AIAD Program
The Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) Program places West Point cadets in research environments at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL). Under the mentorship of Army scientists and engineers, cadets contribute to efforts that strengthen national defense and propel Army modernization.
Connecting classroom learning with real-world Army research.
Turn theory into practice.
Program Overview
The AIAD Program is a cornerstone of the U.S. Military Academy’s Margin of Excellence, providing cadets with hands-on experience in Army research and technology. Each summer, cadets spend two to four weeks working alongside Army scientists and engineers in state-of-the-art laboratories and field environments. These short yet impactful assignments provide participants with insight into how science, technology, and leadership drive the Army’s mission and modernization priorities.
Opportunities Across ARL
AIAD participants are immersed in the Army’s research and technology ecosystem, gaining exposure to a broad range of disciplines that reflect the Army Research Laboratory’s twelve core technical competencies. Cadets engage in projects spanning areas such as materials science, information sciences, human performance, sensors and electronics, protection systems, and other fields essential to Army research and modernization. These experiences demonstrate how scientific and engineering efforts at ARL contribute to operational readiness and long-term defense innovation.
Professional growth
Each cadet is paired with an ARL mentor who provides technical guidance and professional insight. Through close collaboration, participants gain a deeper understanding of the Army research enterprise, strengthen their technical and analytical skills, and explore future pathways in research, STEM fields, and Army leadership.
Eligibility and timeline
The program seeks ROTC Cadets who are motivated to engage in Army-aligned research, contribute to meaningful scientific inquiry, and grow as emerging technical leaders.
Timeline:
- January: Applications due (up to four program choices via the Cadet Information System).
- Late May – Early August: Two- to four-week AIAD assignments at ARL or partner sites.
Participants should coordinate early with their Tactical Officer (TAC), the Office of Research, and the Assistant Dean for Operations (Jeremy Zinfchock), as well as the AIAD sponsor and, as needed, ARL’s Military University Partnerships Manager at West Point (Cullen Lind), to ensure prerequisites are met.
Why participate?
- Apply classroom learning to Army research and real-world missions.
- Work side-by-side with Army scientists and engineers advancing Army modernization.
- Strengthen technical and leadership skills relevant to both military and civilian STEM careers.
Gain exposure to research that enhances operational readiness and national defense.
How to apply
Interested cadets should speak with their TAC and the AIAD sponsor early in the academic year. Applications are submitted through the Cadet Information System (CIS) in January, with selections based on prerequisites, academic alignment, and available research placements.
Visit the U.S. Military Academy’s AIAD information page for program details and contacts:
