West Point Cadet - Army Strong Stories

Pres. Day Weekend

Allyson Hauptman — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:53:00 GMT

By: Allyson Hauptman
Happy President's Day! Here's to all the men who took upon themselves a far greater responsibility than most could handle, regardless of how we think they handled it. This weekend I went to the pocono mountains with my family and my boyfriend. On Saturday we wne tsnow tubing, which was a blast. There's nothing that says winter fun quite like rushing down a small ski slope in a float on your stomach. Today we went to an outlet mall, walked around in the cold, and picked up a...read more

Second Semester

Allyson Hauptman — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:01:00 GMT

By: Allyson Hauptman
So, I know its been forever since I was on here. Honestly, I only remembered about it, because I linked my IT305 website to my blog! Sidenote: I added a second major in Info Tech Systems. I really want to focus my studies on how cyber space changes the laws of war and international security. I'm thinking about applying for Truman scholarship; I would need to submit my application at the end of next semester. It is deferable until I am a captain, and then I could use it to get...read more

Unique Opportunity

Andrew Oswald — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:45:00 GMT

By: Andrew Oswald
This weekend, I had the unique opportunity to travel to Atlanta, GA to present a project from my summer internship (AIAD) at Boston Scientific to the Close the Gap (CTG) steering committee meeting. The audience consisted of the steering committee (17 physicians and hospital administrators in the field of cardiology), BSC sales reps, regional managers, all way up to several VPs and Senior VPs, in addition to the CTG team and a few of their partners. I really enjoyed being able to present my...read more

finally

Allyson Hauptman — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 23:56:00 GMT

By: Allyson Hauptman
Sorry it's been so long since I've last updated. It's been busy here at West Point. yesterday we received 6 week grades (kicking butts and taking names, thanks for asking). I also made the Army Debate Team, so that has been consuming a lot of my time. At our first tournament ever, 2 weeks ago, my partner and I won the entire debate in the novice division. We argued ten debates-- about 2.5 hours each-- over the course of 3 days. It was tiring and a lot of fun! We have another...read more

AIAD to New York City

Gabriella Allong — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 18:17:00 GMT

By: Gabriella Allong
This summer I had the privilege of spending four weeks in the heart of New York City. The location was not too far from World Trade Center. Fortunately, navigating through the subway system is not a difficult thing for me because I live in Queens, NY. I was also lucky because I only interned for three days out of the week, so I was able to commute back home to spend time with my family. I was an intern for a non profit organization that advocates for non violence in the...read more

Cadet Colleen McCaffrey

Colleen McCaffrey — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:48:00 GMT

By: Colleen McCaffrey
This summer I had the privilege of completing a three week internship with General Electric Power and Energy. Throughout the three week experience I learned alot about the differences between the military and civilian world. In the civilian world people were less likely to help individuals. If they were not receieving something in return or did not see a connection that they could make with you they were less likely to help you. This was...read more

FBI Academy AIAD

Arnold Angel-Hardy — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:09:00 GMT

By: Arnold Angel-Hardy
After working for CDEU for two weeks, I was assigned to another unit. For the last two and a half weeks of my AIAD I was assigned to the Practical Applications Unit (PAU). PAU is responsible for teaching the New Agents in training the tactical skills needed to facilitate raids and arrests as well as simply staying alive on the street. These skills are taught in the form of tactical lectures, videos, drills, and exercises. The instructors lecture in a large classroom...read more

FBI Academy AIAD

Arnold Angel-Hardy — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 01:02:00 GMT

By: Arnold Angel-Hardy
I had the privilege of taking part in an internship at the FBI Acedemy in Quantico, VA for four and a half weeks this summer. The FBI Academy is a 20 week program designed to turn qualified civilians and military personnel into Special Agents, a coveted and respected position within the FBI. For the first two weeks of my AIAD, I was assigned to the Curriculum Development and Evaluation Unit (CDEU). CDEU designs the course materials and lessons which are taught to the New...read more

BUSINESS AND THE ARMY

Andrew Oswald — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:28:00 GMT

By: Andrew Oswald
The business world and the military have similarities and differences. One of the things that was most noticeable, even though I expected it, was the lack of uniforms with rank, awards, and achievements. In no way did I think that this civilian corporation would have their employees wear uniforms, but I have grown accustomed to the uniforms of the military, and their absence was very noticeable. The uniform with everything worn on it is almost like a miniature résumé. With one...read more

LEAD

Andrew Oswald — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:28:00 GMT

By: Andrew Oswald
Leadership Excellence Applied Daily (LEAD) is a benchmark leadership playbook publication created by two Air Force cadets – Justin Franklin and Nate Curl – myself, and our sponsor – Anthony “Roby” Roberson. LEAD was sent out to over 30 business executives in Boston Scientific CRV Sales. It included articles on leadership styles and theory, leadership in the medical device industry, a great focus on negotiation, and leadership profiles for each of the executives....read more

CLOSE THE GAP

Andrew Oswald — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:23:00 GMT

By: Andrew Oswald
Close the Gap is an initiative started by Boston Scientific in order to reach all Americans with information about cardiovascular disease and how to prevent it, connect them with care, and ultimately lower the prevalence of CVD in America. The project I worked on, along with a cadet from the Air Force Academy – Justin Franklin – dealt with using social media to reach the target populations. The project involved a lot of research and analysis to determine the ideal social networking...read more

7 ELEMENT PREP

Andrew Oswald — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:15:00 GMT

By: Andrew Oswald
I was amazed at how the seven element model of negotiation is applicable to my travels in this AIAD and to other areas of life. At the beginning of the AIAD process, I had to work on relationship and communication. I had to communicate with the instructors at West Point and then with the liaisons at Boston Scientific. I did not personally know anyone at BSC, so the relationships there originally were due to mutual acquaintances. The internship never would have happened if the relationship or...read more

AER AIAD--Week 3&4

Mikaela Makowski — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:18:00 GMT

By: Mikaela Makowski
Week 3: The week consisted of giving my presentation to LTG (R) Foley of the business case that was presented to me to improve AER's mailing system. After briefing the COL(R) multiple times, I essentially had my presentation memorized and I was really comfortable and confident when I presented it. LTG(R) Foley was impressed and without hesitation stated that they will implement my recommended improvements. I was able to answer questions confidently and engage in discussion with the...read more

Yuk Year

Allyson Hauptman — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 06:00:00 GMT

By: Allyson Hauptman
So, some updates... This summer I did an internship with the Distict Court Judge in my township. I both followed him in court and worked in his law office. It was a great experience and got me really excited to begin my Internation Law major this semester. I went to the shore with my boyfriend, hung out with my dog, and got sinificantly bored. I am glad to be back at West Point for another year. Being back is really weird, because now that I am a yuk, not a plebe, I don't have to...read more

Everyone wants to talk to a West Point Cadet

Nathaniel Van Horn — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:39:00 GMT

By: Nathaniel Van Horn
Everyone wants to talk to a West Point Cadet One thing that I have noticed is that everyone wants to talk to a West Point Cadet. When I graduate in May I feel as though I will be getting a demotion. People will go out of their way to meet up with me just because of where I go to school, but next year I will be a butter bar at the bottom of the barrel. I remember talking to a friend who did an AIAD...read more

Giving Presentations and better efficiencies at Walmart than in the Army

Nathaniel Van Horn — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:38:00 GMT

By: Nathaniel Van Horn
Giving Presentations and better efficiencies at Walmart than in the Army Ever since plebe year Chemistry, presentations have been engrained into me. I had a large amount of self confidence before coming to West Point, but being put on the spot and having to answer to my teachers has developed my confidence even more. This has been very beneficial in many different ways, especially here at Walmart....read more

Big and Small and Military Managers

Nathaniel Van Horn — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:37:00 GMT

By: Nathaniel Van Horn
Big and Small and Military Managers One thing that sets Walmart apart from many other large corporations in the United States is the fact that Walmart’s headquarters is not in a large city. Walmart’s headquarters is set in Bentonville Arkansas, a town with a population of 35,301 citizens. It is interesting that Walmart’s headquarters has only around 17,000 employees. That may seem like a very large work force, which it is, but in comparison to the size of the corporation...read more

AER AIAD--Week 1&2

Mikaela Makowski — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:56:00 GMT

By: Mikaela Makowski
I was at the AER HQ AIAD from 19Jun-16Jul. I wrote down what I intended on blogging each morning in my pad folio about the previous day’s work and now I am finally getting around to posting it all! 24 Jun 11: My first week as an intern here at AER is complete! I went in completely open minded knowing that I would most likely be doing projects out of my fields of study and that I would most likely have to do more research at first. I was just hoping to learn about all the inner-workings...read more

United States Fire Administration AIAD part 2

Benjamin Schiff — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:48:00 GMT

By: Benjamin Schiff
On Thursday our class completed a staff ride of the Battle of Gettysburg. Throughout the day we examined the tactics and leadership used during the battle. This experience helped me see skills I can use while exercising leadership as a future officer in the United States Army. Friday we had the graduation ceremony for the program where I received credits for the class that can be applied towards a master's degree in my future when I further my education. The main takeaway that I saw from...read more

Walmart Week 2.5

Nathaniel Van Horn — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 04:27:00 GMT

By: Nathaniel Van Horn
Core Competencies and more on Culture For my Walmart internship I have been reading Sam Walton’s “Made in America, My Story”, which was also handed out to all associates during orientation. The book has been very interesting and is an easy read. In Intro to management we learned about core competencies which a whole chapter of the book covers. The most important core competencies that Sam Walton recognized in Walmart, at least back when this book was written in 1992,...read more