Being a general officer’s aide-de-camp is a challenging and unusual experience. This is one of the relatively few positions that gives a junior officer the chance to learn more about how the “Big Army” functions. Although we were aide-de-camps (AdC) for a short while, there are some timeless lessons we would like to impart. The transition period is rarely long enough to account for or cover every potential contingency. For an AdC, there is no formal course, despite there being one for enlisted assistants. Fortunately, there is a General Officer Aide Handbook to provide you with some extremely useful advice as you move around this small community (1). We think there are six rules for success.
1. It’s all about the boss. There are specific guidelines as to what you can and cannot do, but in general, no officer will request that you do so. If that occurs, the officer typically is unaware of the rule as well. That may sound surprising, but it’s true. It won’t be a big deal if your boss is good. But you should also put in a lot of effort to build your technical credibility, especially in the beginning (good at scheduling, proficient with Microsoft Outlook and Office, forward-thinking, anticipating requirements, etc.). ). This will enable you to swiftly transition to a location where you can serve as a reliable agent behind closed doors. You’ll be their first introduction to the “real” operations of the organization. You can be the staff’s eyes and ears at briefings as well (peers who will tell you the truth like it is) and especially with the staff.
2. Anticipate his or her needs. Discover his or her preferences (from the basic to the more complex: does he or she enjoy pre-readings for briefings, how does he or she prefer to receive feedback, what tasks does he or she give the staff, and how much does he or she engage on various topics). Be aware of what he or she needs early on and learn to read their moods. Knowing when your boss is exhausted, upset, or experiencing a headache will save your life because most General Officers go from engagement to engagement all day.
3. Get to know him or her as a person. Despite being a general officer, he or she is a person like you and me. They probably are trying to manage everything we are trying to manage (family, work, his or her boss, etc.). ). Spend some time during the first few weeks discussing personal matters, such as family, origins, and experiences as a junior officer or field grade. Ask for advice from him or her as often and as often as you want regarding your career; the best time for this will be during temporary duty (TDY) trips when he or she is out of the office.
4. Leverage the staff and extend influence. You can’t do it all alone. His or her staff will be substantial (driver, NCO, security detail, executive officer, etc.). ) that can help carry the burden. Due to the fact that most tasks require teamwork, it is imperative to maintain positive relationships with the staff. They can all do more than their assignments. Concentrate on helping them advance professionally so that you can rate or senior rate some of them (ensure they attend school, etc.). ). Most likely, there are additional AdCs on the installation, and you will collaborate with them while you are TDY. Utilize those connections when a problem arises, and be there to help when they do. Network with other AdCs and staff early on. Odds are, they have dealt with a similar issue before.
5. The requests you make of people’s time (for briefings, etc. ) are all in your name. The commander wants… should never be used when calling to request something. Additionally, keep in mind that traveling with a general officer is significant when going somewhere. Give notice in advance to the company and keep in mind what always occurs when the boss visits. Remind them of that too. Your communication with other organizations is critical. Be specific with commanders and staff. Most generals dislike the dog-and-pony show, so don’t let your subordinates speak inordinately long sentences. Also cut down on the brief. Sincerity goes a long way in these circumstances, so he’d prefer to understand how the soldiers truly feel. This will be an accurate reflection of how much work you put in before the visit setting the conditions as you manage the schedule and timelines for each engagement.
6. Keep private stuff private. Senior officers will talk about a lot for you to see and hear. Don’t share that with other people. Your job is to assist your boss, so don’t discuss their mood with others, don’t share their secrets, etc. Command is a part of the personal relationships you cultivate. It’s really hard; sometimes you just need to vent. We wouldn’t advise sharing any of that information with anyone besides your closest friends and family.
Finally, it is important to always remember the acronym CAV, which stands for Coordinate, Anticipate, and Verify. This is a continuous cycle and it never ends. Not whether you make mistakes, but how you fix them and learn from them, is what matters. If you can anticipate the needs of the boss and keep private information private while utilizing the team to complete the mission, keep in mind that it’s all about the boss. Even though it is one of the most demanding and challenging jobs, being an aide-de-camp is one of the most rewarding jobs for a junior officer.
CPT Desmond Clay is a Logistics Officer at Fort Stewart, Georgia, assigned to the 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion of the 3ID Sustainment Brigade. Prior positions held include Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer in the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Aide-de-Camp to the Quartermaster General at Fort Lee, Virginia. His military training also includes the Unit Movement Officer Course, Basic Airborne Course, Air Assault Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course, and Support Operations Course. He graduated from Jacksonville State University with a bachelor of science.
CPT Paul Guzman is an armor officer who is currently a small group leader at Fort Lee, Virginia’s Logistics Captain’s Career Course. Previous jobs include being an aid-de-camp to the 3ID Deputy Commanding General for Maneuver as well as leadership roles in Stryker and Armored Brigade Combat Teams. He has completed the Cavalry Leader’s Course and the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course in the military. His University of Louisville bachelor’s in science is currently in his possession.
At Fort Bragg, North Carolina, CPT Kyle Hensley is a Logistics Officer assigned to 1BCT, 82nd Airborne Division. His previous positions include Platoon Leader and Executive Officer for a composite truck company in the 16th Sustainment Brigade at Baulmholder, Germany, and Aide-de-Camp to the Chief of Transportation at Fort Lee, Virginia. His military training includes the Unit Movement Officer Course, Basic Airborne Course, Support Operations Course, and Logistics Captain’s Career Course. His Colorado State University Bachelor of Arts degree is his.
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7 Counselor Interview Questions to Expect (And How to Answer Them!)
Interviews for Top Jobs at US Army
Aide Interview
I applied through an employee referral. I interviewed at US Army (Austin, TX) in Mar 2017
Interview
Lengthy, but deliberate and concise. Military aide interviews are some of the most arduous and drawn out. Since, you’re going to be aiding a General in his day to day activities.
- What was the Army task that you found the most difficult to complete, and why?
Aide Interview
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at US Army (Omaha, NE) in Jan 2012
Interview
interviewing one on one with a 3 star admiral. this was important. if you spend a lot of time with a primary your personalities need to mesh. your primary also needs to know that you have the mental fortitude to understand complex concepts they deal with and you will some times be called to help is a decision process.
- why shouldn’t i hire you?
How would you handle a conflict between campers?
Minor disputes between campers are frequently resolved by camp counselors. Hiring managers want to know that you’re ready for that situation and hear from you about how you’d handle a specific or general conflict.
Example: “It depends a little bit on the situation. For instance, if two campers were having a minor argument over who would use the same paintbrush during an art project, I would talk to both of them and either find a second paintbrush or ask them to take turns. I would separate the campers if there was a more serious argument involving bullying or hazing and consult with the director right away for suggestions and direction. “.
Interview questions with sample answers
Review the following typical inquiries, their explanations, and responses to better prepare for your upcoming camp counselor interview:
General questions
Hiring managers frequently ask a series of general questions to learn more about you as a person and as a potential employee when you’re getting ready for a camp counselor job interview. Plan to answer questions like these in your interview:
6. Untold stories. The stories that your boss will unavoidably tell you will never be able to be repeated. They will be amusing and insightful, but if said to people outside of your circle, they could also be damaging and derogatory. It is privileged to communicate with your principal, so you must never let it get to your head. Keep your wits about you and use common sense whenever possible.
10. Keep the boss out of trouble. Perception is everything. Even if your team is acting morally, observers will still make assumptions based on what they perceive. The first line of defense in influencing how subordinates perceive the boss is the aide. It is crucial to keep the team’s conduct transparent and obviously moral.
8. DTS – hate it but know it. You are the Defense Travel System (DTS) guru. Before the first day, learn as much as you can about DTS. Always check “variations authorized” to give yourself flexibility in your orders and liability protection in case you need to make changes while driving.
5. The inner inner circle. You are now an exclusive member of the principal’s inner circle because you are the aide. This circle only contains a few people. Typically, the boss’s trusted agents include the principal, XO, aide, spouse, and a few others. These people have privileged access to the boss. Acknowledge their status but don’t be intimidated. When a conflict arises, such as because of incorrect information or a scheduling error, exercise extreme caution and show respect at all times. It is not your responsibility to resolve conflicts between the principal and their spouse or other trusted agents.
The assistant may serve as the boss’s eyes and ears. The boss will concentrate on the subject at hand, but you can help by paying attention to side conversations, observing body language, and identifying non-verbal cues. You could also carry out unofficial polls for the boss and then give them this feedback. These atmospherics enhance the boss’ understanding of what occurred.
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Sample Army Aide-de-Camp Job Description
The commanding general of the 183rd Airborne Division’s aide-de-camp is number one. Plan social events, help the General with personal matters, arrange travel, and carry out special assignments as directed by the General. oversees the General’s staff, which consists of 1 additional Officer, 2 NCOs, and 2 civilians.
# 2 Supports the Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver) of the 37th Cavalry Division as his aide-de-camp. responsible for managing all correspondence, giving the General security, carrying out routine tasks, creating trip itineraries, organizing protocol events, and any other duties the General may assign. Supervise one other Officer, 3 NCOs and 2 civilians.
Please remember that these are only rough job descriptions that I made up. You can change them or add to them as you see fit.
FAQ
What makes a good aide-de-camp?
Even-keeled professional is the attitude of a good aide. Additionally, keeping your cool off duty and away from the principal will be crucial. People will try to work you for information. They simply want a small glimpse into the principal’s thoughts and aren’t trying to do anything bad.
Is aide-de-camp a good position?
If you perform well in the position, working as an aid-de-camp may be a good career move for you. It’s one of the Army’s hardest and most demanding jobs, and it’s undoubtedly not for everyone.
What are the duties of an ADC?
An ADC is used to translate an analog signal, such as voltage, into a digital format so that a microcontroller can read and process it. Some microcontrollers have built-in ADC converters. Any type of microcontroller can also be connected to an external ADC converter.
How do you become an aide-de-camp?
Positions as an aide-de-camp are nominative, so you must have a recommendation to be considered. You are typically nominated by your chain of command at the battalion level or above with input from and/or identification by the S-1/G-1, depending on the type of unit you are in and the flag officer in need of assistance.
