The U.S. Army Security Assistance Command celebrated its 50th anniversary with a July 21 ceremony, open house and unveiling of historical cannons.
Focusing on its next 50 years, USASAC offers a summer internship program, allowing local high school and college students paid opportunities to explore federal careers while completing their education.
USASAC's higher headquarters, Army Materiel Command, is among the many other organizations on post and throughout the Army that offer summer internships.
According to AMC G1 executive officer Keith Cromartie, approximately 26 percent of personnel AMC-wide, and 39 percent at USASAC, are eligible to retire immediately. In response, AMC commander General Dennis Via has made the internship program a priority, to rekindle interest in government careers with students and recent graduates.
The interns gain skills they can put to use in college and during their careers as they assist the federal workforce with their day-to-day missions.
USASAC G1 intern Tawanda Harris, a recent graduate of James Clemens High School, said in addition to learning about G1 duties and the federal workforce, she is also learning important life lessons.
"The program gives you a glimpse of the real world by introducing you to what it means to be a professional and experience how the government handles things," Harris said. "It lets us see the importance of the lessons our parents have been teaching us along the way about being on time, using good manners and being responsible."
Harris said she has enjoyed her internship at USASAC in part because of how welcoming the federal workforce has been.
"Everyone has been really friendly and helpful," she said. "As a student, you're thinking you're coming into the government service and it's going to be difficult. You're worried about messing up and not doing something right. But everyone I've come in contact with has made me feel it's OK to make mistakes because I'm here to learn."
In addition to providing essential job and life skills, the internship program gives teens an opportunity to serve their country in ways other than uniform military service.
Interns serve in all areas of USASAC directorates, from human resources and acquisition to logistics and public affairs.
For USASAC G1 intern Shelby Anderson, the program has impacted personality and outlook on relationships. Anderson, who is entering her senior year at Grissom High School, said "this job is advancing my leadership skills and it has helped me overcome a lack of confidence when it comes to communicating with others."
For more information on the internship program, visit http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-authorities/students-recent-graduates/#url=intern.
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