Student & Entry Level

Start your career with talented colleagues, supportive leadership, dedication to innovation and a clearly defined mission – helping to protect the lives of civilians and U.S. Airmen around the world.  Internships and entry-level positions are available throughout our organization.  Take a look at some of the options you have to begin your career with USSTRATCOM.

The Air Force Summer Internship Program, the Internship Program, the Recent Graduates Program and the reinvigorated Presidential Management Fellows Program are developmental programs collectively known as the Pathways programs.

Student Internships

The Air Force Summer Internship Program and the Internship Program replace two former programs - Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP). These programs are designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from associate to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the programs may be eligible for conversion to the Recent Graduates Program and a permanent job in the civil service. Applicants must apply through USA Jobs when the public notice is posted.  Additional information about the Internship Program can be found at: Students (USAJOBS Help Center)

Civilian Entry Level Programs

The Recent Graduates Program (PALACE ACQUIRE - PAQ) offers careers positions in the civil service for individuals who graduated in the last two years (six years for veterans) from a qualifying educational institution with an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate.  Program selectees receive developmental experiences in the Federal government, guided career planning, professional development and competitive opportunities for career advancement.  Applicants must apply through USA Jobs when the public notice is posted.  Additional information about the Recent Graduates Program can be found at: Recent Graduates (opm.gov)

The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program is the Federal government's premier leadership development program for advanced degree holders across all academic disciplines. Since 1977, the PMF Program has matched outstanding graduate students with exciting Federal opportunities. It has gone through several changes over its 40+ year history, but its essential mission remains the same: to recruit and develop a cadre of future government leaders. The PMF Program creates a lasting bond among Fellows and Alumni, and instills a spirit of public service, which, for Fellows who complete the program successfully, can ultimately encourage and lead to a career in government.  Additional information about the PMF Program and how to apply can be found at: Presidential Management Fellows (PMF)

Civilian Intern Benefits

As a civilian intern, you can be a full-time federal government employee and may be entitled to benefits and entitlements, such as paid sick leave, paid vacations, paid federal holidays, health and life insurance, a retirement plan, and a tax deferred investment plan equivalent to a 401(k) - with matching federal contributions.

Experienced Professionals

An unparalleled mission and the opportunity to change the technological landscape of our nation aren't the only reasons to work for USSTRATCOM. As a federal government employee working on an active-duty military installation, you'll have incredible benefits and perks. You'll also be part of a supportive culture and a ground-breaking environment that lets your work achieve more than it ever has before. We have positions available for experienced professionals in a variety of areas, such as operations research, project leadership, program administration, budgeting and finance, logistics, engineering, information technology, and intelligence.

Benefits

As a civilian employee of the U.S. Air Force, you'll have access to exceptional federal benefits with a variety of plan options that rival those offered in the private sector. In addition to what's listed below, you'll have a competitive salary, continuous learning opportunities, and plenty of paid time off to help you achieve the kind of work-life balance you really want. Unlike many private sector companies, your benefits at USSTRATCOM start the minute you do. That includes retirement, health benefits, vacation and sick leave, life insurance, and more.

• Retirement: With our Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), you can build your retirement income through a program similar to a 401(k) and Social Security. TSP savings and tax benefits are as beneficial as those in the private sector, and you are fully vested right away; from the time you register, you can participate in TSP.
• Health Benefits: This program offers numerous plan choices to help you meet health care needs. Payroll deductions and the option to use pretax dollars make up this plan that covers you and your family. Coverage begins as soon as you register for benefits.
• Dental & Vision Insurance: If you participate in this program, you and your family members will be covered by group supplemental dental and vision insurance coverage. Several plans are available, and your premiums may be withheld from your salary on a pre-tax basis.
• Life Insurance: Eligible employees will receive basic life insurance and three types of optional life insurance at attractive group rates and most employees can continue their coverage after retirement.
• Long Term Care: This program helps pay for long-term care services, such as home care or care in a nursing home or assisted living facility. It's the care you would need to help you perform daily activities if you had an ongoing illness or disability.
• Flexible Spending Account: You can set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for some of your medical and dependent care expenses.

For more detailed information on benefits, visit OPM's benefits page.

By working on an active-duty military installation, you will have access to various recreational and support facilities. Some of them include:

• Fitness Centers, Swimming Pools, Golf Courses and Bowling Alleys
• Hobby Shops (Arts/Crafts, Woodworking and Automotive)
• On-base Credit Union and Bank and Child Care Facilities
• Family Support Centers, Aero Clubs, and Libraries
• Opportunities for assignments anywhere in the world
• The Armed Forces Vacation Club, which offers affordable vacation housing and amenities around the world for personnel employed by the armed services

Only the hospital/clinic, Commissary, and Base Exchange are restricted for use by the active-duty military and their dependents.