I'm being considered for a position at the White House. What are some reasons not to take the job?

2014-04-05T22:52:09-04:00

The pros are obvious.  I would like to hear from someone who has worked there before or has some insight.  This will be a difficult decision for my family and me for several reasons.  I want to make an informed decision and not just jump because it's the White House.<div>Please no Obama jokes.  </div>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 11:33 PM

2014-04-05T23:33:30-04:00

Regardless of political affiliation this is one of those jobs where YOU will make or break your career.  My brother works Presidential Food Service Detail and has good days and bad days just like in regular Big Navy.  I work at an embassy and have the same good and bad days just like I did in Big Army.  You will have the same.  Most everyone you work with will be the top in their field and that says a lot about them.  If you have been asked to join that says a lot about you.  I say go for it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 11:43 PM

2014-04-05T23:43:20-04:00

What White House unit?  WHCA, WHTA or WHMO?  If WHMO (I'm assuming that is the case since you are Medical) I would recommend you look up CPT Ken Swanson, he was in the Medical Unit for quite some time and he can give you some good insights.  He is also prior enlisted (E-7) before he quit and went to the the darkside.  <div><br></div><div>As far as working in DC.  It's a give and take.  Depending on where you live, you lose hours each day commuting and at times the job stress will make you wish you were never in the Army.  On the other hand you gain insight to how the National Military Command structure really works and receive a macro view of our government/military.  Many people outside that community will believe you have been shaming for three-four years, but there are those that have served who will understand what it takes to succeed in it.  Please feel free to contact me with any further questions you might have.    </div>

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Apr 5 at 2014 11:49 PM

2014-04-05T23:49:00-04:00

A position at the white house? Well take it, SSG Burns, you got considered for that and you should take advantage of that offer. Better yet I need you to take it so you can keep us up-to-date with what's really going on in the white house :)

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Apr 6 at 2014 12:02 AM

2014-04-06T00:02:45-04:00

I see the White House is starting to make personnel decisions based on RallyPoint Influence Points. You are a shoe in!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2014 9:26 AM

2014-04-06T09:26:57-04:00

Don't do it!!!!! The traffic SUCKS!!!!! Just joking, I say go for it. There is no chance of my MOS working in the WH. I would jump at the chance to go if I was you. You  get to see another side of the military while being  there.

Response by COL Mark Mitchell made Apr 6 at 2014 3:14 PM

2014-04-06T15:14:58-04:00

SSG Burns,<div><br></div><div>I currently work on the National Security Council. First, every element of the Executive Office of the President (EOP) has its own rewards and challenges. So, I recommend that you drill down into the particular unit to get greater fidelity on your duties. There are, however, some things common to service in the WH, no matter where you work:  long hours, a high cost of living in the DC area and for most a crappy commute. There is also a wealth of activities for you and your family, easy access to major, transportation hubs, and good schools. Plus, regardless of any political sentiments, it is a privilege to serve the Office of the President. It is a rare opportunity and I think it reflects well on those chosen to serve there.</div>

Response by SSG William Sutter made Apr 6 at 2014 3:37 PM

2014-04-06T15:37:35-04:00

Just because it is the White House doesn't mean that you will be working there. I know quite a few people that took a job there and they loved it. For them there was a lot of traveling which they loved. For us in the signal world, working for the White House wasn't working there. The jobs for the White House was all over DC. Some even worked at the Pentagon. It is a prestigious assignment and I would be lucky to work there. If nothing else, do a tour then leave. It is what is considered a special assignment in HRC and can definitely help in promotion.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Apr 6 at 2014 3:41 PM

2014-04-06T15:41:14-04:00

As others have stated above, to be offered a choice means that you've succeeded in being apart of the top echelon in your field. That states a tremendous amount about you. I cannot speak from personal experience working there, though I have had the opportunity to be in Washington for several different issues with Congressman & Senators & personally met 4 sitting Presidents. All that said, an opportunity like this is not common and may only appear once in your life time - make an informed decision and realize that if you accept it you'll not go through the rest of your career wondering what might have been. Good Luck.<br>

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2014 3:45 PM

2014-04-06T15:45:16-04:00

<P>Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained. </P>
<P> </P>
<P>To use a a phrase that them kids are using these days "YOLO!".</P>

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Apr 6 at 2014 5:00 PM

2014-04-06T17:00:05-04:00

Take the job and watch both seasons on House of Cards so you have an idea of what's really go on with all the suits walking around. (Just kidding, I know its just a TV drama!)

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 6 at 2014 6:09 PM

2014-04-06T18:09:42-04:00

Always Career Enhancing, In my community a post to WHCA was the ultimate. Any DC Posting will improve your Professional, Military, Government and Social Knowledge and that is priceless. I am Damn Sure that I wouldn't be the person I am today if it hadn't been my Assignment as DIVO COMSPAWARSYSCOM 6211 CNO WWMCCS Technical Control and Master at Arms to COMSPAWARSYSCOM.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 6 at 2014 9:18 PM

2014-04-06T21:18:38-04:00

SSG Burns, we have 23 RP members currently assigned to units/orgs at the White House or one of its immediate subordinate elements.  Perhaps it could also be helpful to connect with some of them.  PS -- for the record, I voted "Take the job"! :-)<div><br></div><div>https://www.rallypoint.com/units/20678 <br></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="https://www.rallypoint.com/assets/public/RallyPointlogo-11ff12cdb198acbadac74bdb5de1eeff.png"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.rallypoint.com/units/20678">White House (WHITE HOUSE) | RallyPoint</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Join members of White House (WHITE HOUSE) on RallyPoint. Subordinate unit of , , and adjacent unit to Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD), Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), US Pacific Comman...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by PO3 Candace Gracik made Apr 7 at 2014 9:03 PM

2014-04-07T21:03:31-04:00

My father was stationed in DC for 5 years right before he retired and he loved it! Granted it was very expensive and it is not a kid friendly life style. Having pets in DC is very difficult unless they are indoors. I would recommend an apartment building outside of DC in the Springfield Maryland Area right next to walking transportation. though working at the White house you might need a different source of transportation. While active duty I was offered a position in the DC area but declined due to the family factor. I had young children and my spouse is not found of city life style. If your single or married without kids take it!!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2014 10:25 PM

2014-04-07T22:25:39-04:00

I agree (regardless of politics) working for the POTUS is really a great honor. Not many get the chance to meet let alone work for any president. Another corollary benefit is the job security and promotions that come along with that honor, so if not for anything else, it is a practical decision.

But I will say this: Cash for clunkers was a great idea. It took 90% of Obama/Biden bumper stickers off the road. Sorry! But seriously, it is a great honor to work the President.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 7 at 2014 11:58 PM

2014-04-07T23:58:09-04:00

Someone needs to drive that black limo.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 9:07 AM

2014-04-08T09:07:11-04:00

I am currently stationed at the White House. Like all the other posts the traffic sucks and the the cost of living is high. I have been at the White House for 3 1/2 years and would not trade the experience for nothing in the world. I work for White House Militiary Officer (WHMO) not WHCA. My job is very interesting and if you want to get to see and do things that you would never see or do in the Army, take the job!!!!

Response by MSG Martin C. made Apr 8 at 2014 11:23 AM

2014-04-08T11:23:06-04:00

Just like my battle mention traffic and cost of living are bad but not unbearable. The opportunity is great for a broadening assignment as less than 1% of service members would be able to serve in such capacity. Depending on your mission family time is great better than any other assignment I had in my 15 years of service. You have lots of recreational activities within DC, Maryland and Virginia. Sports venues are also great twin NFL stadiums within 30 minutes and two more less than 3 hrs away. As far as civilian education for you as a Soldier is great there is several universities in the area that cater to Service members I have done more schooling here than any other assignment. The question I would make you is the following; is this assignment within your career map? Have you done all the critical positions within your MOS I.e squad leader, PSG time etc? How long will this assignment keep you from the line? And most important how do your family if you have any feels about it? This could be a great experience or one that you could regret depending of where are you coming from and what are your goals. I left Drill Sergeant duty and it was definitely a culture shock at the beginning so be prepare to be in a new environment mostly joint. I hope you make the right choice whatever that is.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Apr 8 at 2014 2:40 PM

2014-04-08T14:40:30-04:00

I was asked to work there when I was in and turned it down because of my youth and desire to join airborne and SF units. I am glad I did that tour as I did, but as an E-6 going in you hopefully already have all that out of your system. I made the right choice for me at the time, but working in the White House will make for an excellent reference and memory. My assignment would have been in communications deep in the bowels, and I would have access through corridors otherwise not open or visible by the public. So, while working there, it would have been deep underground.

I work with the White House now in various partnerships. There are many layers of politics, obviously, but as an NCO you should not be in the politic side of those layers other than a a consequence. Colonel Mark hit the nail on the head with long duty hours, but I have that on the outside and many have that anyway as a normal part of life. The final part is family life, and impact on that. How would your family accept your hours?

Be real in accepting your assignment - check the ego at the door other than the pride normally you can feel for being asked. And remember what your oath of allegiance is in the event of having to make decisions.

Good luck! I have been asked to work on various task forces, and it is an honor and privilege for me to be so considered. You would be working in an esteemed historical center of influence for the world.

Response by LTC Frank Prautzsch made Apr 8 at 2014 8:35 PM

2014-04-08T20:35:10-04:00

A POTUS job has great prestige, but you need to make this a family decision. After the luster wears off, its a hard commute with tough hours and likely plenty of stress.

Having said that, its a resume highlight and as a rule you are working with other hand picked people. You need to take it on as personal calling and a passion to support the mission long after it becomes "routine", and not just an assignment.

Response by CAPT Gene Gray made Apr 8 at 2014 10:38 PM

2014-04-08T22:38:54-04:00

I did two years there, doesn't matter who is in charge there, they need good help. Great life experience, nothing else like it-ever.

Response by SSG Zenia Boswell made Apr 8 at 2014 10:47 PM

2014-04-08T22:47:56-04:00

With you being medical, you're probably being screened for the White House Medical Unit (WHMU). As many have said, factor in the cost of living, commuting, and family time. In terms of quality of life, I believe that WHMU is a great organization that will provide you with an opportunity to do things that others in your career field could only dream of. The WHMU Staff is comprised of some of the most professional individuals who really care about taking care of the people. For a medical Soldier, I sincerely believe that it would be a great opportunity.

Some things to note for commuting:

-Most Service Members receive a transit subsidy to offset the cost of commuting

http://www.whs.mil/mass-transportation-benefit-program

-Other personnel "Slug" in to work (form of carpooling with strangers in order to utilize the high occupancy vehicle lanes)

http://slug-lines.com/

Slug-Lines.com - Slugging and Slug Lines Information For Washington DC

Slug-Lines.com contains slug lines and slugging information for Washington, DC and Northern Virginia. Slugging and sluglines are a unique form of FREE commuting often called Casual Carpooling or Inst...

Mass Transportation Benefit Program | Washington Headquarters Services

The Mass Transportation Benefit Program was established in October 2000 and is offered to eligible employees and military service members, to the extent authorized by law and regulation, to reduce pol...

Response by Cpl D. Blake Wilson made Apr 9 at 2014 2:02 PM

2014-04-09T14:02:58-04:00

BHO

Response by Cpl D. Blake Wilson made Apr 9 at 2014 3:03 PM

2014-04-09T15:03:21-04:00

BHO

Response by CMC Robert Young made Apr 23 at 2014 11:46 PM

2014-04-23T23:46:46-04:00

I did short tour at Ft Leslie J McNair for school at NDU. It was long enough to convince me that I never wanted to go back to Washington. The cost of living and the commute nearly killed me. If you live in the inner city, it's dirty and the crime rate is crazy. I was grateful that the family didn't accompany me.

I was extremely glad to get back to a smaller, less cluttered, and less expensive environment.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 12:24 AM

2014-04-24T00:24:45-04:00

Regardless of political affiliation, its the White House, enough said!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 10:32 AM

2014-04-24T10:32:53-04:00

it sucks long days and to much bs

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 11:09 AM

2014-04-24T11:09:02-04:00

It really depends. I have a former supervisor that is currently at the white house. He is part of the communications team. He has told me that he is always TDY. It will depend on what kind of position that you are going to be filling. I would say look more into it. If it were me I would take the job.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 1:53 PM

2014-04-24T13:53:47-04:00

I would take it in a heart beat. It will be hard on family life but great for your career. You will make connections there that could help you not only further your military career, but start your civillian career when you retire.

Response by SFC Ricardo Ruiz made Apr 24 at 2014 3:43 PM

2014-04-24T15:43:19-04:00

Family First

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2014 10:26 AM

2014-05-03T10:26:09-04:00

Aside from political views and affiliations, its the White House, that's enough for me

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2014 12:15 PM

2014-05-14T12:15:23-04:00

Unless your spouse is just completely against it, I say take the job!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2014 8:57 PM

2014-06-30T20:57:56-04:00

Keep in mind when you retire, your just a # to the Army, but your family may not be there for you if you don't keep them happy!!!

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 2 at 2014 11:06 AM

2014-07-02T11:06:00-04:00

If you're being considered for the medical support team, that is a good on you. They don't pick slugs for that job. Some of the pros and cons are as follows:

Pro - it will look great on your ERB and may impress board members when you go up for E-7. Very demanding job that will challenge you. You will make some very good connections while working there.

Cons - you will be away from home a lot. IIRC you will be required to hold at least a TS clearance and must have an immaculate record.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2014 11:28 AM

2014-07-02T11:28:35-04:00

I have a guy's contact info that had the job you are probably looking at... If you want more info from the horses moutn, let me know...

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jul 3 at 2014 11:32 AM

2014-07-03T11:32:18-04:00

My first piece of advice, be very careful of taking on-line career advice...even from RP. Talk with your wife...or other people who really know you...and do what is right for you, your family and career. Maybe not that order because family might need to go first?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 4:06 PM

2014-11-26T16:06:27-05:00

You don't say much about the position, but if it's really White House, it requires a Yankee White clearance. High level security clearances are the BEST way to stay employed when you get out.

Response by CSM Ralph Hernandez made Dec 9 at 2014 11:36 PM

2014-12-09T23:36:57-05:00

Every tour is what you make of it. Everyone else is different.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Dec 9 at 2014 11:46 PM

2014-12-09T23:46:55-05:00

Brother... Someone else might; however, I can not think of one reason not to take the assignment... And anyone that I can think of are lame. My old PSG use to tell us that opportunity usually looks like a lot of butt pain and hard work. I think this is one of those opportunities! Good luck!

Response by SPC Lukas Jones made Jan 5 at 2015 4:45 AM

2015-01-05T04:45:21-05:00

First, congratulations on the offer! If I was being objective, I would analyze the toll it would take on my family. As I am currently single, this has little impact on me, but as you said you have family, how will it affect them? Sure, you are moving to the Nations Capitol and it is a great educational experience, but DC is also wrought with crime and poverty. Would this position take you away from your family more than it currently does? If so, can you and your Family accept that or not?

That's the first thing that came to my mind anyway.

Response by SSG Wesley Peck made May 9 at 2016 3:11 AM

2016-05-09T03:11:00-04:00

Wow! What a huge feather in your cap. I salute you.