Created with the passage of the National Security Act of 1947, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) holds the highest rank and is the most senior officer in the Armed Forces of the United States. Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy, who served as Chief of Staff to the Commander in Chief in the Roosevelt and Truman administrations between 1942 and 1949, performed duties analogous to those of the Chairman of the JCS.
The insignia for aides to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff reflects the joint structure of the organization, with the eagle in the middle of the blue and white shield taken directly from the design of the seal of the Department of Defense; light blue is the color traditionally associated with that department.
Each year, only 81 enlisted Soldiers are allowed to serve as aides (only 300 enlisted from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines combined are authorized each year). Some aides, such as those serving as aides-de-camp, are officers and are allowed to wear Service or Dress Aiguillettes while performing aide duties. With an overall mission of freeing up officers to concentrate more thoroughly on military duties and official business, enlisted aides are typically charged with maintaining living quarters, handling the care and preparation of uniforms and personal items, conducting and managing social functions, and the preparation of meals.
Whether serving at a one-star or four-star command, enlisted aides are obligated to two years of service, but this can be extended by another year if Army personnel issues make it necessary (aides may also request for an extension of service with a General/Flag Officer).