TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A local Air National Guard senior noncommissioned officer has developed a first-of-its-kind program intended to help retiring SNCO's be better prepared for employment after they leave the service.

The Senior Non Commissioned Officer Internship Program is designed to give retiring SNCOs and other separating airman the opportunity to intern with local business or corporations to help them gain knowledge of the civilian workforce structure and managerial practices prior to their separation.

"We have a well-educated enlisted force that can benefit from such an opportunity. While the Air Force has a program in place for officers, I seen the need for our enlisted corps as well," Master Sgt. Joseph Cooper, the Manager of Command and Control Standard and Evaluations for 1st Air Force's Operations Directorate, said. "I really hope separating airman take advantage of this opportunity."

The goal of SNIP is to provide diverse internships otherwise not available to enlisted leaders to better prepare SNCOs for civilian employment and managerial settings.

While in its infancy, the program already has five verbal agreements in place, with two of those businesses ready to start accepting interns.

"SNIP is not a job placement program," Cooper said, "However; I believe that this internship will greatly increase a separating member's chances after they leave. There is a lot to gain."

The Panama City Workforce Center is also assisting with SNIP by providing a hub between employers and applicants and the Tyndall Airman & Family Readiness Center is providing the SNIP Program marketing opportunities to provide briefings to all Air Force personnel that are transitioning to civilian life.

Personnel interested in applying for an internship should contact Jeanette Deatherage
(Ph: 850.872.4340 ext.160) for more information.