How does one volunteer for an Aide-de-Camp position? I think it would a good learning experience.

I did not volunteer. I never even thought about it, quite frankly. One day my CO said he had submitted my name and the next thing I knew orders were cut. It was a great experience. I was able to sit in on a lot of meetings I would never have had access to otherwise. Learned a lot.

Typically the CG solicits his formation for interested officers and requests that they apply with a bio, OERs, picture, and sometimes other items for him to decide who gets the gig.

I was selected to serve as an ADC. Some misconceptions on this thread. Yes, when a General Officer needs an Aide, a message will go out to all subordinate units and Brigade/Battalion Commanders will be asked to submit names. Now the officer does have a vote, no GO wants an Aide who doesn’t want the job. This is how it happened for me; An OPORD came down, the Brigade CDR asked for names, my name, ORB and last three OERs were submitted. They narrowed the group down to 4-5 officers, conducted interviews and then the General called each of us to tell us the results. I was selected and had one week to pack my stuff and report. It was a great assignment and not one a 2LT will be given (rarely a 1LT will get the opportunity) most GO want and Aide with troop time, PL, XO, Staff and even Command. BG will get a 1LT-CPT, MG will get CPT-MAJ, LTG will get 2 Aides, and a GEN will get three one usually being an LTC. Let me know if you like more info on my experience as an Aide.

An officer does not volunteer. FRom what I understand, unit commanders are notified of the requirement for an Aide and which rank is required. Unit commanders then review officer records., and forward their recommendations to the currant Aide to gather several service records for the General Officer to review. After interviews, General Officer makes his choice. The criteria, I have no real knowledge, but I would expect they select on who they think will make flag rank.

This may not be the same, but when we had a new CO at the Armory, they selected individuals that they thought would be a good match to be his drive. There was 15 of us selected, and I was selected by the CO. Learned a lot of great things.

(Note the junior aide spent more time with helping the General's wife when she was taking care of the General's official social calendar. That may have been specific to that General)

I was not an Aide de Camp, but in position as the DCS of readiness, was tagged while the senior aide position was open. I was better at taking notes than the Staff Secretary and was better able to pull info to which the General the General wanted to refer. This was prior to the internet and smart phones.

Attending these meetings, dealing with official inquiries by White House Staffers and Congressional staffers led to my eventual disaffection with continued service. I loved being a company grade officer. I HATED being a field grade officer. The General I worked for was a great man, but it was extremely difficult to hold my tongue during many high level meetings. No one wants to hear the opinion of a captain serving in a LtCol's billet. When the right opportunity to leave came along I jumped.

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I was contacted by my USAR Command’s Secretary of the General Staff upon returning from deployment. I’m not sure how he got my name. He and I had a sort of informal interview and then he set up a formal phone interview with the two GOs I now work for. I was selected by the GOs. That’s my case and I think it’s pretty common. That being said, I’ve seen openings posted on Tour of Duty and other vacancy sources.

Maj John Bell Major, your comments about loving company grade service or being a First Sergeant, echo comments most of the military people who were able to serve in those positions!

Normally they are picked by the Commander, not a volunteer slot.