10 June 2012

MEMORANDUM

From:

To: Associate Director of Research and Scholarship for Internships & Technology Transfer

Via: (1) LCDR Jason Chiodi, USN Department of Political Science Internship Coordinator

(2) CDR Tom Robertson, USN Division of Humanities and Social Sciences Internship Coordinator

Subj: AFTER-ACTION REPORT FOR INTERNSHIP, SUMMER 2012

Ref: (a) COMDTMIDN/ACDEANINST 1531.73A

A.  Summary Information

1.  This After-Action Report is provided in accordance with reference (a).

Internship details:

Location: Chief of Naval Operations International Engagement Branch (OPNAV N52)

Dates: 31 May - 23 June 2012

B.  Technical

1. Title of Project: OPNAV N52 International Engagement

2.  Objective:

The N52 branch of OPNAV focuses on the Navy’s engagement with foreign countries and provides the CNO with assistance in properly addressing the concerns of different regions around the world.

3.  Approach:

During the internship, I worked alongside Lieutenant Smith and assisted the various desk officers with their tasks. There were a variety of projects taking place during my month with N52 and some examples of these assignments include briefs, informational brochures, and assessments in changes of policy. Furthermore, we attended special lectures that enhanced our professional understanding; one such example includes a panel discussion regarding a nuclear Iran.

4.  Publications and/or Presentations:

One of the first assignments that I worked on while at N52 was a brief that the director, RDML Perez, needed to give to visitors from the State Department. The purpose of the brief was to inform the visitors of the Navy’s role in international engagements and how both the Department of Defense and the State Department could help each other in accomplishing national objectives. Furthermore, letters that would later be sent out to the fleet or to other countries on behalf of the CNO would be written and sent up through the chain of command.

B. Administrative

The administrative portions of the internship ran fairly smoothly and without much problem. Orders and NMCI accounts were handled fairly smoothly while transit to and from the Pentagon was also convenient. Security clearance for the Pentagon came through and access to the proper spaces was handled nicely. Although there were some cases of troubleshooting necessary for the NMCI accounts, the frequency was not above the normal standards. Many of the details were worked out before the start of the summer, which greatly reduced the time needed to set up during the summer.

The only note that I would mention deals with metro benefits; the approval process takes a long time and claims need to be put at least a month before they can be used. Therefore, I would suggest that following interns set up their metro benefits on the administrative day during the school year.

C. Evaluation

1. Relevance

This internship provided me with a valuable experience seeing the administrative side of the navy. The naval academy provides us exposure to the operational fleet, but this opportunity allowed me to see behind the scenes at the hard work that goes into operating the navy. Furthermore, my political science major is greatly expanded through this internship since many interactions between America and foreign nations happen through the navy. N52 is especially relevant as their purpose is to monitor America’s standing with other countries and to allow the navy to effectively engage with navies around the world. Additionally, many of the officers who work in the Pentagon were willing to talk and provide advice, which will greatly help me to become a better officer

2. Impact

The people and experiences that I had during this internship have changed my perspective on what it means to be an officer. I not only gained a better understanding of the international system, but I also had valuable conversations with officers whose example I wish to emulate. Furthermore, I was able to gain an appreciation for the hard work that few get to see and the tediousness of the naval bureaucracy. This internship was invaluable to me and I feel that I am better prepared to continue my studies and to serve in the fleet thanks to the lessons learned at N52.

3. Level of interest/challenge:

Due to the high number of factors to take into consideration when evaluating a policy change and the wide variety of tasks that could be presented, the internship is highly challenging and fascinating. The officers and civilians at N52 are willing to help wherever possible and will ensure that the internship remains interesting and educational. Regardless of the amount of background that one may have in political science, the internship will remain challenging and interesting. Furthermore, time spent in the Pentagon as well as the weekly lectures allow for exploration and further study.

D. Recommendation(s)

Change: The metro benefit process takes a good amount of time and should be filled out before the start of the internship.

Retain: This internship has many positive aspects that go beyond pure academics. The weekly visit to lectures should be maintained while special opportunities, such as the visit with the Midshipman’s Senator or Representative, should be retained or expanded. Also, the ability to explore the Pentagon and talk to other officers who work there (as well as the officers from the other OPNAV departments) should be maintained or expanded.

E. Other

The entire staff at N52 is extremely helpful and willing to help Midshipman wherever possible. I believe that much of the success of this internship can be attribute to their extraordinary efforts.