WASHINGTON – The military has many missions.
The primary mission, of course, is to defend the United States and its interests. Looking more closely, though, you can see the armed forces do a lot more than fight. Some examples of military missions include rescue operations, medical assistance and natural disaster relief. Oh, and this month, they are also looking for bartenders.
The United States Army Installation Management Command, which works to provide efficient services to soldiers, is looking for bartenders for recreational needs on posts.
Most large army installations have clubs, dance halls, bowling centers and even discothèques. The clubs may not have elaborate neon lighting and showy décor, but most do serve alcohol as part of the recreational relaxation and welfare of the military.
“They help provide a social outlet for authorized soldiers, retirees and other patrons to responsibly relax and enjoy socially acceptable programs and camaraderie within their installation community,” said IMCOM spokesman Steven Moon.
Army installations are communities that offer many of the same types of services expected from any small city. Housing and child care are just some of the amenities IMCOM provides in army communities every day.
Clubs aimed at boosting morale, welfare and recreation are operated by civilian employees, and are generally self-sustaining programs that generate funds for recapitalization, maintenance and operational expenses of the facilities, according to Moon.
While bartenders depend on tips for much of their income, wages paid to these barkeeps come from the money generated through sales of products and services provided by the clubs.
“Revenues to operate these clubs come from sales provided to authorized soldiers, families, civilian employees, retirees and other authorized patrons of the facilities,” Moon said. “Taxpayers are not directly paying for these facilities – patrons pay for the military clubs through their purchasing of products and services rendered at the facilities.”
And all club profits are put back into soldier programs.
Moon said hiring folks is an ongoing process. So, those interested need only to master the nod that says, “I see you and will get to you just as soon as I finish with this drink.”