Cadet Research Program Brings Fresh Perspectives to USMEPCOM

The Cadet Summer Research Program continues to provide service academy cadets with an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while bringing fresh perspectives to U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM). This summer, Cadet Grant Feldman (U.S. Air Force Academy), spent six weeks at USMEPCOM conducting research and gaining a firsthand understanding of the command’s mission.  

A visit to Chicago MEPS gave him a new appreciation for the journey enlisted service members take before beginning their military careers. Because Feldman will commission as an Air Force officer after graduation, processing through the MEPS is not part of his journey.

“It was eye opening to understand the steps they go through to be able to enlist,” said Feldman. “Understanding that will hopefully allow me to better connect with enlisted personnel at my first duty station.”  

Throughout his internship, Feldman focused on an individual research project examining how USMEPCOM can meet future medical accession demands by evaluating the Fee Basis Provider contract. He collaborated with personnel from multiple offices, interviewed stakeholders across the command and developed three courses of action based on the information he gathered.

“I got to meet a lot of people across all branches and government civilians,” said Feldman. “A lot of it was for research but I believe that really helped with my personal development. Choosing a joint command for my internship turned out to be great. Learning how different people approach problem solving and share their varied perspectives was such a learning moment for me.”  

Rather than approaching the project with predetermined solutions, Feldman said he focused on listening first.

“My approach was to put together other people’s ideas into my COAs,” he said.  

Dr. Donovan Phillips, USMEPCOM chief of staff, said Feldman’s work made an immediate impact and will continue to influence future discussions at the command.

“His work here won’t die; this will become a topic for the next Senior Leader Offsite,” said Phillips. “His project inspired a lot of thought, it was needed. It’s not just the quality of his work but how he went about doing it, getting out of the cubicle and taking his time seriously.”  

Like previous participants in the Cadet Summer Research Program, Feldman leaves USMEPCOM with a greater understanding of the joint force and the accession process, while the command benefits from innovative ideas that will continue shaping future initiatives.