The College of International Security Affairs' Internship Program

Internship with the Chief of Staff of the Army's Operation Iraqi Freedom Study Group at the College of International Security Affairs at The National Defense University, Washington D.C.



In spring 2013, the Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA) created the Operation Iraqi Freedom Study Group to conduct a two-year review of the U.S. Army's experience in the Iraq war and analyze the operational lessons to be drawn from the conflict. The study group's work will form the basis for courses at various levels of professional military education, including military staff colleges, senior service colleges, and others.

By agreement, the CSA's OIF Study Group will be embedded within the College of International Security Affairs (CISA) at National Defense University (NDU) at Fort McNair, Washington, DC.  NDU is the preeminent institution for education, research, and outreach in national and international security. The university seeks to prepare military and civilian leaders from the United States and other countries to evaluate national and international security challenges through multi-disciplinary educational and research programs, professional exchanges, and outreach. NDU is the premier center for Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) and is under the direction of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.

As one of NDU's five colleges, CISA grants a Master's Degree in Strategic Security Studies (MASSS) to students from across the International, Interagency, and Interservice communities. CISA alumni hail from 75 countries and every major U.S. federal executive agency. CISA faculty and students possess diverse academic and military background, including: international security, terrorism and counterterrorism, internal conflict, insurgency and counterinsurgency, ethnic and sectarian conflict, state failure and governance, homeland security and defense, post-conflict reconstruction, and conflict management.

Internship Description

CISA is seeking qualified applicants for an internship with the Chief of Staff of the Army's OIF Study Group at the College of International Security Affairs, National Defense University, in Washington DC.  Three positions are available to work as interns with the OIF SG. Each is an unpaid position and interns are expected to work three to four days per week, for an average of 25-35 hours per week.

Duties will include:

*         Research support as requested by senior research fellows to assist with components of the work;

*         Research, writing, and editorial support for specific topics as assigned by the CSA OIF SG.; administrative duties as assigned.

An internship at the OIF SG and NDU offers numerous opportunities, including:

*         Participation in conferences, workshops, and other programs at the National Defense University featuring senior researchers, military officers, and diplomats;

*         Access to the NDU library and research resources;

*         On-the-job experience and professional development opportunities;

*         Experience conducting research and individual projects.

Eligibility Requirements

CISA interns must be actively enrolled in undergraduate or graduate institutions and should be majoring in international relations, political science, history, or other related fields and have completed some coursework in this area. An intern should be able to:

*         Prioritize, organize, and complete tasks with minimal supervision;

*         Use library resources to gather relevant data to support faculty research;

*         Work as a team player;

*         Pass a NAC law enforcement background check;



Fluency in a foreign language is not required, but individuals who are functional in Arabic would be considered excellent candidates.   Knowledge of military organizations, Iraq combat operations, and Iraqi history are preferred traits, but are not required.  Excellent research, writing, and communications skills are essential.

Internship Deadline: Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.

Application Process

To apply please send the following:

*         Resume including name, school, area(s) of study, grade point average, and expected graduation date;

*         Cover letter identifying areas of academic interest, personal expertise, and reason you'd like to intern at the Chief of Staff's OIF Study Group. Please also indicate your availability (Cover letters should not exceed one page);

*         Unofficial transcript;

*         Writing Sample;

*         Applicant must be enrolled at an accredited university.

All materials should be submitted together via e-mail to Major Will Blythe at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.