Last Updated: October 17th, 2023By PAO

About The Internship

The Cadet Command Public Affairs Internship Program is designed as a hands on, media work environment. The program provides internship opportunities for communications, journalism, photojournalism, multi-media journalism, broadcast journalism, photography and social media majors from various universities from around the country. Our team covers all aspects of Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. Interns will work in a variety on environments to tell the story of Cadets completing CST.

Interns work as a 2-3 person teams and are assigned to cover training events in both Basic Camp and Advanced Camp. Teams conduct research into the training, interview both subject matter experts and Cadets going through the training and then produce news products that include 60-90 second broadcast stories, articles and photos. The news products are shared on futurearmyofficers.army.mil, www.army.mil/rotc, social media channels and are marketed around the country to hometown communities and university newspapers. Teams work five days a week and produce 4-5 news products a week.

There will also be a five person social media team. This team will work to take products from other teams and create social media content from it. Interns will help to answer DMs and emails. Team members will also cover events on an assignment basis.

Training is provided to the interns to build their skill sets in their disciplines. Additionally, cross training in other areas of the program are available throughout the summer. The intent of this program is for all interns to improve their skills and to learn new skills that will make them more marketable when seeking employment after college. Many interns that have participated in the program in the past have had no experience with the military.

Internship dates for CST 2024 are May 22nd through August 18th, 2024.

How To Apply

Applications will be accepted until April 5, 2024. Interviews with potential interns will begin in February. Email application documents to: usarmy.knox.usacc.mbx.hq-pao@army.mil

Applications should include:

Cover letter explaining why you want to do this internship, what you hope to get out of it and which job you want to do (writer, broadcaster, photographer, social media)
Resume
Examples of previous work
At least one letter of recommendation from one of the applicant’s professors
Cadets applying must also include a letter of recommendation from your PMS

For more information or if you have questions please contact Mr. Richard Patterson at (502) 624-1842 or cell phone (502) 500-0988 or email richard.t.patterson2.civ@army.mil

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this a paid internship?

This is an unpaid internship with reimbursement for expenses.

What does that mean?

Your travel to and from the internship will be reimbursed.

You will receive a stipend for meals. ($59 per day)

You will be reimbursed for mileage on your vehicle for all work-related travel.

Is housing provided?

Yes, housing will be provided to you at no cost. You will be staying in a 2 person barracks room with another intern. These rooms are similar to a university dorm room.

There is no WiFi in the barracks rooms. WiFi is available in the Public Affairs Office.

Do I need my own equipment?

Equipment will be provided here but you are welcome to bring your own. If you bring your own equipment, that is at your own risk.

We provide:

Canon 7D Mark II & R6 Mirrorless DSLR

Canon XA10/30 Video Camera

Go-Pros

Surface Studio Pro II editing systems

A sound booth set up to do voice-overs

Tripods for all the cameras

Do I need a car?

You do not have to drive or own a personal vehicle (POV) to come to the internship.

If you are flying, someone from the Public Affairs office staff will pick you up from the airport and bring you to Fort Knox.

Once you arrive, you will be assigned to a team with every effort given to ensure every team has a car.

Do I need to know about Army ROTC and the military to apply?

No. We will have time to train you after arrival and you have the chance to learn on the job throughout the summer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions while you are here. many interns arrive with little to no experience with the military.

What types of events will I cover?

You will be covering Cadet Summer Training (CST). There are many events that are a part of CST, some of the most popular among interns are the 64″ rappel tower, high ropes course, land navigation, cs gas chamber and more. Check out work from previous interns below for more specific information on what we cover and how we do it.

What is the cross training program?

You have the chance to switch jobs halfway through the summer. This will allow you to either pick up a skill or get more hands on experience as the summer progresses. If you start as a photographer and a writer, you might switch to being a videographer the second half of the internship.

Can I apply as a Cadet?

Cadets may apply, however if you are attending Advanced Camp you must attend the last regiment for camp to allow for training time with the CST PAO staff and participation as a team member with the CST PA staff. Cadets attending the internship are considered part of the PA staff (not Cadets). Once Cadets complete their internship they are in-processed as a Cadet and turned over to their respective regiment. Upon completion of Advanced Camp the Cadet will return to their home of record or university. Cadets attending additional training such as Cadet Advanced Individual Training or CTLT along with Advanced Camp are not eligible for the PAO internship due to time constrains.

Can I still apply if I need to leave early?

Yes. Apply even if you need to leave before the official end of the internship. As the summer wraps up, there is less to cover which allows the end date to be very flexible. Let us know when you need to leave so we can get it coordinated for you.