The White House is looking for a few good Navy officers for a part-time — and unpaid — job that often comes with free food, free entertainment and a chance to network with some important people.
Officials are accepting applications from officers interested in acting as White House social aides, according to a March 9 press release. All military services have similar programs and recruit junior officers for the role, which is considered an official collateral duty by the Navy.
Navy officers have been filling these billets since the administration of President Theodore Roosevelt, helping to “manage guests who attend social functions at the White House, facilitate interactions with the president and first lady and escort dignitaries,” the release said.
To be eligible, officers must be unmarried, in paygrades O-2 through O-4 and must be stationed near the nation’s capital. A lengthy clearance process is involved, the release said, so those applying must also have at least 18 to 24 months remaining on a Washington, D.C. area tour.
Eligible applicants will have to get a signed endorsement from their respective commanding officers, allowing for time away from standard duties to meet the minimum commitment of one full morning, afternoon or evening per week.
Once selected, officers can remain in the program until their assignments in the nation’s capital come to an end, or until they are promoted or get married.
To be considered, request an application from the Navy program manager, Lt. John Harry, at john.harry@navy.mil by April 9. Applications are due no later than April 13.
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An initial cut of officers will receive an invitation for a 15-minute interview at the Pentagon on April 26. Selection results will be released no later than May 4.
Mark D. Faram is a former reporter for Navy Times. He was a senior writer covering personnel, cultural and historical issues. A nine-year active duty Navy veteran, Faram served from 1978 to 1987 as a Navy Diver and photographer.
