Become an Intern in Army Modeling & Simulation

What is Career Program 36 (CP36)? CP36 is a civilian career program for Modeling and Simulation (M&S) professionals. CP36 is designed to assist the civilian community in enhancing their M&S skills while advancing the mission of the U.S. Army. Interns participate in this program under the CP36 Intern Training Program. Careerists select and attend modeling and simulation training, education and professional development opportunities that are identified within the Army’s Civilian Training, Education and Development System (ACTEDS).

What is a CP36 Intern? A CP36 intern is a person hired to fill a full-time, entry level position within Modeling and Simulation for the Department of the Army. CP36 interns are hired at the GS-7 level and are promoted, without competition, to the GS-11 level. Interns are placed in a training program for a period of two years, and then move to a permanent position. At this point, they are no longer interns but peramanent civilian employees of the Army. Intern positions are Federal Civil Service positions and have no military obligation.

Pre-requisites for Employment in the Department of the Army's Intern Program:      (1) A Bachelor's Degree with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of a least 2.95 is required to be considered for an intern position with the Army. A degree in one of the following areas is preferred: Modeling and/or Simulations (M&S); Engineering, Mathematics, Science, Statistics, Physics, Information Technology, Computer Science, Economics, Operations Research, or Business.
     (2) A signed mobility agreement is a pre-requisite for employment in the Department of Army's Intern Program. Essentially, it is an agreement to protect both interns and the Department of Army in the event that a position is not available for them at their initial training site, when the two year training program ends. The mobility agreement is a contract that says interns will move when the Department of Army guarantees continued employment at the end of their initial two-year training period. The agreement assures the Army that interns will move to a duty location where there are vacancies for their skills. The mobility requirement expires at the conclusion of the third year of employment.
     (3) A copy of transcripts is required to be considered for an intern position. Legible copies are sufficient for purposes of applying for the intern program, however, official transcripts will be requested if a position is offered.

M&S Areas of Focus: Civilians work in Program Offices, Research Labs, Technology Development and Engineering Facilities, Analysis Centers, Test Ranges, Logistic Centers, Training Centers, and Training and Exercise Ranges, supporting M&S activities in the following communities: acquisition, analysis, operations, testing, training and experimentation.

Benefits of the Intern Program:      (1) The program is funded by Headquarters Army, and pays for all intern salaries, training and travel costs incurred during the two-year training period;

     (2) annual and sick leave is provided;
     (3) life and health insurance is available;
     (4) thrift savings plan/401k is offered with matching contributions;
     (5) annual cost of living increases;
     (6) opportunity to develop multi-discipline knowledge, skills and abilities in various areas of modeling and simulation; and,
     (7) opportunity for relocation to select geographical areas, after completion of the two-year training period.

Intern positions are posted on college websites and USAJOBS.com. Follow directions on the job announcement for application procedures.

Send questions to CP36@us.army.mil or call the CP36 Program Manager at (703) 604-0257/9.