Exercise Science Intern

H2F Exercise Science Position Description

Title: Exercise Science Intern
Location: Fort Benning, Georgia
Host Organization: Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Program, Fort Benning
Partner Organization: Columbus State University (CSU)
Compensation: Unpaid (for academic credit)
Duration: Schedule flexible based on the academic calendar.
Internship Credit: Academic credit through CSU’s approved internship/practicum program 

Position Summary

The Fort Benning Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Program, in partnership with Columbus State University, seeks Kinesiology or Exercise Science students to complete a structured, supervised internship designed to build knowledge and experience in a military human performance environment. Interns will provide non-clinical injury prevention support, physical readiness education, and administrative assistance to the H2F team under the direction of licensed H2F personnel. Interns who successfully complete the internship will receive a formal performance appraisal and a personalized letter of recommendation to support future professional opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Injury Prevention and Readiness Support

• Assist in the setup, monitoring, and teardown of physical readiness training (PT) sessions.
• Support warm-up, cooldown, and mobility activities to promote injury prevention.
• Observe Soldier movement patterns and posture during training activities under supervision.
• Facilitate Soldier education sessions on injury prevention, recovery strategies, hydration, sleep hygiene, and nutrition.
• Assist with data collection and analysis related to human performance.

Rehabilitation Support (Non-Clinical)

• Assist in supervised rehabilitation sessions by helping with exercise set-up, tracking participation, and documenting non-clinical progress.
• Support load management practices and return-to-training logistics in collaboration with Strength and Conditioning Coaches and Physical Therapists.

Administrative and Program Support

• Maintain weekly activity logs or journals documenting learning objectives and practical experiences.
• Assist with data tracking and documentation for functional movement screenings (e.g., Y-Balance, hop tests) and Soldier assessments.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, after-action reviews (AARs), and Soldier engagement activities.

Capstone Project and Professional Development

• Complete a final capstone project: design a six-week reconditioning plan for a common musculoskeletal injury tailored to the demands of military training and present that project to the H2F Director.
• Engage in peer coaching sessions and structured feedback reviews.
• Participate in a final performance evaluation and reflection session with H2F staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current enrollment in Columbus State University's Exercise Science program.
• Completion of relevant coursework in injury prevention, evaluation, and rehabilitation.
• Current CPR/AED certification (Preferred).
• Ability to complete required background screening to gain access to Fort Benning.
• Professional demeanor and willingness to operate in a military environment.

Work Schedule

• Total requirement: 130 hours over the course of the semester.
• Weekly schedule coordinated with Fort Benning H2F leadership and CSU faculty advisor.
• Attendance at key meetings, PT sessions, and educational briefings is mandatory unless otherwise coordinated.

Performance Evaluation

• Interns will be evaluated on professionalism, participation, initiative, communication, and practical skill development.
• Successful interns will receive:
  • A written performance appraisal from the lead H2F Athletic Trainer or Director.
  • A letter of recommendation for future professional or educational opportunities.

Important Notes

• This internship is unpaid. Students will earn academic credit through Columbus State University.
• Interns are not authorized to perform clinical care, diagnose injuries, prescribe rehabilitation programs, or clear Soldiers for return to duty.
• Interns must operate under the direct supervision of Fort Benning H2F staff at all times.
• Interns will not assume inherently governmental functions or make independent medical decisions.