The Joint Military Attaché School (JMAS) trains military and civilian
attachés, and attaché support personnel for the Defense Attaché Service (DAS)—one of
the most elite duties in the Department of Defense (DoD). Serving as a member of the DAS at a U.S. Embassy
on the Country Team involves significant privileges and responsibilities. You, and your families, will be
among the select few who represent the capabilities and traditions of DoD, often in nations with no other
U.S. military installations or presence.
JMAS prepares personnel for the myriad of Defense Attaché Office (DAO) missions through
demanding, fast-paced training. The curriculum combines classic adult education and military training
techniques in a dynamic, interactive environment, utilizing instructor-led training, seminars, and practical
exercises.
140+ Countries
Represented
13 Week Training
Program
3x Annual Cohorts
85% Spouse
Participation
The JMAS academic year conducts a 13-week resident training Program of
Instruction (POI) three times a year, starting in January, April, and August.
👔 Attaché Training Program (ATP)
ATP prepares selected military officers and DoD civilians for
highly visible and influential positions as Senior Defense Officials/Defense Attachés (SDO/DATT),
Service Attachés, and Assistant Defense Attachés (A/DATT). These roles require dynamic
critical thinking, strong communication, and leadership skills, and the ability to
remain diplomatic under pressure.
⚙️ Attaché Staff Training Program (ASTP)
ASTP prepares staff for Defense Attaché Office (DAO) positions as
Operations Coordinators. The Ops team manages the daily operations of the DAO and
serves as the critical backbone. These positions require individuals to multi-task while maintaining
an eye for details in a fast-paced setting.
🫂 Spouse Training Program (STP)
STP provides tailored training to U.S. citizen spouses of
Attachés and Attaché Staff. It is designed to support in-person participation and prepares spouses
for a life abroad as valued members of U.S. embassy communities worldwide.
As the traveler who has once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his
own doorstep, so a knowledge of another culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily,
to appreciate more lovingly, our own.
— Margaret Mead, American Cultural Anthropologist
📚 STP Instructional Blocks
- Safety & Security: Comprises approximately 60% of course hours, focusing on
situational awareness, diplomatic status rights/responsibilities, cyber security, and
self-defense
- Representation & Diplomacy: Explores the role of all spouses as
representatives of the US, focusing on real-life scenarios and regional differences
- Communication & Leadership: Equips students with tools for cross-cultural
communication, building confidence in handling tough questions, and leadership in the embassy
and expat community
🎯 Program Basics & Support
- Develops a vetted group of core competencies essential for field success
- Quality of Life Issues addressed: Medical Care, Housing, Employment, Pets,
Crisis Readiness, Schools, and Parenting
- Students can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for competitive
professional advantage
- Active collaboration with federal agency partners ensures current training
👨👩👧👦 JMAS Childcare Supplement Program
The JMAS Childcare Supplement Program was developed to partially
reimburse families for childcare costs incurred while a spouse participates in approved
JMAS authorized training (to include language and security training). This allowance, subject to
availability of funds, is available for children 15 years and younger, or disabled dependents.
Note: While military childcare centers do not
reserve spaces for JMAS families, JMAS can generate a "Letter of Attendance" to help elevate a
student's priority-status with selected non-CDC providers.