The Military Commissions Defense Organization (MCDO), a branch of the Department of Defense, is in search of one or more investigative interns for the Summer and Fall 2021 semesters. Interns will spend at least 6 weeks partnering directly with members of a defense team to complete various investigative tasks, advocate for a Guantanamo Bay detainee, and assist with establishing a legal precedent.
The investigative internship at the MCDO provides undergraduate and graduate students with the fundamental investigative techniques and the relevant criminal law knowledge needed to assist Attorneys. The Internship begins with a training session that orients the intern to MCDO, case history and team dynamics. In the second week, the Investigative Interns are assigned projects and will be responsible for completion of the investigative tasks assigned. Investigative Interns will be assigned to work with the investigative unit, attorneys, and other members of the team.
To perform this job successfully, an intern must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Persons with disabilities must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodation(s). More information can be found on this flyer. The requirements listed will be representative of the knowledge, skills, education, training, experience and/or ability required.
- Locate and interview witnesses and take detailed witness statements.
- Under Defense Team supervision and/or with team investigator accompanying.
- Perform extensive criminal background checks, with the use and assistance of resources provided by MCDO or self.
- Draft and File FOIAS.
- Prepare courtroom exhibits.
- Write reports regarding investigative tasks; assist with case development and generally assist the assigned attorney(s) out of the courtroom.
Investigative Interns will be given clerical duties, but some of their work will be performed in the community. This is a non-paid internship, but interns will be able to obtain and retain a Security clearance within one year of departure from the internship.
Applicants should be a U.S. citizen, able to successfully pass a background check and receive a security clearance. Interested applicants should be prepared to submit the following:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Case Scenario Response
- Case Scenario will be sent will be sent upon receipt of the application materials. Essay response must be returned within 24 hours of receipt.
Applicant materials and any inquiries should be emailed to: Supervisory Investigator Brian Ruffin at brian.c.ruffin.civ@mail.mil. Phone inquiries are also available at 757-927-8207.
