ACTION MEMORANDUM FOR ALL AAS/SW REGION COMMANDERS AND PRESIDENTS: FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION TO ALL JUNIOR, SENIOR AND FIFTH YEAR CADETS INCLUDING THOSE GRADUATING//SUSPENSE 16 FEB 2024
SUBJECT: ARNOLD AIR SOCIETY//SILVER WINGS AND THE AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION PENTAGON INTERNSHIPS FOR CADETS//$1,000 STIPEND INCLUDED
NOTE: ARNOLD AIR SOCIETY AND SILVER WINGS EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO THE AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION FOR SPONSORING THIS PROGRAM. WE COULD NOT DO WHAT WE DO WITHOUT THE TREMENDOUS AND GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION.
NOTE: STUDENTS MAY APPLY FOR THIS PROGRAM AND FOR THE AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION FELLOWSHIPS AS WELL.
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
- The AAS/SW Executive Management Center is accepting nominations for the following Pentagon Internships (see additional information on each opportunity below Brig Gen Woodward’s signature block) (NOTE: PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS ARE STILL TENTATIVE BUT ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE)
- As many as two in the Office of Air Force Financial Management (SAF/FM)
- As many as two in the Office of Air Force International Affairs (SAF/IA)
- As many as two in the Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force (SAF/AA) (NOTE: one with computer science, engineering or other related field of study is desired)
- As many as two in the Office of Legislative Liaison (SAF/LL)
- As many as two in the Office of Air Force Public Affairs (SAF/PA)
- As many as two in the Office of the Air Force Judge Advocate General (HAF/JA) (Special criteria apply; see paragraph 6) (Still pending final approval)
- As many as two in the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (HAF/A3)
- Likely onein Studies, Analysis and Assessments (SAF/SG) (Top Secret Clearance desired but not required: technical degree desired)
- Likely one in United States Space Force (USSF)
- Likely one in the Office of the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Strategic Studies Group(SSG) NOTE: no additional information is below General Woodward’s signature block; this organization performs tasks as directed by the Vice Chief
- Potentially one in the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration (HAF/A10) (was not available last year so additional coordination is pending)
- Successful candidates will be required to live in the Washington DC metro area during these internships and must be able to participate without supplemental funding beyond the $1,000.00 stipend provided by the EMC (AFA Sponsorship) (all costs will be borne by the individual). These internships are open to Arnold Air Society and Silver WingsJuniors, Seniors and fifth year students who are cadets under contract, including those graduating this summer who will be commissioned and awaiting entry into active duty.
- THESE POSITIONS REQUIRE A VALID SECRET CLEARANCE OR HIGHER. CANDIDATES MUST BE AVAILABLE DURING THE 2024 SPRING/SUMMER/FALL FOR A MINIMUM OF TWO TO THREE MONTHS. POSITIONS FURTHER REQUIRE A VALID CAC FOR THE INTERNSHIP PERIOD. NOTE: AAS AND SW CONTRACT CADETS WITH A CLEARANCE PENDING MAY APPLY BUT MUST CONFIRM IN WRITING THAT THE DETACHMENT COMMANDER BELIEVES A CLEARANCE WILL BE OBTAINED BY MAY 2024 IF THEY ARE SELECTED.
- These internships may include travel and will involve interaction with senior Air Force leadership. They require impeccable dress and appearance and superior communicative skills. These internships were approved by the SAF/GC, SAF/AA and participating organizations at the Flag Officer level.
- SELECTION PROCESS
Successful candidates will be selected by the EDs and sponsors following a phone interview and/or discussion with the applicable Detachment Commander and/or references provided by the candidate. An additional phone interview with a member of the sponsoring office may be required. The following will be used to further evaluate individuals:
- MANDATORY: For all positions, a secret or higher clearance and be either an active SW or AAS contract cadet (see paragraph 3 if you do not yet have a clearance)
- MANDATORY: Availability during the spring/summer/fall of 2023 for a minimum of two to three months
- MANDATORY: Availability in the Washington DC Metro Area; candidates must plan on receiving only $1,000.00 and must cover all other costs (NOTE:The Air Force Association will provide $1000.00 to each intern to help defray costs)
- MANDATORY: Eligible member of AAS/SW with dues paid in full when the application is submitted
- MANDATORY: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, or 2.75 cumulative for STEM areas of study, or equivalent
NOTE: Interns will be required to provide a note of thanks and a photo to the Air Force Association in appreciation of their support.
Candidates will self-nominate by sending the following information to mgmt.center@arnold-air.org NOT LATER THAN 16 February 2024 at midnight Pacific Time. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AS PART OF AN EMAIL AND NOT AS AN ATTACHMENT. THE ONLY ATTACHMENT PERMITTED IS THE UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT:
- A PRIORITIZED LIST OF INTERNSHIPS FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING (YOU MAY APPLY FOR ONE OR ALL WITH ONE E-MAIL) (NOTE: HAF/JA HAS SPECIAL APPLICATION CRITERIA (SEE BELOW); PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR THE JA INTERNSHIP UNLESS YOU MEET THESE UNIQUE REQUIREMENTS
- NAME, ADDRESS OF RECORD (NOT COLLEGE ADDRESS), PHONE NUMBER AND PERMANENT (NOT SCHOOL) EMAIL ADDRESS
- NAME OF COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY, FIELD(S) OF STUDY, PROFICIENCY LEVEL (IF ANY) IN ANY FOREIGN LANGUAGE(S) AND GPA
- PLANNED DATE OF GRADUATION
- NAME OF CHAPTER OR SQUADRON AND LIST OF ANY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS HELD (IF ANY)
- NAME, RANK, PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS OF AFFILIATED DETACHMENT COMMANDER (TRIPLE CHECK THE EMAIL ADDRESS)
- NAME, TITLE, PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS OF ONE REFERENCE WHO MAY VOUCH FOR ACADEMIC RECORD AND PERSONAL RELIABILITY
- A STATEMENT CONFIRMING POSSESSION OF A SECRET OR HIGHER CLEARANCE OR A STATEMENT AFFIRMING THAT THE DETACHMENT COMMANDER BELIEVES A SECRET OR HIGHER CLEARANCE WILL BE OBTAINED BY MAY 2024 (SEE PARAGRAPH 3)
- A STATEMENT PROVIDING THE APPROXIMATE DATES OF AVAILABILITY DURING THE SPRING/SUMMER/FALL PERIOD (SPECIFICS WILL BE WORKED OUT WITH THE SPONSORING AGENCY WHEN SELECTED)
- A 300 WORD OR LESS SUMMARY DESCRIBING WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE SELECTED FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY AS PART OF THE BODY OF THE EMAIL APPLICATION
- A COPY OF AN UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT ATTACHED TO THE NOMINATING EMAIL (THIS IS THE ONLY ATTACHMENT AUTHORIZED)
- If applying for an internship in the Office of the Judge Advocate General (HAF/JA), candidates will add the following information to their application:
- A STATEMENT INDICATING IF YOU HAVE APPLIED FOR AN EDUCATIONAL DELAY FOR LAW SCHOOL UPON GRADUATION
- A STATEMENT LISTING LAW SCHOOLS TO WHICH YOU HAVE APPLIED (IF ANY)
- These are highly prestigious internships; candidates will carry the reputation of AAS/SW forward with the sponsor. All highly motivated, eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.
Signed//DPW//18 Dec 2023
DANIEL P. WOODWARD
Brig Gen, USAF (Retired)
Co-Executive Director, Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings
202-999-5173
________SPONSOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION________
Additional Information for students considering an internship with SAF/FM:
A successful candidate for the SAF/FM internship will gain experience in one or more of the following key functions:
- Budget Formulation and Justification – Helping secure and employ resources to maximize Air Force capability including people, readiness and modernization
- Cost Analysis – Helping deliver credible, objective analysis, enabling cost conscious decisions
- Financial Services – Helping design, monitor, and hold the Air Force accountable for the effective, efficient, and audible journey of financial transactions from inception to Air Force Financial Statements
- Programming – Helping translate strategic priorities into an executable future-year resource plan
- Work with legislators on Capitol Hill
The SAF/FM Mission Statement follows:
“SAF/FM is focused on maximizing resources for our Nation’s Air Force, putting the right resources in the right place at the right time, every time. Since resources touch every aspect of every mission, Interns will learn how the Air Force brings capability to the fight.”
Additional Information for students considering an internship with SAF/IA:
Successful candidates for the SAF/IA internship will gain experience in one or more of the following key mission areas:
- Political-Military Assessment
- Security Assistance
- International Armaments Cooperation
- Foreign Disclosure and Export Control
- Comparative Weapons Analysis
- International Professional Development
The SAF/IA Mission Statement follows:
“SAF/IA is a team of international affairs experts committed to enabling conflict prevention and joint/coalition operational success through sustained security cooperation activities in air, space, and cyberspace domains. Our focus is on maintaining and building trust with existing and new partners for our mutual security interests while strengthening US and Global Security.”
Additional Information for students considering an internship with HAF/JA:
As an Intern, students will work under attorney supervision in numerous practice areas of the JAG Corps including, but not limited to:
- Preparing criminal and civil cases by conducting legal research
- Writing briefs and opinions, conducting investigations and interviewing witnesses
- Assisting attorneys who counsel and represent Airmen, their family members and retirees in personal legal matters in areas such as family law, estate planning, landlord-tenant law, tax, bankruptcy, immigration and naturalization law, and military administrative law
- Supporting attorneys in other areas, such as federal tort claims, government procurement law, employment law, international law, environmental law and operational law
The AF/JA Mission Statement follows:
“To deliver professional, candid, independent counsel and full-spectrum legal capabilities to command and the warfighter.”
Additional Information for students considering SAF/PA
Public Affairs plans and executes communication strategies to gain informed public support for Air Force personnel, resources and missions; oversees worldwide public affairs force management, development and readiness; and directs public engagement and media operations programs. Key divisions include:
- STRATEGY & ASSESSMENTS: Strategy and Assessments Division provides communication, advice and planning support for Air Force priorities, issues and initiatives
- ENGAGEMENTS: Develops and executes public engagement programs to build sustained public understanding, trust and support for Air Force personnel and missions
- AF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AGENCY: Provides multimedia services to the Air Force
- MEDIA OPERATIONS: Media Operations Division provides information to the public (national and international) on Air Force policies, programs, activities & issues through independent and DoD media
- REQUIREMENTS & DEVELOPMENT: Establishes, manages and oversees force development and management, training programs and educational curricula for Public Affairs forces.
Additional Information for students considering an internship with HAF/A3:
Successful candidates will be placed in HAF/A3 and gain experience in one or more of the following key Air Force mission areas:
- Global operations and training
- Operational requirements
- Operational planning
Additional Information for students considering an internship with HAF/A10:
Successful candidates for this internship will gain experience in one or more of the following key mission areas:
- Formulating, evaluating, and shaping nuclear strategy, policy, doctrine, vulnerabilities, force structure and analysis
- Advocating for requirements, acquisition, programming, and budgeting processes for nuclear and global strike capabilities
- Providing technical information and framing issues to support Air Force nuclear requirements
- Guiding the development of ends, ways, and means to achieve extended deterrence and assurance for allies and partners
- Policy and procedures for safeguarding Nuclear Command and Control Extremely Sensitive Information
Additional Information for students considering an internship with SAF/LL:
The SAF/LL is specifically responsible for:
3.1. Developing, coordinating and supervising the Air Force legislative program.
3.2. Evaluating and reporting legislative matters about the Air Force, including issuing pertinent legislative information to proper Air Force officials and offices.
3.3. Preparing and coordinating reports, testimony and related statements on legislation with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Office of Management and Budget and the Congress including scheduling and other arrangements for presentation of legislative testimony before Congressional Committees.
3.4. Preparing reports and arranging for presentation of testimony regarding real-estate and construction projects for approval of the Armed Services Committees.
3.5. Preparing responses to inquiries from Committees of Congress and arranging for presenting testimony at Congressional hearings.
3.6. Preparing responses to correspondence and inquiries from Members of Congress, the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President.
3.7. Releasing classified information to the Congress according to policies prescribed by the SECAF.
3.8. Supervising travel arrangements for Congressional travel designated an official responsibility of the Air Force.
3.9. Keeping members and committees of Congress advised of Air Force activities within their area of interest.
3.10. Maintaining direct liaison with the Congress, the Executive Office of the President, OSD and other government agencies on matters mentioned above.
3.11. Managing preparation and support of SECAF and the CSAF annual Congressional testimony.
3.12. Organizing, directing and monitoring the Air Force Staff Posture Team.
3.13. Monitoring and tasking the Air Force Issue Papers.
3.14. Coordinating and managing all Congressional Reporting Requirements for the Air Force.
Additional Information for students considering an internship with USSF:
The USSF is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands.
Additional Information for students considering an internship with HAF/A9:
The AF/A9 is specifically responsible for:
3.1. Providing AF senior leadership, together with other AF analytic organizations, independent, objective, and relevant analytic-based insights and assessments to inform decisions on force structure, operational issues, agile combat support, investment and modernization, resource allocations, and AF contributions to joint capabilities, strategy, and proposed programs or concepts.
3.1.1. Providing studies and analyses that inform strategic planning, operational requirements, modernization and recapitalization of systems and programs and that support the Strategy, Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (SPPBE) process.
3.1.2. Advising the SecAF and CSAF on the strengths and weaknesses of both internally- led (e.g., HAF directorates, major commands, AF centers) and externally-led (e.g., Office of the Secretary of Defense, joint, agencies, federally funded research and development centers) studies, analyses and assessments that affect current and future AF operations, plans, and programs. Emphasis will be on ensuring analytic/technical integrity for AF leadership’s development of force structure-related positions and engagement in multi- domain deliberations.
3.1.3. As a member of the Air Force Corporate Structure (AFCS) and the Air Force Council, providing advice and support to the AFCS evaluation of force structure requirements through analytic review of capability, capacity, and risk. Emphasis will be on sharpening the warfighter’s edge, illuminating emerging Department of Defense (DoD) issues, and fireproofing AF capability and resource investment positions.
3.2. In partnership with functional/operational leads, leading the AF analytic participation in major departmental efforts like the national defense strategy reviews, joint military net assessment, annual joint assessments, joint combat capability assessments, and chairman’s risk assessments. The AF/A9 also leads or supports other joint and program review-mandated studies, program budget review studies, warfighting reach-back support, current and future force structure assessments, Air Expeditionary Force studies, and other advisory roles.
3.3. Leading and/or partnering with appropriate organizations to conduct timely studies, analyses and assessments, including AF Net Assessment, to inform AF leaders and Combatant Commanders regarding the current and near-term application and effects of air, space, and cyberspace power; the AF’s readiness to execute operational plans, alternative courses of action, and sustainment for reconstitution; and the AF’s planning and investment decisions for capability development.
testimony.
3.12. Organizing, directing and monitoring the Air Force Staff Posture Team.
3.13. Monitoring and tasking the Air Force Issue Papers.
3.14. Coordinating and managing all Congressional Reporting Requirements for the Air Force.
Additional Information for students considering an internship with USSF:
The USSF is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands.
Additional Information for students considering an internship with HAF/A9:
The AF/A9 is specifically responsible for:
3.1. Providing AF senior leadership, together with other AF analytic organizations, independent, objective, and relevant analytic-based insights and assessments to inform decisions on force structure, operational issues, agile combat support, investment and modernization, resource allocations, and AF contributions to joint capabilities, strategy, and proposed programs or concepts.
3.1.1. Providing studies and analyses that inform strategic planning, operational requirements, modernization and recapitalization of systems and programs and that support the Strategy, Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (SPPBE) process.
3.1.2. Advising the SecAF and CSAF on the strengths and weaknesses of both internally- led (e.g., HAF directorates, major commands, AF centers) and externally-led (e.g., Office of the Secretary of Defense, joint, agencies, federally funded research and development centers) studies, analyses and assessments that affect current and future AF operations, plans, and programs. Emphasis will be on ensuring analytic/technical integrity for AF leadership’s development of force structure-related positions and engagement in multi- domain deliberations.
3.1.3. As a member of the Air Force Corporate Structure (AFCS) and the Air Force Council, providing advice and support to the AFCS evaluation of force structure requirements through analytic review of capability, capacity, and risk. Emphasis will be on sharpening the warfighter’s edge, illuminating emerging Department of Defense (DoD) issues, and fireproofing AF capability and resource investment positions.
3.2. In partnership with functional/operational leads, leading the AF analytic participation in major departmental efforts like the national defense strategy reviews, joint military net assessment, annual joint assessments, joint combat capability assessments, and chairman’s risk assessments. The AF/A9 also leads or supports other joint and program review-mandated studies, program budget review studies, warfighting reach-back support, current and future force structure assessments, Air Expeditionary Force studies, and other advisory roles.
3.3. Leading and/or partnering with appropriate organizations to conduct timely studies, analyses and assessments, including AF Net Assessment, to inform AF leaders and Combatant Commanders regarding the current and near-term application and effects of air, space, and cyberspace power; the AF’s readiness to execute operational plans, alternative courses of action, and sustainment for reconstitution; and the AF’s planning and investment decisions for capability development.
On behalf of the student members of the Executive Board, we would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Brig Gen Woodward, Marianne Williams, the Board of Trustees, the NACs, and most of all our distinguished visitors for making this year’s Exec Boards an event to remember for years to come. The amount of work hours you all put in for us is staggering. We as students constantly look to you for mentorship and guidance in our various leadership positions, and not a single member of the Executive Management Center, Board of Trustees, or the NACs have ever disappointed. Your tenacity and dedication to civic service, professional development, and education on national defense inspires us to be the best leaders that we can be. Thank you!
The Honorable Secretary of Defense, Dr. Mark T. Esper began our last day of the Executive Boards with an address to the Air Space and Cyberspace (ASC) Conference on the advancements within both the Air Force and the Department of Defense as a whole, highlighting the push towards multi-domain operations that Gen. Goldfein educated the audience on just a day before. Secretary Esper was gracious in also allowing members of the conference to come up and ask questions, many of which ranged from inquiries about USSPACECOM, the 11th Combatant Command stood up just a short couple of weeks ago, to “unbiased” remarks on upcoming Army/Air Force Football Game when asked by Region 8 Commander, Cadet Frank Daybell.
Following soon after was a unique visitor that one can only describe as the woman Stan Lee based Captain Marvel off of. Colonel Samantha Weeks, the first female solo demonstration pilot for the Thunderbirds, commander of 14th Flying Training Wing, mother, and overall absolute Air Force powerhouse gave us the honor of a speech specifically for Arnold Air and Silver Wings on the importance of failure in a successful leader’s career. Sharing with us personal examples of her hardships and stressing the fact that we’re all one big family, Col Weeks’ comments on leadership and perseverance were inspiring and informative for us future lieutenants and industry leaders. As our final planned speaker for our time in DC, she truly ended our business session with a super-powered bang and left us motivated and ready for the Air Force Birthday dinner later tonight (Side Note: has anyone been keeping track of how many guest speakers we’ve heard from?)
Each service has their own version of a celebration to their service’s birthday in the form of a military ball. Although many of them may have different unique components, the consensus and theme is clear: celebration. For many of us it was the first time attending such an amazing tradition. Members of AAS and SW had the opportunity to sit and network with various military and civilian leaders present for the Birthday Dinner (Yes, C/Corley, we know you sat with the CSAF. Congratulations). The smiles and conversations in the room made it expressly evident that we were all bonding and uniting with a common purpose that evening. Here’s a toast, Air Force. Aim high!
Noel Zamot is the Revitalization Coordinator for the Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB) for Puerto Rico. He is responsible for bringing private capital to revitalize Puerto Rico’s critical infrastructure, setting the conditions for economic growth. He launched the Critical Projects Process under Title V of the PR Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) to evaluate and fast-track projects to address the island’s critical infrastructure emergency. Mr. Zamot built and led a team performing financial, permitting and technical due diligence for over $8B of infrastructure projects for designation across the energy, transportation, housing and other sectors. He was nominated by the FOMB to be the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) Chief Transformation Officer (CTO), and subsequently provided oversight for the development of the strategic transformation plan for the Authority in his role as Revitalization Coordinator. This transformational vision was later codified into an historic fiscal plan, which set the conditions for the ongoing transformation and sale of the utility.
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