Mention Rio de Janeiro, and most peoples' minds conjure images of bikinis on the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Pao do Acucar (Sugarloaf) Mountain, and the wild nightlife of Carnaval. For FAO trainees, though, Rio means working and learning to become regional experts.
FAOs in ICT are assigned to the Defense Attaché Branch Office in the small U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro, although they are supervised by the Assistant Army Attaché and senior rated by the Defense/Army Attaché, both of whom are 600 miles away at the U.S. embassy in Brasilia. Thus, trainees must be capable of surviving in the local area on their own and resolving school issues with minimal assistance from the embassy.
FAOs in Rio for ICT attend the first year of the two-year Brazilian Command and General Staff College. They learn Brazilian Army organization, staff procedures, and joint operations, in addition to building relationships with their classmates from Brazil and several other nations. After completing the course, FAOs spend up to four months traveling throughout Latin America to develop their regional expertise and practice their Spanish skills. Brazil is nearly as big as the United States, and borders every country in South America except Chile and Ecuador, so just becoming familiar with the entire host nation is a challenge!
VIP visitors are common in Rio, and FAOs are frequently called upon to assist with their visits. In recent years, FAOs have helped host Vice President Gore, various Congressional delegations, the Commander in Chief of U.S. Southern Command, and numerous other civilian and military dignitaries. FAOs serve as interpreters, guides, and local advisors. These duties provide invaluable exposure to senior policymakers and insights into U.S. policy initiatives in the region.
FAOs in Rio live "on the economy" in privately leased housing and are authorized to ship their full JFTR weight allowance, including a vehicle.
Training in Rio de Janeiro provides FAOs with excellent opportunities to attend a military school, travel, and learn firsthand about U.S. objectives in the region. The city also provides an outstanding quality of life for officers and their families alike.