AUGUST 14, 2026 — Two college Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets traded university classrooms for construction sites, engineering offices and laboratories this summer, gaining firsthand experience with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District (FED).
Cadets Jenna Lutz and McDowell Russ spent the summer at FED as part of the USACE Cadet Program, working alongside military and civilian engineers while gaining a broader understanding of USACE’s diverse missions and career opportunities.
During their internships, Lutz and Russ worked under the mentorship of Capt. M. Elliott Orr in the Security, Plans and Operations Office. Their experience focused on learning from professionals across the district and exploring a range of engineering disciplines and functions, including design, project management, construction, geospatial, environmental and technical operations.
Lutz, a mechanical engineering major at the University of Cincinnati entering her fourth year, learned about the program through her university’s Army ROTC program. Her interest in mechanical systems and ground vehicles led her to pursue mechanical engineering and apply for the USACE Cadet Program.
“My internship at FED is designed as a learning experience for the purpose of broadening my knowledge with regards to USACE,” Lutz said.
As part of that learning experience, Lutz shadowed engineering professionals to learn how they approach their work and identified an inspection challenge at a project site, recommending an alternative inspection solution.
One highlight was spending a day with the Design Branch, where mechanical, civil and electrical engineers introduced her to building drawings and explained how each discipline contributes to a project.
“While I had prior experience with CAD and mechanical part drawings, I had never seen building drawings,” she said.
Lutz also learned how scanners are used in surveying and construction. Visits to the environmental and geotechnical laboratories further expanded her understanding of how engineers evaluate land suitability, select foundation materials and determine appropriate foundation depths.
For Russ, a mechanical engineering major at the University of Virginia entering his senior year, the internship provided a valuable look at the connection between engineering, management and leadership.
Russ learned about the program from a former UVA cadet who had participated the previous year and recommended it. During his time at the Far East District, he developed a greater understanding of technical documents, including civil and electrical symbols, while learning about the management and funding processes required to move projects forward.
“The internship has impressed on me the importance of understanding what the people around you are doing to most effectively contribute your work and manage those under you,” Russ said.
Both cadets were particularly impressed by the collaboration among the district’s different engineering disciplines.
Russ said the Design, Geospatial, Environmental and Technical branches each offered unique perspectives, but their interaction was equally important to accomplishing the mission.
“I was struck with their dependence on one another to complete the job and by how they were also learning more about each other’s roles,” he said.
Lutz was similarly impressed by the cooperation between the Far East District’s civilian and military workforce.
“Coming into this internship, I knew very little about USACE operations,” she said. “However, through shadowing and observing, I have noticed how strong communication and cooperation are between the civilian and military workforces.”
Beyond technical knowledge, both cadets said their relationships with experienced military and civilian professionals were among the internship’s most valuable aspects.
“The most rewarding aspect of my internship has been the connections I established with both veteran and active-duty military personnel,” Lutz said. “They have imparted invaluable advice I will carry forward into my military career.”
Russ likewise valued learning from engineering officers and former officers who shared their experiences and offered career advice.
The internship also influenced both cadets’ views of their future careers. Lutz said the experience showed her the diverse career paths available to Army engineers, including opportunities to remain connected to the military community after active service.
Russ said the experience has made him consider working with USACE as both a military officer and a civilian.
“Regardless of if I work for them specifically, I want to lead a team like this one,” Russ said.
Both cadets encouraged other students interested in engineering or construction to apply for the USACE Cadet Program.
“Take advantage of it and soak up everything the USACE community has to offer,” Lutz said.
Russ agreed, emphasizing that the program’s value extends beyond technical experience.
“Regardless of their first choice, the experience and insight they can gain from the people they work with will be valuable,” he said.
For Lutz and Russ, their summer with FED provided more than an introduction to USACE. It gave them firsthand experience of how military and civilian professionals work together to deliver complex engineering solutions while demonstrating the leadership, teamwork and technical expertise required to accomplish the Army’s mission.
Story by Chong Yun Kim
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Far East District