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Political Science Department

2014 Summer Internship Program

All internships listed below have been approved for summer training credit.  However, be aware that all organic USNA training requirements (Plebe Detail, Weapons Detail, Summer Seminar, STEM Camp, etc.) take priority over internships.  If you are assigned to an internship (even if that internship is granted summer training credit) and you are assigned to an organic USNA training requirement, you will have to do your internship in lieu of leave.  If you are not willing to participate in an internship instead of taking summer leave, your application will be processed, but personnel willing to do an internship in lieu of leave will receive first consideration when making assignments.

All internships are unfunded, which means that interns are responsible for all travel, lodging, and meal expenses.  Kimsey Scholars and NWDC have in the past received some type of berthing or remuneration for berthing but this is not guaranteed.

Because some internships require security clearances, midshipmen with honor violations will not be considered.

***Be advised that due to federal budget cuts several previously-offered internship programs have been terminated; currently offered internships are also subject to budget cuts and there is no guarantee of summer placement.***

Available internships, Summer 2014:

ALL MAJORS:

  • Kimsey Scholar Program
  • Navy Energy Coordination Office (OPNAV N43E2)
  • Office of Naval Intelligence (limited number of positions for Groups I & II majors
  • Naval Warfare Development Command Strategy Directorate (NWDC) (limited number of positions for Groups I & II majors)

HUM/SS Majors ONLY:

Non DoD Agencies

Joint

  • Joint Chiefs of Staff, Strategies and Policy Directorate (J-5)
  • US Military Delegation to NATO (USMILDELNATO) Mons, Belguim

Navy


Navy Staff

Marine Corps

Internship Application Procedure:

  1. All applicants must have an Overall Cumulative QPR of 3.0 or better.
  2. All applications are due via MIDS by 15 January 2013. The HUM/SS Internship module will be open for entries as soon as 10 January. The application deadline is 15 January, 2013. 
  3. The HUM/SS Division point of contact for summer internships is LCDR Jason Chiodi, USN Political Science Department (chiodi@usna.edu; NI G084; 3-6847)
  4. All pre-requisites must be met. Do not apply for an internship if you do not meet the pre-requisites.  For course prerequisites, you meet this requirement if you are registered/pre-registered for the pre-requisite for spring semester. There are no exceptions.
  5. Faculty Recommendations - Faculty members should email LCDR Chiodi directly with their recommendations.  A brief email describing the Midshipman's performance, the context of that performance, and the faculty member's assessment of the Midshipman's ability to perform in a high-visibility internship in which they will represent the Naval Academy/Navy & Marine Corps to other US Government/private agencies.  Should further information be required, the faculty member will be contacted directly.

Internships Open to ALL MAJORS


 Kimsey Scholar Program (ALL MAJORS) - UNFUNDED (host provided lodging in 2013)

On the web - http://www.usma.edu/law/SitePages/Kimsey.aspx

Total Number of Midshipmen: 1-2  (same block)

Description: The Kimsey Scholar Program is an initiative to provide students from the military academies the opportunity to interact on a personal level with some of the most accomplished military, civilian, and business leaders in the country.  The 2 outstanding Midshipmen selected for the Kimsey Scholar Program will spend three weeks working as an intern at the State Department, or for the Supreme Court.  In addition to their work within the federal offices the students will participate in three colloquia with national leaders from the federal government, senior military leadership or civilian business leadership.  These colloquia will enable the interns to hear firsthand in an intimate setting - the 10 interns and the leader sitting around the same table - from proven leaders about their philosophy on leadership and personal experiences.  These colloquia will also provide the opportunity for personal interaction with the leader during a lengthy Q&A session.  These leaders will be handpicked by Mr. James Kimsey, a West Point graduate and former CEO of AOL.  All participants will present a briefing on their experiences and prepare a paper detailing their lessons learned.  In addition, all Scholars are expected to provide a written analysis of their experiences and how it will affect their future development as a leader.

Prerequisites:          

-Rising 1/C MIDN

-U.S. citizenship

2012 AARsKimsey1Kimsey2

2013 AARs: Pending

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Navy Energy Coordination Office OPNAV N43E2 (ALL MAJORS) – UNFUNDED

Total Number of Midshipmen: 6 per summer

Description: Six Midshipmen will spend a four week summer training block with the Navy Energy Coordination Office (NECO) in Washington, D.C. They will gain exposure to upcoming technologies as well as policy/doctrine issues.  They will produce research summaries and draft policy and public affairs papers regarding Navy policy on energy issues.  The NECO is a flag led task force to assess and coordinate policy recommendations on energy issues for the US Navy.   Some of the issues that the NECO deals with are discussed in this presentation.  This is an unfunded internship and students will be expected to commute daily to the office in Arlington, VA (Metro Stop Pentagon) at their own expense.

Prerequisites:          

-Ability to communicate effectively in writing

-Background /interest in energy policy desired

2012 AARsNECO1NECO2NECO3

2013 AARsPending

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Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) (ALL majors*) - UNFUNDED

On the web: Office of Naval Intelligence

Total Number of Midshipmen: 9-12

Description: This internship provides Midshipmen with an interest in intelligence to spend a 4-week period of time learning and focusing their understanding of a specific area of the ONI.  Positions are available in all four of the centers of excellence – the Kennedy Irregular Warfare Center, Nimitz Operational Intelligence Center, Farragut Technical Analysis Center, and Hopper Information Services Center. HUM/SS majors will be assigned to Kennedy, Nimitz, or Farragut centers and will serve as intelligence analysts.  As such they might prepare reports and briefings, or work as a target support officer or watch officer.  In 2013, several Midshipmen briefed the 2-star Commander of ONI. 

*A limited number of billets (1-3) are available for technical majors in the Hopper Center.  Of particular interest to the Hopper Center are Computer Science and Electrical Engineering majors.

Prerequisites:

-U.S. citizenship

-TS/SCI eligibility

2013 AARs: Pending

 


 

U.S. State Department (ALL Majors*) – UNFUNDED

On the web: Department of State

Total Number of Midshipmen: up to 60 positions (20 per block)

Description: The Department of State is the US Government’s lead foreign affairs agency and a key player in the national security policy-making process.  An internship at the State Department will provide Midshipmen with a unique perspective on the development and conduct of U.S. foreign policy, and the inner workings of the U.S. government.  The duties for interns will vary greatly but generally a Midshipman will be paired with a foreign affairs or foreign service officer assigned to PM/PPA will designate tasks and will supervise the work of the Midshipman.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between USNA and the State Department in March 2013 has dramatically expanded the internships available to Midshipmen.  This MOU allows USNA to send a Midshipman of any major to any office within the State Department.  As the internship is sponsored by the Political Science Department, the vast majority of positions will be policy-focused and thus be reserved for HUM/SS majors.  Offices HUM/SS majors may be assigned to could include regional/country desks, the Office of the Legal Advisor, and the Bureaus of Intelligence and Research (INR) and Political-Military Affairs (PM.) 

* A limited number (5-10) of billets will be available for technical majors depending on the needs of the State Department.  Offices Midshipmen with a technical background could be assigned to might include:  the Bureaus of Energy Resources (ENR,) Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES,) Political-Military Affairs (PM,) Information Resource Management (IRM,) and the Office of the Coordinator for Cyber issues (S/CCI.)

Midshipmen selected for internships at the State Department will be assigned to an office based on their background and experience by USNA and the State Department coordinating office – the Office of International Security Operations (PM/ISO.)

Prerequisites:          

-U.S. Citizenship

-Some positions may require TS/SCI eligibility

2013 AARs: Pending


Naval Warfare Development Command (NWDC) Analysis Directorate (All Majors*) – Partially Funded in 2013

 

Total Number of Midshipmen: 3 (1 per block)

Description: Navy Warfare Development Command links tomorrow's ideas to today's warfighter through the rapid generation and development of innovative solutions to operational challenges.  The unique synergies and capabilities help move the Fleet forward through the 21st century.

Midshipmen interning in the Analysis Directorate will work on the Post Deployment Brief Roll Up Project and the Defensible Integrated Prioritized Capability List/Warfare Improvement Project (IPCL/WIP) Project.  Midshipmen will work with current and former military officers from a variety of backgrounds.  These interactions will provide opportunities to gain insights into various communities, career paths, etc.

* Depending on NWDCs needs, there may be positions available for Midshipmen with a technical background.

Prerequisites:          

-U.S. Citizenship

2013 AARs: Pending

Internships Open to HUM/SS Majors ONLY

Department of Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Counterterrorism Division (Poli Sci/Hist Majors) - UNFUNDED

Total Number of Midshipmen: 3

Description:  

ATF is a unique law enforcement agency in the United State Department of Justice that protects the U.S. from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, the illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. 

In a change from past years, Midshipmen will be assigned to the Washington Field Division vs Headquarters in order to ensure more ‘hands on’ activities.  In 2013, Midshipmen assigned to the Washington Field Division conducted research in support of a report on how individuals and organizations obtain weapons and explosives and were able to participate in the execution of a search warrant which yielded a significant amount of illegal narcotics. 

Prerequisites:

-HUM/SS Major

-U.S. citizenship 

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Chief of Naval Operations Executive Panel (HUM/SS majors) - UNFUNDED

Total Number of Midshipmen: 3 (1 per block)

Description: The Executive Panel is essentially a personal ‘think tank’ for the Chief of Naval Operations consisting of senior officers, several retired flag officers, civil servants, and technical experts.  Midshipmen assigned to the Executive Panel assist in investigating and evaluating policies and issues which concern the Navy and creating recommendations to the CNO. Midshipmen also interact with personnel attending committee and sub-committee hearings on Capitol Hill and liaison with other think tanks in the Washington, D.C. area. 

Prerequisite:    

-Rising 1/c MIDN                   

 -HUM/SS major 

-U.S. citizenship

2012 AARs:  CNOEP1CNOEP2CNOEP3CNOEP4CNOEP5

2013 AARs:  Pending

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Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) (HUM/SS MAJORS) - UNFUNDED

On the web - Center for Strategic and International Studies

Number of Midshipmen: 6 (1-2 per block)

Description:  The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) provides strategic insights and policy solutions to decision makers in government, international institutions, the private sector, and civil society. A bipartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, CSIS conducts research and analysis and develops policy initiatives that look into the future and anticipate change.  Specific assignments within CSIS vary each year based on internal program proposals.  Interns participate in a variety of activities that support individual programs, including research, writing, and project development. 

Prerequisite:

-Rising 1/C MIDN

-HUM/SS major 

-U.S. citizenship required

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DUSN for Plans, Policy, Oversight, and Integration (HUM/SS MAJORS) – UNFUNDED

Total Number of Midshipmen: 6 (2 per block)

Description: The Midshipmen will be trained in the roles and responsibilities of a Policy and International Affairs Action Officer.  Duties will include researching and developing principal attendee read ahead material, coordinating bilateral meetings, developing point papers on key maritime policy and international affairs issues.  Midshipmen interns will also interact with OPNAV desk officers, Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) country desk officers, and other national and international figures.  Officers assigned to DUSN (PPOI) will mentor the Midshipmen, will designate tasks, and will supervise the work of the interns.

Prerequisites:          

-Rising 1/C MIDN

-U.S. citizenship

-TS/SCI eligibility

2012 AARsDUSN1DUSN2DUSN3DUSN4DUSN5DUSN6  

2013 AARs:   Pending

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Headquarters Marine Corps, Plans, Policy, & Operations, International Issues Branch (PP&O) (HUM/SS MAJORS) - UNFUNDED

Total Number of Midshipmen: 3 (1 per block)

Description:  The mission of the International Issues Branch at HQMC is to support the Commandant of the Marine Corps by providing information regarding the United States’ international security strategy with respect to the mission of the Marine Corps and to act as liaison between foreign military officials and the Commandant.  Midshipmen assigned to HQMC will team with Action Officers (usually an O-4 or O-5) complete tasking as assigned by the Branch Head.  Duties in 2009 included extensive contact with foreign military officers and diplomats, as well as observation of/participation in briefings to General Officers.  

Prerequisites:          

-HUM/SS major

-Rising 1/C

-U.S. Citizen

2013 AARs:   Pending

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Joint Chiefs of Staff, J5 (HUM/SS MAJORS) – UNFUNDED

Total Number of Midshipmen: 3 (1 per block)

Description: Midshipmen assigned to the J5 will be assigned to a geo team with Action Officers (usually an O-4 or O-5) from all services to complete tasking as assigned by the Director of J5.  Duties in 2012 included contact with foreign military officers and diplomats, as well as observation of/participation in briefings to General and Flag Officers.

Prerequisites:

-Rising 1/c          

-HUM/SS major

-U.S. citizenship

-TS/SCI eligibility

-Regional expertise desired - 300+ level (or equivalent) language, study abroad, and regional course experience.

2012 AARsJ51J52J53

2012 AARs:  Pending

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US Military Delegation to NATO Mons, Belgium (HUM/SS Majors ONLY) – Host provided billeting in 2013

Total Number of Midshipmen: 4 (1-2 per block, Blocks 1 & 2 ONLY)

Description:  Serving at the U.S. Military Delegation to NATO provides Midshipmen the opportunity to further their classroom knowledge of NATO and learn first hand about the role the NATO alliance plays in the international security realm.  Midshipmen will be able to apply the research and writing skills gained in the classroom to policy-making, policy implementation, and real world international relations.  Midshipmen also gain valuable experiences and career insights through daily interactions with senior military officers. 

NOTE – Interns assigned to USMILDELNATO are responsible for paying the costs of airfare and all meals while in Belgium.  Host was able to arrange military billeting in 2012 and 2013 but it is on a space-available basis.  Interns are also responsible for coordinating with host and International Programs Office for issues relating to country clearance and official passports.

Prerequisites:          

-Rising 1/C

-HUM/SS major

-U.S. citizenship & U.S. passport

-European studies, NATO study experience desired

2013 AAR: Pending


N51  Navy Staff, Strategy and Policy Division (HUM/SS MAJORS) – UNFUNDED

Total Number of Midshipmen: 3 (1 per block)

Description:

This internship will introduce the midshipman to Navy’s formulation of strategy and policy.  The midshipman will work in the Strategy and Policy Division (OPNAV N51), and specifically the Strategy Branch (N513), Policy Branch (N512), and/or the Engagements Branch/Naval Warfare Group (N515).  The member will have an O-3/O-4 running mate assigned, who will include the midshipman in his/her responsibilities and tasking.  Additionally, the assigned branch head and deputy branch head will oversee the internship, ensuring a quality learning experience.

Most of the projects in N51 are either enduring or months-long efforts.  Therefore, the midshipman will participate in, but not lead those efforts.  However, this will be an opportunity to work on current topics, including writing and editing strategy and policy documents, researching background information, and developing various strategy and policy courses of action for consideration by the chain of command.

Prerequisites:          

-HUM/SS major

-U.S. citizenship required

2013 AARs: Pending

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N52 - Navy Staff,  International Engagement Branch (HUM/SS Majors ONLY) – UNFUNDED

Total Number of Midshipmen: 3-6 (1 to 2 per Block)

Description: The mission of OPNAV N52 is to support the CNO by providing information regarding the United States’ international security strategy with respect to the mission of the Navy and to act as liaison between foreign navy officials and the Navy.  Midshipmen assigned to N52 will team with Action Officers (usually an O-4 or O-5) to complete tasking as assigned by the Branch Head.   Duties in past years included extensive contact with foreign military officers and diplomats, as well as observation of/participation in briefings to Flag Officers.   

Prerequisites:          

-HUM/SS major

-U.S. citizenship required

2012 AARsN52 1N52 2

2013 AARs:   Pending

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N81Q - Navy Quadrennial Defense Review (HUM/SS Majors Only) – UNFUNDED

Total Number of Midshipmen: 3 (1 per block)

Description: This internship will involve embedding in the Naval Warfare Integration Group (N81Q) supporting CNO in reconciling national, DoD and Navy strategy with the realities of budget and execution in the face of complex, dynamic and uncertain security and fiscal environments.  N81Q develops and maintains an integrated view of Navy and external analyses and assessments in intelligence, strategy, policy, concepts, warfare capability requirements, resources, acquisition, readiness, and manpower, developing periodic, timely products for CNO.

Prerequisites:          

-HUM/SS major

-U.S. citizenship

2013 AARs: Pending


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