Nicholas Lepinski – What are the Benefits of Volunteering

FESCH.TV INFORMIERT:

Congratulations on being selected as an aide-de-camp. This assignment is like no other assignment you have had. You were selected because of the successful career you’ve had thus far, but also for your potential to continue service for years to come. Being an aide is an amazing broadening assignment where you will get a glimpse into senior level military leadership. But it’s also difficult to prepare for.

1. Keep your poker face. If you do not have a poker face, get one quick. You are a wallflower and must maintain a stonewall face, especially in meetings or gatherings. Even-keeled professional is the attitude of a good aide. Stoic composure will also be important during off duty hours and when away from the principal.

2. Not all aides are equal. There is a difference between a 1 or 2-star aide and 3 or 4-star aides. The staffs are much smaller for the 1 and 2-star aides, where the aide will do most of the legwork and coordination.

3. Adjust your perspective. As a Major, you may have been responsible for a battalion or 300 or brigade of 4,000. It can be a daunting task and can become overwhelming, especially during a CTC rotation or while deployed.

4. Time is not your own. General officers work long hours that are not always in the office. You will arrive in the office about an hour before your boss and leave around an hour after. You will be accessible 24/7, including weekends.

5. The inner inner circle. As the aide, you are now a privileged member of the principal’s inner circle. This circle only contains a few people. Usually it is the principal, XO, aide, spouse, and a couple of trusted agents to the boss.

6. Untold stories. You will never be able to retell the stories your boss will inevitably share. They will be humorous and insightful, but can also be destructive and disparaging if spoken outside of your circle.

7. DTS – hate it but know it. You are the Defense Travel System (DTS) guru. Learn as much as you can about DTS before day one. Always check “variations authorized” – this can provide flexibility in your orders and cover you against liability if you have to make changes on the road.

8. Keep the boss out of trouble. Perception is everything. Outsiders will make assumptions about what they think they see, even if your team is doing the right thing.

Keep in mind, many people will try to pay for the boss, or you, for food or drinks. The best answer is always to pay for it yourself, but to stay above-board, always conduct a legal review to ensure the boss can receive these “gifts.” Even if the legal review comes back in favor, the principal may still want to use personal funds, just to avoid an inappropriate perception.

About the Author: Nicholas Lepinski from Ramsey New Jersey is a competent, safety conscience and polite licensed plumber, who is committed to his trade, profession and his customers. He spent 4 years as a Lance corporal in the United States marine corps, after that worked in sales and volunteered with various charities as well as in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. He also love to work out, run, volunteer, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with his daughter and wife.