AFTER ACTION REPORT: OPNAV N5IS
SUBJ: Internship After-Action Report: Office of Legislative Affairs
1. General Information:
Originally I had set up and internship with Senator Rodham-Clinton’s office, but as I was seeking final approval I was told by the Office of Legislative Affairs through the Naval Academy’s JAG office that this was strictly prohibited. Any member wishing to take part in a Congressional Internship must obtain approval from the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary of Defense can also approve an umbrella program, which military members can apply for. After I was told that I could not participate in the Congressional Internship, I asked if I could spend some time at the Office of Legislative Affairs, and was granted this request.
While at the Office of Legislative Affairs, I rotated through all of its branches; I spent time with those in charge of programs, those in charge of other issues, and the liaison offices to the House of Representatives and the Senate.
2. Experience Gained:
While at the Office of Legislative Affairs, I learned a great deal about the Congressional Authorizations and Appropriations process. I learned the exact role of the OLA verses the FMBE. The FMBE is the only office that can legally engage Congress on the issue of Authorizations. The OLA, on the other hand, is in charge of working out issues related to Appropriations. I saw how a program makes its way from initial concept to fully funded project that reaches the Fleet. I witnessed the immense complexity and range of interests of numerous different factions involved in the determination of the future of the Navy. I was also able to see how the people of the OLA were able to influence events. This internship was an incredible experience that gave me a chance to see the complicated and fascinating process of Congressional Authorizations and Appropriations.
3. Projects:
While at the OLA, I focused on seeing as much as possible within the OLA. The projects of the OLA are very high level, so I did not expect to have any substantial role of my own. Rather, I tried to sit in on as many meetings and talk to as many people as possible.
The real value of the internship was the interaction with the people there. I was able to speak to O-4’s, O-5’s, and O-6’s about their careers and their present jobs and about their perspectives on important issues facing the Navy which they were intimately involved in. I was also able to talk to O-2’s and O-3’s at the Liaison offices on the Hill about their jobs, which consisted largely of organizing and escorting Congressional members on Congressional Delegations. I also had some interaction with members of the Congressional Delegations, who would often explain some of the political nuances of their particular states or congressional districts.
On top of all of this I was able to attend a Congressional Delegation to Andrews Air Force Base to watch the air show and another to Mayport, Florida to watch the re-commissioning of the USS Florida (SSGN 728). One of the most exciting experiences for me was the chance to sit in on General Hayden’s confirmation hearing for Director of the CIA.
4. Highlights:
Witnessing General Hayden’s confirmation hearings, traveling to Mayport for the re-commissioning of the USS Florida, and having the chance to meet Senator John McCain’s Military Legislative Assistant where undoubtedly among the top highlights of the internship.
LCDR Sally Hughes did an incredible job setting up activities at the last second. She was able to provide a comprehensive experience in just two short weeks. The officers of the Office of Legislative Affairs were very friendly and always willing to answer my questions.
5. Recommendations:
I found this internship to be a worthwhile experience. I recommend that the Naval Academy pursue a stronger relationship with the Office of Legislative Affairs and set up more internships at the Pentagon. I also recommend that the internship be made longer, and that midshipmen spend more time at the Hill with the Liaison offices and sitting in on hearings relevant to the military. The timing of the internship is also important, since the Congress goes into recess later in the summer. Also, participation in a Congressional Delegation would enhance the experience significantly.
6. Additional Information:
Because this internship was set up at the last second, I stayed at a friend’s house in Virginia and commuted to the Pentagon. Commuting was a very time-consuming process. Perhaps interns might be able to stay in one of the dormitories of the various universities in Washington, D.C.
I wore summer whites for the entire internship. However most of the officers working at the OLA wear civilian attire because of their frequent visits to Capital Hill. I would recommend that interns have appropriate civilian attire available.
Subj: INTERNSHIP AFTER ACTION REPORT: (OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE)
Subj: INTERNSHIP AFTER ACTION REPORT: USNORTHCOM
I spent the month of July (from 30 June until 31 July) working with the J52 Maritime staff at Headquarters US Northern Command (NORTHCOM). Working as a member in the J5 (Policy, Plans, and Strategies) directorate, I was assigned to be part of the team implementing the Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) CONOPS (Concept of Operations) and supporting plans. This work is pursuant to the President’s directive outlined in the National Strategy for Maritime Security.
The experience I gained was invaluable as I prepare to commission as a Naval Officer. The staff tour allowed me to see the fleet’s other side and understand exactly how the US Navy and DOD are currently working to further National Security. Using the knowledge and skills I have learned here at USNA I was able to provide up-to-date and poignant commentary to the current issues being scrutinized at high levels of both civilian and military governance. Having the chance to be an action officer on a national level document, working with a team of civilian personnel, military officers and enlisted, as well as contractors has given me an appreciation for the plans and policies that are enacted every day in the fleet. Seeing the staff aspect of the military was encouraging to know that there exists a nerve center where concerns are raised, contingencies planned for, and new policies created all in hopes to enable us to do our job (protect this nation and its allies) more effectively.
I was tasked as an action officer on the development and implementation of the new MDA CONOPS. This document establishes the framework for security, warning, and preparation in the maritime domain. Recognizing that our borders (and specifically our ports and waterways) are vital national interests, this document sought to outline the strategy by which military, civilian, private, and government organizations would combine forces as a Global Maritime Community of Interest (GMCOI) to better secure the United States.
I was also tasked as the action officer for creating a briefing to Maj. Gen. Volcheff (USNORTHCOM J5) regarding the NORAD / USNORTHCOM Efforts in the Maritime Domain. This briefing package included large national documents and plans as well as mission and command specific plans regarding MDA. The briefing was given to Maj. Gen. Volcheff as well as his two Brig. General deputies.
I was tasked as an advisor to the Maritime Homeland Defense Execution Order’s Air-to-Ship CONOPS. This project is classified beyond this document and cannot be discussed.
I had the opportunity to advise the J52 director on the current technological situation and gave input to new technologies and innovations that would be beneficial to J52’s mission.
I was also tasked with creating an outing for the J52 (Policy Division) staff as an MWR event.
My work on the MDA CONOPS was taken seriously and went into the national document that is currently awaiting national concurrence. In addition, my work was praised by Maj. Gen. Volcheff so highly that I was tasked with creating UNCLASS versions of the briefing that he could have ready access to so that he might be continually apprised of the current MDA status (a national hot point).
Beyond the work, my time at NORTHCOM was excellent. The connections I made and people I met were outstanding. Most of the officers had already been selected for promotion, and nearly all carried several graduate degrees. The caliber of knowledge and professional expertise, from military officers to contractors (who were primarily retired officers), was outstanding. Not only did I learn about the staff job I was working in, but I learned about other experiences from the fleet that aided my decision for service selection.
This internship should be funded, for at least lodging. Peterson AFB and USNORTHCOM have much to offer in the way of Midshipman training. The ability to use clearances, gain new perspectives, work at high levels of government, critically think about issues that are of great national interest, and meet impressive officers and civilians, is an invaluable one. Lodging costs can grow, but this internship needs to continue so that others might gain similar experiences; therefore, it is my strongest recommendation that this internship continue but as a funded (or even partially funded) internship.
The people I met at NORTHCOM are upwardly mobile and I am confident that our paths will cross again. I can count nothing but gain from my time on the USNORTHCOM J52M staff.
Subj: INTERNSHIP AFTER ACTION REPORT: Institute for Defense Analysis
This last summer, I had the opportunity to work at the Institute for Defense Analysis (IDA) as part of a summer internship obtained through the United States Naval Academy Political Science Department. The internship lasted from 10 MAY – 26 MAY, and although this may seem like a very short time, the brevity of the internship was more than made up for in the unique and unforgettable experience I had working there.
Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, IDA is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center for the Department of Defense, and its job is to “address important national security issues, particularly those requiring scientific and technical expertise.” As such, I worked in the IDA Studies and Analyses Center. For the first week and half, I worked under Dr. Barry Crane in the Strategy, Forces, and Resources Division (SFRD). SFRD’s official task is: “performing integrated, interdisciplinary studies of plans and policies related to national security strategy, the structure and capabilities of and foreign forces, and the infrastructure supporting forces.”
Dr. Crane, an Air Force “Zoomie,” who was a combat pilot during Vietnam, took me under his wings from the get-go, and fully involved me in all of his daily activities. He would go over his current projects and research with me on a daily basis, and allowed me to ask as many questions as I liked. Dr. Crane had a lot of experience working in the greater D.C. area. He worked in the Pentagon as an Air Force officer before he retired, and later he was appointed the Deputy Director for Supply Reduction at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy during the Clinton Administration. Thus, he was a master at navigating through the thick bureaucracy of Washington D.C., and during the course of the internship, he made it his duty to pass onto me what practical knowledge/wisdom he had about working in D.C. as both a civil servant and a military officer. Some of the highlights during my time with Dr. Crane included dinner at Ft. Meyer with the Daliens, the Fraternal Order of Military Pilots, of which Dr. Crane is a member, a luncheon at the Army/Navy Club in D.C., a meeting at the Pentagon, in the Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, and a meeting at the Department of State, in the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
However, my time with Dr. Crane also included a project in connection with some of his current research that allowed me to use the statistical and empirical skills I had developed at the Academy. As one of Dr. Crane’s current projects involves a re-evaluation of the abilities of port security in the context of the recapitalization of the Coast Guard’s maritime assets, my project involved an evaluation of port security using a mathematical deterrence model that although was originally used to explain and direct policy concerning drug smuggling interdiction and deterrence in South America, was now being cross-applied from drug cells to terrorists cells. More specifically, my project was to evaluate the extent to which safety and operational Coast Guard inspections in various major U.S. ports effectively deterred potential terrorist plotters and smugglers. Dr. Crane gave me some guidance, but he also challenged me to problem solve real-world problems. The result was an eleven page report, “Potential Effects of Safety Inspections on the USCG Maritime Terrorism Deterrence Model,” which he accepted as a research aid.
The next week and half was spent in the Joint Advanced War-fighting Program (JAWP) Division, under which active duty military personnel work, and whose official task was defined as: “to serve as a catalyst for stimulating innovation and breakthrough improvements in joint military capabilities.” While in JAWP, I worked under Mike Pease, a retired Navy pilot and Naval Academy alumnus, who directed me in doing some junior intelligence analysis on Iran. Having an opportunity to “get my hands dirty,” with some real intelligence at the secret level was the opportunity of a lifetime, and gave me a quick peep at the nature of the intelligence community and its culture and framework. JAWP also afforded me the opportunity to talk to many active and retired military personnel (and often times, many of them were alumni of one of the three military academies) about their careers and time in service. Thus, strictly from a military perspective, IDA allowed me the chance to interact and learn more about the role, nature, culture, and history of the armed forces.
During the internship, I stayed with the parents of one of my company mates in D.C., and took the metro/bus to work everyday. This was much easier and less expensive than staying at the Academy and renting a car. As the internship came under the category of no-cost orders, nothing was reimbursable. However, the experience made up for any of these trivialities. On a minor note, IDA treats you extremely well. On the first day, I was set up in my own office, which came with a personal phone line, computer, and IDA email account. Such amenities were definitely foreign to me as a Midshipman, but very much appreciated, as they contributed to the seriousness and maturity with which I approached my assignments during the course of the internship.
Working at IDA allowed me to grow academically and professionally, and it gave me the chance to observe and interact with the operational military and the Washington D.C. environment from the vantage point of a dedicated and successful federal defense research program. I gained invaluable perspective from the experience; perspective which I think has significantly contributed to my development and maturity into a Naval or Marine Corps officer.
Subj: INTERNSHIP AFTER ACTION REPORT: OPNAV
During my three week internship at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Strategy and Planning Division, I was assigned to the East Asia Strategy Desk. Initially, I was paired with a Navy LT who provided me with all of the things I would need during the internship, such as a security clearances, ID cards, and a computer. Later, I was assigned to a LCDR who handled northern East Asian strategy. The office I worked for welcomed me from the moment arrived, I was personally greeted by Admirals, Lieutenants, and civilians alike. The officer in charge of my internship, CDR Lippold, made considerable effort to provide me with a wide range of experiences during the internship.
The amount of experiences that I gained at the internship was more than I ever expected. At the Naval Academy we have very little exposure to staff positions and the Pentagon in general, so this internship gave me an opportunity to see an entirely different community in the military. During my stint at the East Asia Strategy Desk, I was able to meet and work with naval attaches, civilian experts, Admirals and even a Marine Corps General. Meeting and talking with these individuals improved my knowledge of the various military communities of which they belonged. Moreover, with each day I was able to learn more about the inner workings of diplomacy and negotiations in the Navy.
Once I began working for the East Asia Strategy branch, I was given various projects to complete. I routinely reviewed the information and reports regarding East Asia and submitted status updates to the division, which would later be sent up to the Chief of Naval Operations. Other jobs that I was tasked with included revising and compiling reports for foreign visits and meetings with naval attaches. During one period, I was actually in charge of the East Asia Strategy branch because the officers assigned to the region were touring a number of countries in Asia on a diplomat mission with a high level official.
Among the many highlights of my internship was meeting with and talking to the former Commandant of the Naval Academy, Brigadier General Allen, USMC. Moreover, the opportunity to learn from and work with so many experienced officers was invaluable. Finally, being placed in charge of running the East Asia strategy branch for a few days was certainly a memorable experience.
I would recommend this internship to any midshipman who wants to actually do something valuable to Navy over the summer while learning a great deal about the way the Pentagon and the military operates. I took this internship during part of my leave time, and I would not hesitate to do it again because it is a worthwhile experience. I would recommend a willingness to learn and ask questions because the people you work with will love that type of enthusiasm and be more than happy to share with you their experiences at the Pentagon. Some of the drawbacks are the expense of the internship and the fact that housing is not provided. The DC area is a very expensive place to live and commute so I would recommend finding family or friends to stay with during the internship to offset some of the costs.
This internship was the most rewarding summer training I have done while at the Naval Academy. It provides midshipmen with a chance to see an entirely different culture of the military at the Pentagon, and as a result gives them with a valuable understanding of the inner workings of the military. Moreover, the military officers and civilians are excited to help out interns and teach you about their own jobs. The atmosphere at the office is welcoming and encourages midshipman to participate in as much as possible. Come with a positive attitude and this internship will be both educational and fun.
Subj: INTERNSHIP AFTER ACTION REPORT: United States Institute of Peace
I interned at USIP for about three weeks in July. I worked at their post-conflict and stability operations desk under Beth DeGrasee (bdegrasse@usip.org).
USIP specializes in conflict areas of the world. I leaned a great deal from some of the leading experts in the world on Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans, and Africa. My time at USIP was also beneficial in seeing how the civilian world makes to policy decisions and tries to build consensus. Understanding their motivations and aims will benefit me greatly when working in any joint military/civilian environment in the future.
I assisted a group trying to set-up an on-line database. The aim of the database is to provide articles on lessons learned in previous post-conflict environments to practitioners in the field via the internet. For example, if I was working in Iraq trying to establish the rule of law, I would have access to what worked and what did not work in trying to establish the rule of law in the Balkans, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, etc. The hope is that having this information available will lead to less confusion and more successful implementation of policy.
-Sitting in on calls directly from a Major General in Afghanistan asking for advice on establishing effective police forces at Fort Carlisle.
-Sitting in on a working group trying to establish metrics for the rule of law in Iraq and Afghanistan at the request of military commanders.
-Meeting the former Interior Minister of Afghanistan
-Having the ability to hear from officials high in government in various other conflict spots in the world during conferences at USIP.
It appears that some serious strings were pulled to allow me to intern at USIP because they apparently do not accept interns at all. USIP, however, is a good place to keep in mind for future midshipmen if they express an interest in conflict studies. The executive director of USIP is ex-Navy so the ability to swing this deal again might not be so hard in the future.
I know the internship was completely voluntary and done on my leave time, but it would have been nice if the Political Science department had some funding available to cover metro rides and gas to drive to New Carrollton everyday.
Subj: INTERNSHIP AFTER ACTION REPORT: INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES
Generic Attack Model: I set up a hypothetical situation in which I calculated probabilities of car bombs being able to successfully attack and disable a base. In this project I worked with a number of IDA employees, where I set up Monte Carlo simulations and other probability producing simulations.
Dirty Bomb Project: I wrote a 17 page paper on the potential damage of different types of dirty bombs. I did in depth research on the recent history of dirty bomb attacks, different chemicals that can be used, different types of explosions that could set off a dirty bomb and which would be most effective, the economic impact of an attack on different cities, and the changing impact depending on weather, speed in response, and other variables.
Subj: INTERNSHIP AFTER ACTION REPORT: OPNAV N5IS
Subj: INTERNSHIP AFTER ACTION REPORT: OPNAV N3/N5IS
1. I was first paired with a LT who was in charge of the European desk for International Strategy, (N5IS). This was my main point of focus, but I was able to experience mainly all of the different regions of the world through the US Navy’s point of view. In this office all of the officer’s were tasked with being an intermediary between a foreign department’s Navy or the embassy with which they were affiliated and the US Navy. Their role was to keep up-to-date relations with every ally in the world. Subsequently, they would brief Admirals of the US Navy on significant events that affect the US in any way.
2. I would be happy to recommend this learning experience to any midshipman thinking about an internship during their first-class summer. It was important to be a rising first-class because of the general knowledge of the Navy and the Marine Corps that I had to have in order to have a basis of knowledge in the N5IS office. I was able to ask questions of any officer in the office about what their specific role is and what their background has been in order for them to complete their work. I met with RADM Cullom who is the officer-in-charge of N5IS. A few LCDRs’ had educational backgrounds in specific regions such as the Middle East, and I was able to work with them on a few country briefs. I sat-in on a meeting with the Asst. Secretary of Defense of Veteran Affairs that involved our actions in Iceland.
3. A civilian, Ms. Amy Palko, who was hired by the Department of Defense as an expert in certain countries was another person that I worked closely with in the office. She would task me with putting together read-ahead folders that would brief a certain Admiral on a specific country and/or an officer that may be coming to the Pentagon in order to pay a visit. This folder would contain a read-ahead that highlighted specific issues which involved a country and the US, a biography on any foreign dignitary that was going to attend, and talking points that the Admiral may want to touch on. In each of these meetings I took notes and would write up a memo so that it could keep other officers, who could not attend, updated on what was discussed.
4. One specific highlight was being able to attend a meeting that ADM Willard, VCNO of US Navy, was having to congratulate certain officers that were chosen to be Naval attaches to specific countries. I even had my picture taken with him. The Asst. Secretary of Defense for Veteran Affairs, Hon. Mr. Hall, had a meeting with many different government agencies, including the State Dept., to discuss a military base closure in Iceland. Overall, the whole experience was a highlight because every day there was something else new to see and do. I was taken down to the secret command and control areas for all of the service branches. Another day I received a tour of the CNO’s office and other high-ranking officers. I had a great time every day that I was able to go to the Pentagon.
5. I recommend this opportunity to anyone interested in truly learning about what the administrative side of the US Navy is all about. To be able to learn about Naval policy in the rest of the world and to see what relations we actually have with other navies and countries is truly eye-opening and remarkable. If this internship is a possibility, I recommend staying in the Washington D.C. area near a metro station. The whole city offers so much to do and all of it is accessible by a metro stop. I stayed with a friend who helped defer a lot of the cost because Washington D.C. can be very expensive but whatever you pay is ultimately worth it to enjoy this experience.