INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Summer Intern: Military Strategy and the US Defense Budget

CompanyAEI
LocationWashington
Work ModeOn Site
PostedDecember 24, 2025
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Interns will assist with compiling and preparing background information on congressional oversight issues, examining defense investments, drafting memos, and collecting data. They may also attend congressional hearings and respond to current events related to military strategy.
Internship Type
other
Company Size
941
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Who we are: The American Enterprise Institute is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world. The work of our scholars and staff advances ideas rooted in our belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society, and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture. How we do it: We are committed to making the intellectual, moral, and practical case for expanding freedom, increasing individual opportunity, and strengthening the free enterprise system in America and around the world. Our work explores ideas that further these goals, and AEI scholars take part in this pursuit with academic freedom. AEI operates independently of any political party and has no institutional positions. Our scholars’ conclusions are fueled by rigorous, data-driven research and broad-ranging evidence. Our work: Our scholars not only engage in research that focuses on today’s most critical challenges but also look ahead to ideas and issues that have yet to be widely recognized. AEI scholars pursue innovative, independent work across a wide array of subjects. From economics, education, health care, and poverty to foreign and defense studies, public opinion, politics, society, and culture, our experts drive the competition of ideas.
About the Role

Overview

American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Mackenzie Eaglen specializes in defense strategy, defense budgets, military readiness, and the defense industrial base. Interns on the military strategy and US defense budget team will assist with compiling and preparing background information on issues of congressional oversight, examining defense investments across the services, drafting memos and report text, and collecting data. Assignments may also include attending congressional hearings on the defense budget and responding to current events related to military strategy.

 

Candidates should have experience in analytic techniques, Microsoft Excel, and quantitative or statistical fields. They must demonstrate attention to detail and be able to write and summarize information concisely, accurately, and creatively. A desire to learn about defense budgeting, force planning, acquisition, and defense reform is key. This team covers a broad range of defense issues, so the ability to take initiative and independently attack research questions is crucial. Candidates who can participate in the program in person for 25–40 hours per week are encouraged to apply.

 

About AEI Internships

 

AEI internships offer a unique opportunity for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates to gain experience in research, writing, business, and communications at one of the nation’s leading think tanks. Competitive candidates will generally have a GPA of 3.5 or higher from a top-ranking college or university. AEI’s internship program runs for 12 weeks, and all related programming will take place in person in Washington, DC. Please see the internship program home page for updates.

 

The summer program dates are either Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, August 21, or Tuesday, June 2, to Friday, August 28.

Key Skills
Analytic TechniquesMicrosoft ExcelQuantitative FieldsStatistical FieldsAttention to DetailWritingSummarizingResearchDefense BudgetingForce PlanningAcquisitionDefense Reform
Categories
Government & Public SectorData & AnalyticsConsultingEducationAdministrative