The Army Internship Program: Enhancing Mission Readiness for Uniformed Army Social Workers

Abstract

Army uniformed social workers perform as members of the Army Medical Department's team of health care providers. Uniformed social workers of the past and those of today are involved in ensuring the well-being of soldiers and their families during peace and war. The training and development of the post-MSW social worker is an area lacking attention in the literature. This article focuses on an innovative military post-MSW training program that simultaneously prepares the social worker for clinical work in multiple military practice areas while also preparing the trainee for independent social work licensure. In the 4 years since implementation, this 2-year training program has become the model for the professional development of new uniformed Army social workers.

Keywords:

• post-MSW training
• social work internship
• military social work training

Notes

This article not subject to US copyright law.

The view(s) expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.