Introduction

I. PURPOSE

     a. White House Social Aides assist the permanent Military Aides to the President and the White House Social Secretary in support of the President and First Lady during White House functions. Social Aides serve as an extension of the President and First Lady in their roles as official host and hostess of the United States. As such, the excellent performance traditionally provided by Social Aides reflect credit on the President, First Lady, and the Office of the Presidency, thereby enhancing the reputation of the U.S. Government among its citizens and of our Nation abroad.

     b. The Social Aide program is a responsibility of the White House Military Office which controls selection, training, coordination and policy. The Military Office coordinates the selection process with the Social Secretary and works very closely to ensure that Social Aides fulfill expectations.

     c. Although Social Aides receive their guidance from the Social Secretary during an event, they are also expected to respond to guidance from any Military Aide to the President.

     d. One of the Military Aides to the President is designated as the overall coordinator of the Social Aide program; however, each Military Aide is responsible for overseeing his/her service's respective program.

II.SELECTION OF WHITE HOUSE SOCIAL AIDES

     a. Eligibility. Unmarried officers in the rank of second lieutenant/ensign (not on their first duty assignment) through major/lieutenant commander, who are expected to qualify for assignment to Presidential support duties in accordance with DoD Directive 5210.55, are eligible.

     b. Selection. Those officers who meet the criteria established by their service are interviewed by the White House Military Office and the White House Social Office. Successful completion of this process results in selection as a prospective Social Aide--pending review by the White House of a current special background investigation (completed within past 12 months).

     c. Termination. An officer will be terminated as a Social Aide when:

          (1) The eligibility -requirements are no longer met; or

          (2) The officer is transferred from the Washington, DC area; or

          (3) Four years of service as a Social Aide have been completed; or

          (4)The officer requests termination; or

          (5) The officer's performance of duty as a Social Aide is no longer satisfactory.

III. UNIFORMS. You must be prepared at all times, with a proper, squared-away uniform. The uniform for an event will be designated by the Military Office.

     a. Service Dress will be assigned when guests wear civilian informal or business attire.

     b. Black tie or white tie (Mess Dress) will be assigned when guests wear formal attire.

     c. Aiguillettes will be worn on the right shoulder to reflect assignment as a Presidential aide. Aiguillettes are worn only at White House events--never when performing duties other than as a White House Social Aide.

     d. The grounds of the White House are considered to be an uncovered area. Covers/hats are not worn while on the grounds except in the following circumstances:

          (1) The Presidential Color Guard OIC at state dinners will wear cover and gloves.

          (2) Covers will be worn when performing duties out of doors during military formations and ceremonies or when it would be inappropriate to be uncovered. The Military Office will designate wearing of covers for these events.

     e. Senior Social Aides should brief new aides about uniforms and field any questions concerning placement of the aiguillette.

IV. WHITE HOUSE FAMILIARIZATION. Knowledge of the White House is essential in finding your way around the grounds and directing the movement of guests. Additionally, detailed knowledge of its furnishings and history lends credibility to your position as a supplemental host(ess) and enhances the guests enjoyment of the various functions. As soon as a Social Aide is approved for Presidential support duty and issued a White House Pass, he/she should contact the Military Office for a guided tour. Appendix A provides a summary description of the White House.