Is anyone familiar with the Defense attaché program?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 14:44:22 -0500

https://sites.google.com/site/armyattachemanagementdivision/home

It seems very interesting, and would give service members opportunities to travel to places they otherwise wouldn't be able to. Does anyone have any first hand experience with this program?

Army Attache Management Division

Provide information regarding assignment to the Defense Attache System for U.S. Army personnel.

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 19 at 2014 3:34 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 15:34:51 -0500

I personally have not been a Defense Attaché, but have had the pleasure of working with several of them while overseas at U.S. Embassies. Officers represent the United States Armed Forces by attending many receptions, ceremonies and events as well as organizing and hosting these events. It is a great opportunity to get to know the Armed Forces of other nations in a friendly and sociable environment. The enlisted members provide the important support necessary for the success of the Defense Attaché mission. If you like to travel, meet new people and attend multiple formal events in your Class A uniform; I highly recommend the Attaché program. You will also be given Diplomatic credentials as a member of the Defense Attaché program.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 4:23 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 16:23:42 -0500

I know you need to apply to be part of the program. I'm not sure what kind of credentials people have that are applying, but I'd really like to do this.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 19 at 2014 4:38 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 16:38:15 -0500

SGT Meyers - I have not been a part of the Attache program, but I do have two former NCOs of mine who are currently serving. They are both 35Ms. If you would like, drop me your email address and I would be happy to pass it along to them. I am sure that they would be happy to answer your questions and provide you with that firsthand knowledge that you are looking for. Also, you should engage your Career Counselor about the program. They should be able to provide you with a lot of details on the program. In the meantime, check out the below link. It also offers some information that may be of interest to you. Good luck!!!

http://militarycareers.about.com/od/Career-Profiles/p/Career-Profile-Army-Attache-Noncommissioned-Officer.htm

Career Profile: Army Attaché Noncommissioned Officer

Officers aren't the only ones who get to play at international politics. Experienced enlisted soldiers have a chance to schmooze VIPs worldwide as Army foreign attachés.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 19 at 2014 9:18 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 21:18:32 -0500

Click on the "Advanced Search" in the top right corner and in units, put "USE" - that's the RallyPoint code for "US Embassy" -- you'll get an output of all RallyPoint members currently stationed in embassies around the world. Most are officers, but there are a few NCOs. Some are in a security role as well. Either way, if you can connect with some of them, I'm sure they may be able to put you in touch with more people who can offer a good perspective.

I'm guessing that knowledge of the native language would be a huge competitive advantage (if not even required). Good luck, and please post back here if you have any success!

Response by MSgt Deirdre Arnold made Jul 28 at 2019 1:02 PM

MSgt Deirdre Arnold — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 13:02:35 -0400

I was in the Defense Attache' System and served at 3 Embassies but in other capacities I served at a total of 7 Embassies. I was in the US Air Force so the application and selection processes are a bit different. Message me if you want to know about the DAS.

Response by MSgt Deirdre Arnold made Jul 28 at 2019 1:05 PM

MSgt Deirdre Arnold — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 13:05:03 -0400

Mine posted twice, for some reason, so I am deleting one posting.