Air Force Intern Program develops future leaders Published July 7, 2004 RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- The Air Force Intern Program Central Selection Board will convene here Sept. 20 to 24. The program lets 30 junior captains study the application of air and space power and observe senior Defense Department leaders in critical decision-making processes. The fast-paced 18- to 24-month program is designed to develop tomorrow's leaders, officials said. While the program is available to line and nonline officers, a maximum of three slots are available to nonline officers. "(It) is another great opportunity for young officers to continue their development," said Capt. William Schlichtig, chief of the Air Force Personnel Center’s developmental education section here. "It's a method of preparing our very best officers for future key leadership positions."The program combines hands-on experience as an intern in the offices of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, secretary of defense and/or the Air Staff as well as an opportunity to earn an Air Force-funded master's degree in organizational leadership from George Washington University. "Selection for (the program) is based on potential for greater achievement as demonstrated by an officer's ability to handle more challenging jobs," Captain Schlichtig said.The program consists of two phases for interns not enrolled in GWU and three phases for those who are. Officers incur a three-year active-duty service commitment upon completion of the program. Those who have not attended Squadron Office School in-residence will be allocated a quota to do so before starting the program. For application instructions and more information, visit the officer professional developmental Web site at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/pme/. (Courtesy of AFPC News Service)