Patrice Phillips, Intelligence Specialist Intern (right), and her Supervisor Sandy Woodard discuss with Eric Edwards, Director of the Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center how they prepare personnel to travel overseas. Phi...

She didn't always want to work in the Intelligence field or with the federal government but now, almost a year into her first job, this Department of the Army Intern has found a home and place where she makes a difference.

Patrice Phillips, Intelligence Specialist Intern in the Security and Intelligence Office of the Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center, began her assignment in the DA Internship Program in December 2010 and set the example for other interns to follow.

"Ms. Patrice Phillips has distinguished herself by accomplishing her assigned tasks in an exemplary manner as AMRDEC's first DA Intelligence Intern," said Sharon Boclair, Security and Intelligence Office Manager.

Graduating from Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Ala. with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Management, Phillips was not focused on an internship or a career in Intelligence but soon changed her mind after a little research.

"When the opportunity to work in the Intelligence field became available it looked like an interesting field in light of current world affairs.

"I chose the intern route as it provided a formal training program and job assignments that will help to develop my competencies in the intelligence field," said Phillips.

Phillips' knowledge of world affairs is an asset to her co-workers at the AMRDEC. Their mission is global and they are always traveling in support of America's warfighters stationed around the world. Her mission here at Redstone is to provide intelligence that will prepare them for their work, travel and contingencies.

"I prepare the Open Source Research bi-weekly newsletter, OCONUS threat briefings, and coordinate with Intelligence Centers to provide required threat information to various AMRDEC Directorates," said Phillips.

In addition to the work Phillips does directly supporting her co-workers, she is furthering her career by taking online Intelligence courses from the Joint Military Intelligence Center.

"It is a joy to train and mentor Patrice because she enjoys her job and is very active supporting the Center through her many duties and responsibilities," said Sandy Woodard, Intelligence Specialist.