7 minute read
The Ten Commandments of being an EA
By CAPT John Coyne, USN (Ret.)
After Command, there are few jobs in the Navy that are as exciting, challenging, rewarding, and potentially dangerous as being the Executive Assistant (EA) to a Flag Officer.
Being an EA provides a unique opportunity to learn about how a senior headquarters works while observing a Flag Officer on a daily basis and getting a glimpse of power, policy, and politics first hand.
I served five years as the Executive Assistant or Military Assistant for a variety of Army, Air Force, Marine, and Navy Flag Officers. Four were at the O-9 or lieutenant general/ vice admiral level and one was a major general. These tours took place on major joint and combined North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Staffs, but the commandments apply to joint and service staffs as well.
My initial EA tour was for the Chief of Staff at Allied Forces Southern Europe in Naples, Italy. We were doublehatted as the Chief of Staff for the Implementation Force (IFOR) in Sarajevo, Bosnia Hercegovina. Later, I served as the Military Assistant (MA) for the Deputy Chairman of the Military Committee at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
Your purpose in life as an EA/MA is to make the boss more efficient and effective. Adherence to these commandments will go a long way towards a professionally rewarding relationship.
1. “Thou shalt tell the truth, for lies shall surely lead to your certain demise.” Your word is your bond. You must have integrity and always speak truth to power. Perception is reality and if the staff or your boss do not think you are a straight shooter, then you are of no value to the flag officer you serve. Integrity is also required and sometimes you have to offer the truth when you haven’t been asked for it.
2. “Thou shalt always remember that you don’t wear the stars.” Don’t mistake people being nice to you as the result of your charisma, intelligence, and good looks (?). People are nice to you because of who you work for. Remember, you work for a flag officer; you are not the Flag Officer. The benefits and prerequisites that come with the job do not transfer to you. Your time serving for a flag officer will be relatively short and those you disrespect in your boss's name will be waiting for you when you leave the position.
3. “Thou shalt never surprise the boss.” Sure, stuff happens, but it is your job to anticipate all the possible variables and provide your flag the information they need to function effectively. Get around the headquarters and talk to people–ensure that you are constantly communicating with the other EA’s on the staff. Doing so will exponentially expand your situational awareness and assist in preventing the boss from being embarrassed. All information is good, especially when it is bad. The boss needs to know when the stuff is about to hit the fan and you are the one who gets paid to tell them that.
4. “Thou shalt never guess.” Closely associated with the previous commandment, if you don’t know, say so, then find out what the answer is. Guessing what the boss wants, vice ensuring you know what they want, invariably doubles the workload of the staff. If someone wants to know what your boss thinks, go ask the boss and then provide the answer. Even better, put them on the phone or schedule them for an office call.
5. “Thou shalt take pride in the job, but not in thyself.” Not everyone is selected, or has what it takes, to be a successful EA/MA. By definition, an EA has a “short shelf life.” Wearing the “loop” or aiguillette lets everyone in the room know that you have the trust and confidence of your flag officer. That trust and confidence is perishable and can easily vanish if you allow your ego to get in the way.
6. “Thou shalt give 110% effort at all times.” A flag officer’s day is filled with meetings, briefings, phone calls, schedule changes, office calls, and unanticipated crises. You have to be focused and constantly running over all the variations and permutations of any given issue from the time you get up in the morning until you hit the rack at night. Anticipation is the key to survival. Being in the front office is not a nine to five assignment and the consequences of not giving the flag your best effort every day, all day, is that you will find yourself out on the street.
7. “Thou shalt take care of the boss.” I never found this in my job description, but it is vitally important that you pay attention to the personal well-being of your flag officer. Are they getting the proper nutrition, rest, and exercise? Recognize when they need a break, anticipate the possibility in their schedule, and ensure they take it. Schedule an “easy” or “fun” day whenever possible.
8. “Thou shalt be a shock absorber for the staff.” Know when to “pause” or slow roll the boss’s “newest, best idea” if it is warranted. Prompt your flag to vent at you rather than the staff. Sometimes you just have to take one for the team, especially when it is not your fault!
9. “Thou shall not encourage the boss to flog the staff.” This is not to say that legitimate errors by the staff don’t have to be promptly corrected. This is more along the lines of everyone in the front office is having a bad day and we need someone to take it out on. It shouldn’t be the other flags or the unlucky staff officer who just walked in the door.
10. “Thou shalt have a sense of humor.” The hours are long, the responsibilities are crushing, but you have to keep a “weather eye” out for the joy in the moment and share it with the boss. A little levity goes a long way to encourage a smoothrunning office and a good working relationship with your flag.
It goes without saying that all flag officers are different. Your job is to adapt to their style and organize their schedule efficiently. The practical aspects of the job are recognizing your flag officer’s traits.
Is the boss an early riser or a just in time kind of person? Do they like to go home early or won’t leave until the inbasket is empty? What’s the best way for them to best process information, reading or discussion? Do they like a detailed read ahead or are they more comfortable reacting to the actual briefing? Are they more efficient when they have quiet or personal time built into their day, and when? These are all the kinds of things you need to take into account when working for a flag officer.
I was extremely fortunate to work for five flag officers whom I personally respected and admired. I was a better naval officer for having had the opportunity to learn from them. If you get the chance, don’t miss the opportunity to be an EA or MA.
