A challenging duty assignment and career progression path for exceptionally well-qualified and highly motivated enlisted soldiers.

DOES A DEMANDING DIPLOMATIC DUTY ASSIGNMENT IN A U.S. EMBASSY INTEREST YOU?

If so, you may want to consider a tour of duty as an Army Attaché NCO in the Defense Attaché System. Army Attaché NCOs serve around the world in United States embassies providing staff support within a Defense Attaché Office (DAO).  The DAO represents the Department of Defense to the host-nation government and military, assists and advises the U.S. Ambassador on military matters, and coordinates other political-military actions within their area of accreditation.

The duties and functions vary slightly depending on location assigned, but are primarily administrative in nature, performing many of the functions normally associated with a brigade, or division staff section (S1-S6; G1-G6). Army Attaché NCOs will also be called upon to perform other functions, such as coordinating congressional, Joint Staff or presidential visits, supporting U.S. Navy ship visits, arranging overflights of U.S. military aircraft, or even presenting briefings and information to senior host-nation officials in the absence of the military attaches. The changing situations and varied nature of the responsibilities provide for a challenging and enjoyable tour of duty for most soldiers. Applications are accepted on a continuing basis from well-qualified soldiers for this highly selective nominative joint-duty assignment. Applications will be accepted from soldiers currently stationed OCONUS beginning 18 months prior to DEROS.

The requirements for security clearance eligibility and no non-U.S. Citizen family members are not waiverable. If you do not meet one of the other listed requirements, you are still welcome to submit an application, although you will not be as competitive for an assignment as other soldiers. Soldiers with high DLAB or DLPT scores and those who already hold a TS/SCI clearance, or have successfully completed assignments such as Drill Sergeant or Recruiter have a higher selection probability. Applications will be maintained in a "hold" status until they are 100% complete and error free and have an approved branch release. Once complete, packets are placed on a standing list based on the qualifications and eligibility of the soldier. This list is reviewed each month, with the most qualified soldiers being nominated for assignments as they become available. Those not selected will continue to be reviewed for a total of six consecutive months, at which point the packet is considered non-competitive and will be returned to the soldier. Once the nomination is submitted, it normally takes from four to eight months to obtain the final approval or disapproval for the assignment.

Soldiers must be willing to accept worldwide assignment at the needs of the Defense Attaché System. You will be informed of the intended assignment location prior to nomination, and at that point, may withdraw your application. Assignments are made based on soldier qualifications and experience, language capability, DEROS or other availability dates, and other factors.

Upon successful completion of the initial attaché tour, soldiers are welcome to apply for continued attaché duty, or if otherwise qualified, they may submit an application to become a warrant officer as a 350L Attaché Technician. If you are not currently interested or qualified, but know a soldier who is, please pass this information along. For questions or comments, please contact MSG Matthew Tuiasosopo using the contact info below.

Department of the Army
Attn:  AAMD
375 Chamberlin Ave, Suite 5904
Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5904

Phone (202) 231-7291
Fax (202) 231-6150
matthew.tuiasosopo@dia.mil