Special assignment opportunities are available to outstanding transportation NCOs who are qualified to provide chauffeur and cargo support services to the President of the United States, First Family, White House staff and visiting dignitaries.
Soldiers selected for these once-in-a-lifetime duties will be assigned to the White House Transportation Agency on a full-time basis for up to four years in the Washington metropolitan area.
The agency, which is staffed exclusively by Army NCOs, provides 24-hour transportation and cargo support services to the chief executive.
Duties typically involve driving in presidential motorcades, providing support services for Air Force One flights and assisting in other travel-related activities in the United States and overseas.
The agency's recruiting effort is targeted at staff sergeants and sergeants first class who have at least eight years of experience as Army motor transport operators, and who have at least 48 months' time remaining in service.
Soldiers nominated for these duties must be U. S. citizens, be highly qualified in their MOS, and "exhibit a high degree of maturity, discretion and trustworthiness that is beyond reproach," according to applications requirements issued by the agency.
President Barack Obama's motorcade awaits on the North Lawn of the White House.
Photo Credit: Olivier Douliery/Getty Images
Also, applicants must exhibit "superior military bearing, neatness and manner," and be in compliance with the Army's body composition standards.
And, applicants must have a minimum GT score of 110 on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery, although this requirement can be waived to a score of 100 for outstanding candidates.
Soldiers who are serving a short-tour of 12 months or less can apply for this program at any time during their current assignment. Soldiers who are serving a long-tour of 36 months or more cannot apply for WHTA until they have completed at least 12 months' time-on-station.
Security screening and processing for this sensitive assignment is extensive, as follows:
• Soldiers must have a single-scope background investigation (SSBI) completed within 12 months before selection to presidential support activities.
• SSBIs will be updated at five-year intervals for soldiers who have been assigned continuously to presidential support duties.
• Soldiers selected for potential assignment to the WHTA will undergo detailed security screenings that can take eight to 18 months to complete. During this period, the Human Resources Command will place soldiers on an assignment hold for 24 months, or until the investigation is complete.
Work with the White House Transportation Agency includes support duties for Air Force One.
Photo Credit: Joe Imel/AP
Based on mission requirements, soldiers who are assigned to the WHTA are authorized Special Duty Assignment Pay of $75 or $150 per month, depending on mission requirements.
Also, WHTA soldiers are authorized a civilian clothing allowance, will earn the Presidential Service Badge and will be given an opportunity to participate in undergraduate and graduate college degree completion programs.
For more information, access, http://mdwhome.mdw.army.mil/subordinate-commands/usata, or call (202) 757-0770/0753/0754.
