The Army wants all enlisted soldiers to know that they are accepting applications for a program that trains enlisted soldiers to serve as generals’ personal aides.
The program is looking for enlisted soldiers in the ranks of promotable sergeant through master sergeant from any MOS (Military Occupational Specialty).
The position, which is referred to by the military as an ‘enlisted aide,’ is most closely related to that of a personal butler in the civilian world. A civilian who would hold one of these positions would likely have a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management.
According to the Army Times, if a soldier is picked for the assignment and does not hold the MOS 892 (culinary specialist) he/she will be sent the Basic Culinary Course at Fort Lee in Virginia.
The duties will include but are not limited to: cleaning the home of the assigned general, preparing his/her uniform, preparing/cooking meals for the home, keeping personal financial records, and all other tasks that may assist the general in his/her professional duties.
The Army expects anyone who applies for this “utilization tour” to commit at least one year and possibly a second year if extended.
If picked, the soldier, upon successful completion of all required training the soldier will be assigned to a general officer in the ranks of major general (2-star) through general (4-star).
Hypothetically, an infantry E-7 with a ranger tab would be expected to cook food and iron the clothes of a general for up to two years if picked for the position (not that he would apply in the first place).
In return for the enlisted soldiers selfless commitment the Army’s top officers the Army will grant them a skill identifier of “Z5” (enlisted aide).
The deadline to apply is April 12, 2016 as the selection panel is scheduled to decide at the Human Resources Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
More information about applying can be found on the Enlisted Aide Program Web page.