• Baylor AFROTC student earns prestigious Pentagon internship

    Joseph Mabbitt

    What’s life like inside the Pentagon? One Baylor student is about to find out.

    Joseph Mabbitt, a senior Russian major and Baylor Air Force ROTC student, earned a highly-coveted internship at the Pentagon for this coming summer. He’ll be working in the Secretary of the Air Force/International Affairs office, which exists to “strengthen US and global security through partnerships in air, space and cyberspace.”

    Mabbitt, who will be joining the Air Force after graduation, was one of just nine students nationwide to receive this Pentagon internship. Once there, he’ll immerse himself in a world obviously quite different from that of a student. Check out his duties:

    • Assist with the execution of disclosure and release policy pertaining to all USAF aircraft such as F-15, F-16, C-130, C-17;
    • Contribute to the development of national, DoD and Air Force and technology transfer policies incorporating politico-military implications, weapon system capabilities to include all Combat Air Force aircraft/systems, science and technology sensitivities and security considerations;
    • Determine requirements for and support international Air Force requirement development for Combat Air Force systems and technologies;
    • Represent Secretary of the Air Force/International Affairs on planning teams for all USAF fighter aircraft Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales;
    • Assist with preparing briefs concerning USAF release policy for senior DoD and Capitol Hill officials; and
    • Represent the USAF to senior military and civilian dignitaries at official meetings.

    Of course, Mabbitt should be well prepared. Prior to coming to Baylor, he was recognized as a distinguished young leader by McLennan Community College, and as a Bear, he has represented the university as part of Student Foundation, including a stint as alumni relations co-chair.

    He’s also one of many Baylor students who serves our nation. Across campus, Baylor students in the AFROTC and Army ROTC programs , as well as veterans returning to campus as students in the Baylor Veteran Educational and Transition Services (VETS), all balance service to country with studies in some way, and their dedication makes us all proud. In fact, Mabbitt’s Pentagon internship came about through the Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings, a service and professional organization dedicated to developing leadership in those who serve in the Air Force.

    Sic ’em, Joseph Mabbitt!