Know your own primary skill profession, and be up to date.
EXAMPLE -- I had been out of aviation for three years prior to my first tour. I called a CGSC buddy and arranged to spend the whole day with his aviation unit. I began with the Brigade commander and a current operations brief. From there I went from the motor pool to the hangar to the training offices to the chow hall and even to the gym. Not only did I update myself, I also made valuable contacts that I could call anytime for the latest information. In addition, I made sure I had access to the latest professional journals and newsletters. In Israel, it is a national honor to be a pilot, so often times it was my aviation expertise that was the key to other areas of business. In Eritrea, I used my default knowledge of Soviet helicopters and prior armor division experience as means for access into areas otherwise closed for conversation.
Know your Service as well as your profession.
Example -- When escorting the Marine Commandant, I was constantly asked to compare or answer questions about the Marines and the Army in full view of the host nation's senior leadership. The more competently I answered, the more I was held in high esteem by the host nation - the real target audience for an attaché's replies.
Example -- Along with my impromptu travels to an aviation unit, I visited other combat arms' battalions on the post to include seeing and touching every piece of equipment I could.
Understand what it is to be an American and an Attaché - together.
The two together can be awesome or they can be your worst enemy. I found it to be a true dual edged sword. Depending on your country, the access afforded as an American attaché will be different than other countries. In some countries, you will have more access than certain elements of the host nation. In other countries, you will be more restricted. Other attaché's will seek you out to see what you are doing and with whom you have access.
EXAMPLE -- Shortly after arriving in country, I was at a host country's international airport, accompanied by members of their military and foreign liaison, awaiting the arrival of sensitive equipment for an exercise. Shortly after arriving, customs problems arose and then hours began to pass by. As I stood by on the sidelines waiting for my host nation counterparts to fix the problem, I noticed that the customs officers seem to approach me first for status updates and current efforts to solve the problem. At the same time, my host nation counterparts would continuously ask ME whom I coordinated with when planning for the equipment's arrival. After five hours sitting on the tarmac, the equipment was released. In the wake of the debacle, I said to myself, "okay, if attention was being focused on me, than I will use my position to figure how not to let this happen again". I was ultimately successful, enough to ensure that on each successive shipment, although accompanied by my host nation counterparts, I ran the show and never again encountered unexpected delays.
The downside is that if you use it unwisely or do not understand your limits, you will be looking for things to do. There are many host nations that will be very guarded around any American. Eritrea was this way because it was unhappy with the lack of U.S. support for its efforts against Ethiopia. There may also be the perception that because you are an American, you have the means and logistics to accomplish anything. In this case, expectations will be high even when it is not true.
EXAMPLE -- On one occasion, we arrived in the middle of a volatile and potentially dangerous situation between the host nation and one of their internal antagonists. On the host nation side, they were not very glad to see us because of overwatching American eyes that could hold them accountable for their actions. They acknowledged our credentials but refused to have much to do with us. On the other side, there was almost open joy at the arrival of the American attachés. The perception was now that we were on the scene, everything would be soon be resolved -- in their favor. The fact of the matter was as chartered, we could do very little more than observe and report the situation. The disappointment clearly showed on the antagonists' faces and subsequently in their actions towards us on scene.
LANGUAGE! LANGUAGE! LANGUAGE!
Not enough can be said about knowing the language of the country - above all else. It is first and foremost a simple courtesy to understand your host nation's language. To think otherwise borders on arrogance. More importantly in doing your job language is the key to understanding a difficult culture and the door to your successful charter. Language opens doors and bestows the utmost legitimacy and respect upon an attaché. In some cultures, even the minimum level of understanding can be of assistance. Finally, knowing the language can save your life. EXAMPLE -- During one road reconnaissance into the Israeli territories in the West Bank, another attaché, an embassy political officer and myself found us smack in the middle of an ongoing violent confrontation. While we maneuvered ourselves to stay out of harms way, it soon became apparent there was nowhere to go. Hundreds of Palestinian demonstrators, loaded with rocks, bottles and Molotov cocktails began passing us on their way to the next battle site. I turned away for a moment and when I looked back at my partner attaché, there was a young Palestinian demonstrator standing in front of him pointing and saying something to him while pointing his finger directly into his face. My first instinct was to call to the Palestinian in Arabic to get his attention, and then to ask my partner what was going on. Immediately upon hearing the Arabic, the demonstrator turned his attention to me, which gave my partner a chance to tell me that the Palestinian was asking him if he was Israeli secret security. Upon hearing this, I realized that if the demonstrator stated his thoughts to the passing crowd, we were in serious trouble. But by my speaking Arabic to the demonstrator, I was able to convince him otherwise and then was able to turn his thoughts to other things, all in the matter of a minute or two. Language was the key to saving our butts.
Get out, get out, get out of the office.
Use your "Openness" -- the fact you are declared and credentialed - or lose it.
Contrary to popular belief, the fact you are openly declared is not a hindrance, but an asset. Think about it. When on official business, always identify yourself clearly and confidently (not ashamedly as if it is obvious the cat is now out of the bag). Once openly declared, anything discussed, viewed, or represented to you by the host nation is fair game for use. When confronted, or challenged by your knowledge of specific information or access gained, the fact you declared yourself openly nullifies any formal attempt to label you a "spy", or accuse you of any serious diplomatic violation. Trying to "fool" someone will only hurt you and your effectiveness in the long run. Keep in mind also about what I said about the fact you are an American attaché.
EXAMPLE -- While approaching a clearly marked sensitive military base on a road recce, two attaches arrived at the gate and were clearly noticed by the guards. Instead of getting out of the vehicle to identify themselves, in which case they would have been asked to leave, or simply turn around to leave, they began to drive around the classified facility's fence in a hurried manner. This attempt to fool the guards only brought them undue attention and trouble explaining later why they were there in the first place.
EXAMPLE -- While in Hebron, a volatile city in the Israeli occupied West Bank, we always approached, rather than avoided, IDF patrols and checkpoints. We announced who we were, what we were doing and where we would be going. This routinely helped rather than hindered us, especially when I told the young soldiers my rank and profession. They would sometimes let us into places where others were never allowed, and even would call ahead to facilitate. Other times, however, when there was a changing of the guard or a confrontation brewing, the fact we were American attaché's made things difficult and with little room for maneuver. When identifying ourselves to the Palestinians, it took away the uncertainty of who we were which afforded us a safer visit and better access.
EXAMPLE -- While traveling in the countryside on vacation, when meeting host nationals abroad, or at a local nightspot, I would stop by a local bar in Eritrea frequented by foreign military personnel and their local girlfriends. Sometimes by saying "I work in the embassy" sufficed. Everyone understands what this means. In most cases I was asked nothing further other than to help with getting a visa.
Employ the "Courtesy Costs You Nothing" manner of operating in your daily relations with the host nation.
1. When approaching a guard, checkpoint or senior official, relax your posture and your countenance. Assume the most humble non-threatening posture as possible. Breeding suspicion and a "grey" uncertainty aura are not healthy and will only bring unneeded attention. Unneeded attention hinders rather than helps your movements.
2. Don't wait to be asked for your ID, always have it ready and available. When presenting, your hands should be open and in full view.
3. When approaching in a vehicle, open the window or door to present your I.D. It allows open viewing into your vehicle, even if the rules say it cannot be searched. If you have nothing to hide, you should not treat yourself or a vehicle as a hidden threat. When possible, exit the vehicle to present your ID. Again, allow no "grey" areas.
4. Don't wait to be greeted, take the friendly initiative and extend a greeting in the local language, even at a distance. Ask what is going on or how things are. In many countries, a handshake is the best thing at the same time, or if nothing else. Smile.
5. Understand how far your diplomatic credentials will and will not take you, regardless of the rules. If told you cannot park somewhere, don't park there. Arguing and "splashing" credentials is usually not worth it. Save it for when it really counts. You might need the assistance of the same local police a short time later. And what does it matter to walk a bit in order to get done what you need to get done. If someone insists on searching at a border, let them. Offering first usually ensures they will not.
6. When traveling in a vehicle, get out as much as possible and meet as many people as you can. Don't be a "window shopper". Getting known by your face in many areas is usually a benefit, as long as it is not for intrusive purposes. Let the area get used to seeing you so it becomes normal having you around.
7. Don't be in a hurry. The purpose and timeliness of your mission will always be constrained by cultural boundaries.
Two final operational tips - Maps and First Aid.
EXAMPLE -- In Eritrea, I had an accident that required me to be MEDEVAC'd. No U.S. assets were made available. What I did have was a partner, a satellite phone, a fully stocked trauma kit, and advanced first aid training I arranged on my own prior to deploying (with the assistance of two great American soldiers in the Pentagon clinic). Previous duty in the Israeli occupied territories had taught me this lesson. Especially helpful were the classes on how to give IV's, to include to myself. Eventually, a private contracted plane was brought in from Israel and the rest is history. The lesson is simple. Without the tools mentioned above, I might not be writing this article.
Enjoy your tour!