The Army's seeking noncommissioned officers interested in broadening their military experience by working for up to three years on the staff of a general officer.

Applications for the Enlisted Aide Program will be accepted through Sept. 8, according to an Army news release and Military Personnel Message 16-183, issued June 30. What you need to know about the job, whether you're eligible … and how to improve your chances:

1. EAP 101. Soldiers selected for one of the Army's 81 Defense Department-approved billets will be entrusted with all manner of duties in support of one- to four-star officers. These include everything from maintaining quarters and uniforms to arranging social functions, even preparing meals.

Some support duties are off-limits, according to a program brochure; soldiers won't be asked to perform automotive repairs, for example, or be charged with caring for family members. Also banned: "Providing care for pets to include grooming, feeding, exercising, feces removal and veterinary visits."

2. Who can apply. Promotable sergeants through master sergeants are eligible, unless they have a service remaining requirement for a bonus, the news release states. Culinary specialists (military occupational specialty 92G) are exempt from the bonus rule. Applied before and weren't selected? Don't worry – you can re-submit your packet for consideration.

Full eligibility rules and application details are available in MILPER 16-183. Soldiers who still have questions can contact the program's professional development NCO, Master Sgt. Christian Price, at christian.d.price.mil@mail.mil or 502-613-5181.

3. Get an edge. The Joint Culinary Center of Excellence hosts an EAP webpage for print: (http://go.usa.gov/xcFhh) that walks soldiers through the application process, including links to sample résumés, forms and program brochures. Applicants also must provide a personal statement, which Price said provides an opportunity that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Soldiers should "captivate the panel to say, 'This is not just what I am going to do, but this is what I can provide to the team,' " he said in the news release. "And the writing is also very important. … It's a skill that the panel can take a look at and say, 'This NCO has what it takes.' "

Enlisted aide training comes in a joint environment. Here, a soldier gets tips from a sailor on how to arrange a general officer's uniform.

Photo Credit: Julianne E. Cochran/Army

Those selected will undergo both enlisted aide and culinary skills training at Fort Lee, Virginia (unless they've already done so) and will be placed into the EAP pool for future assignment. Once selected, they'll be on aide duty for two years, with a possibility of a one-year extension. Aides return to their original branch for their next post, but may re-apply for aide duty later in their careers.

5. Why it matters. The job is "going to make that NCO a lot smarter," Price said in the release, teaching the soldier to operate in multiple environments and interact with high-level officials. The skills themselves, from office administration to event planning, may broaden post-service career options.

Even the training includes aides-to-be from other branches, allowing for joint-service interactions throughout the process.

"Coming out of the program you will be able to function in so many different organizations, you are going to be an automatic asset, Price said. "It's genius."

About Kevin Lilley

Kevin Lilley is the features editor of Military Times.

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