How to Participate in the Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies

Every four years, the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines assigned to duty in the nation’s capital are offered the opportunity to volunteer for special service in the presidential inauguration ceremonies. Regardless of rank or assignment, service members are always needed to add a military presence to the many performances and balls that comprise the week long event. Those selected to participate are given the rare chance to meet some of the most influential people in the United States and indeed the world, and each individual is given formal recognition for having participated. Planning for the event begins shortly after the presidential election, and it is headed in the military by an ad hoc organization known as Joint Task Force–Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (JTF–AFIC). Headquartered at the Pentagon, this group coordinates directly with the Presidential Inaugural Committee and manages the hundreds of individual assignments made in support of the inaugural events. Serving with JTF–AFIC during the inaugural ceremonies is a never-to-be-forgotten event.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Recommendation from your immediate supervisor
• Complete set of service and dress uniforms

1. Make your supervisor aware that you wish to be considered for service with JTF–AFIC once the election has ended. He or she can notify others in your chain of your command so that when individual taskings are received by each military service, your name will already have been made available.

2. Know that when all volunteers have been accepted, they will be required to participate in a series of meetings at the Pentagon to discuss the overall concept of the inauguration and to assign individuals to specific inaugural events. Included among the events are the actual swearing-in ceremony, the many individual balls held in Washington, DC and the events and luncheons held in observance of the inauguration at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

3. Be aware that once the individual assignments have been made, volunteer service members will be informed of uniform requirements, dates and times of the events and transportation arrangements to and from the events from central Capital area locations.

4. Know that sppearance and presence is critical at each event. All service members should present an immaculate appearance in uniform, be impeccably groomed and be able to remain standing, literally for hours at a time.

5. Be prepared to interact with social and political luminaries from around the world. US military personnel are among the most trusted US citizens and you may find yourself engaged in conversation with the president, the first spouse, elected representatives and their families or foreign dignitaries.

Tips & Warnings

• Consideration for assignment to JTF–AFIC is given only to personnel assigned to the Military District of Washington.
• Ensure your service and dress uniforms are properly fitted and that your decorations and devices are placed precisely.
• A fresh haircut or style is a must before the inauguration.
• Expect delays at all inaugural events and plan your time accordingly.
• Do not be late to any event to which you’ve been assigned. Volunteers will be notified of any last-minute changes in transportation arrangements or event times.

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on 11/23/2008 How can non military persons volunteer?