1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Morgan State University Reserve Officer Training Course cadets Deandre Wright (far left) and Kansas State University's Abi Clark (far right) learn about on-site quality assurance operations while checking on the construction progress of the Rhine Ordnance Barracks Medical Complex in Germany, July 26, 2024. Wright and Clark interned with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-sponsored ROTC Engineering Internship Program. (Photo) (Photo courtesy U.S. Army) View Original 2/3 Show caption + Hide caption – Reserve Officer Training Course cadets DeAndre Wright of Morgan State University and Abi Clark of Kansas State University discuss quality assurance work on site with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District Project Engineer Joseph Martin while checking on construction progress at the Rhine Ordnance Barracks Medical Complex in Germany, July 26, 2024. Wright and Clark interned with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-sponsored ROTC Engineering Internship Program. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Army) View original 3/3 Show caption + Hide caption – Reserve Officer Training Course cadets DeAndre Wright of Morgan State University and Abi Clark of Kansas State University participated in an ROTC Engineering Internship Program with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District, Aug. 2, 2024, interacting with the 1-214th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion). While the program focused on USACE projects and programs, the cadets also had the opportunity to interact with other units during their time in Germany. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Army) View original
WIESBADEN, Germany – Faced with the choice this summer of staying home or continuing their education, ROC cadets Abi Clark (Kansas State University) and Deandre Wright (Morgan State University) both decided to apply for the ROC Engineer Internship Program, sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The program allows cadets to gain first-hand experience in the Army's engineering field. While there are opportunities both within and outside the continental U.S., Clark and Wright checked the box for an overseas assignment and hoped for the best.
After learning they had been accepted into the program, Clark and Wright made preparations and flew to USACE Europe District Headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany in July. Over the course of four weeks, the cadets learned about the major engineering disciplines, including project management, engineering, construction and environmental.
While Clark and Wright enjoyed learning from all sections, each had their favorites: Project Management and Engineering stood out for Clark.
“It was good to see how international relations at the administrative level trickle down to local residents,” she said.
While Wright enjoyed those aspects, his lifelong interest in science and the environment ultimately led him to name the environmental field his favorite: From environmental protection procedures to lab work analyzing soil, Wright loved the hands-on projects.
At Wright's favorite stop, the Clay North area of U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, he not only studied the soil but also got to see a World War II airplane tire that had been excavated on-site.
“I have a strong interest in world history, particularly war history, and being able to look at a particular tire and actually see what's left of it was a really fascinating experience,” Wright said.
Clark's favorite site visit was touring the ongoing construction at the Rhine Ordnance Barracks Medical Center.
“This is one of the most impactful construction projects I have ever been a part of. Seeing this complex that will one day benefit the people of North Africa and Europe was the highlight of my time here and I look forward to seeing it again in person once it's completed,” Clark said.
Both cadets agreed that this experience directly impacted their future careers through the leadership skills passed on to them.
“The leadership skills I've inherited from my colonel, captain and major are definitely things I'm going to take home and pass on to the other cadets in the unit,” Wright said.
Clark wholeheartedly agreed, adding that his newfound appreciation for USACE and its components is something he will carry with him for the long term.
As they return to school for the fall semester, Clark and Wright look forward to bringing their experiences back with them and telling their fellow cadets all about it.
“If you don't know what USACE is, you'll never know if you're interested in an internship,” Clark said.
The pair said they hope to spread the word about everything they've learned and experienced at USACE Europe District, and plan to encourage future interns to learn all they can while they're here, regardless of their interests.
More information about the ROTC Engineer Internship Program and other developmental internship opportunities can be found online at https://armyrotc.army.mil/cadet-internships/.
