Becoming a Naval Attaché

Responsibilities of an Attaché

Being an attaché is a unique opportunity unlike any other in the military. Attachés are part of an elite corps with four main responsibilities:

· Representing the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the United Forces of the United States abroad
· Serving as military advisors to the U.S. Ambassador, the personal representative of the United States
· Reporting on in-country, and regional political-military activities
· Supporting U.S. military theater security cooperation and/or security assistance programs in selected countries

The Rewards of a Unique Experience

The Defense Attache System (DAS) plays a vital role in supporting the national interests of the United States. During a time of crisis or military contingency, Attachés are often at the center of action. The men and women who have served as Attachés have reaped personal rewards rarely duplicated in any other part of the military service while:

· Coordinating administrative and security matters for all in-country U.S. military
· Working as part of the embassy’s "Country Team," the Ambassador’s key advisors
· Perfecting language skills and area knowledge for greater effectiveness
· Developing a new appreciation for the complexities of the international environment and foreign military doctrine

Attaché Qualifications

Per SECNAV and OPNAV Guidance, service in the DAS is open to all communities regardless of billet designator.  Exceptions are pilot coded billets that have a C-12 on station or other discreet requirements.  Contact your detailer or attache placement for more information.

The DAS is looking for individuals who thrive on adventure, challenge, and change, and can adapt easily to the world around them. Attachés:

· Become involved in the local culture
· Influence peoples’ opinions and understanding of the United States and its policies
· Are often the first U.S. citizens a local military official will get to know on a personal basis

Many will see the United States as it really is for the first time, through the attaché’s demeanor, reputation, and attitude. This requires a mature individual who is:

· Sensitive to cultural differences
· Knowledgeable about the mission
· Able to communicate U.S. Government policies on political-military issues

Specialized Attaché Training

Attachés are recruited from all the military services and the Coast Guard. They are specially trained for their service abroad. Their training includes:

· Introduction to the local culture and social customs of the country
· Familiarity with the politics of the country
· Understanding of the country’s foreign policy and military affairs
· Language instruction

The Family as a Team

Like traditional diplomatic personnel, Attachés are expected to take their families to most posts. The attaché, spouse, and other family members work as a team. They participate in a variety of social and diplomatic functions. Attaché families can derive great benefits from exposure to different cultures such as learning a second language and making new friends who last a lifetime.

The Next Step

Those interested in applying for an attaché position should thoroughly review the posted attaché info and Tour Forecst documents prior to contacting their Assignments Officer or Attaché Placement. 

Note: Although you can contact the Attaché Placement officer to discuss future opportunities, an application cannot be sent until you have been released to compete in the attaché program by your detailer. 

Attaché Placement

Questions? 

Officers contact CDR Robert Hochstedler: robert.hochstedler@navy.mil

Enlisted contact AT1 Larry Pitzer: larry.pitzer@navy.mil