Army Air Operations Group hosts National Defense University interns

By Mr. Cory Hancock (JFHQNCRMDW)September 24, 2013

Army Air Operations Group hosts National Defense University interns
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Air Operations Group hosts National Defense University interns
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Army Air Operations Group hosts National Defense University interns
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Army Air Operations Group hosts National Defense University interns
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Army Air Operations Group hosts National Defense University interns
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. William D. McGarrity, Commander of the AAOG, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Demetrio Castro, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Aaron L. McCament address a group of interns from the National Defense University during a capabilities brief from the U.S. Army Ai... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The U.S. Army Air Operations Group hosted a number of interns from the National Defense University at Fort Lesley J. McNair, Aug. 5.

The group of interns received a capabilities brief and a tour of a VH-60 helicopter. The interns are from various centers within the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS).

"I thought it was a great opportunity to talk about AAOG, the Army, and Army Aviation," said Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn L. Jones, AAOG command sergeant major. "We shared experiences and stories and we learned a lot about what is going on at NDU. We thought it was a great opportunity to strengthen and continue to sustain our relationship with NDU.

INSS is a collection of Department of Defense research centers established in 1984. The INSS supports the Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) programs of the National Defense University (NDU), conducts strategic studies for the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Unified Combatant Commands, and provides outreach to other U.S. governmental agencies.

"This was a beneficial exchange between National Defense University and the Army Air Operations Group as both parties were able to learn more about their respective organizations," said Col. William D. McGarrity, AAOG commander. "The interns will enter into civil service and support inter-agency organizations and the Department of Defense and it's important for them to understand organizational capabilities; in particular as they learn about the AAOG, which is a unique organization within the DoD."

The U.S. Army Air Operations Group is a subordinate command of U.S. Army Military District of Washington. AAOG plans, coordinates, and executes aviation operations, to include regional and worldwide priority air transport for the Army's senior leadership, selected DoD officials, and Combatant Commanders. They execute airfield operations at Davison Army Airfield, and provide Air Traffic Services support to the Pentagon helipad. The AAOG's units include the 12th Aviation Battalion located at Davidson Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Va., and the 911th Engineer Company. In addition to serving the National Capital Region, AAOG also operates from Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany and Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

Following the capabilities brief there was a discussion between the interns and the AAOG leadership. They asked many questions about the Army life, education, and some specifics about the AAOG.

"Any time you can speak to the future leaders of a government agency, inter-agency organization or Department of Defense, which these interns will be later in their careers, it is a good thing," said McGarrity. "You never know if the seed you planted in the briefing will blossom into a larger idea that may just benefit their world view at some stage. We hope that the exposure the interns received will shape their educational process in a positive way."

Related Links:

U.S. Army Air Operations Group

U.S. Army Military District of Washington

More photos from this event

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