Army Notes

by Colonel Mark Volk, Chief, Strategic Leadership Division

Summer normally finds the Proponent office in a state of transition. It is during this time that we not only see the transition of Program Managers, but we also experience the greatest transition into and out of our training base. This year is no different.

On the out-going side, LTC Ben Reed retired from the Army in June. His contributions to the Army and the entire FAO Program, not just the 48E and C contingent, were many and will be long lasting. Ben's thoroughness in attacking issues and problems, calm demeanor, and candidness in offering ideas and feedback were his hallmarks here in the office. Fortunately, his talents are not being wasted. Ben is now working as for the Coast Guard as a pol-mil specialist in their International Affairs shop - - heavily involved in strategic cooperation activities. We wish him, and his family, the very best in their new career.

Replacing Ben as the 48C/E Program Manager is MAJ Mike Brewer. Just graduated from CGSC and with excellent credentials, Mike is a superb addition to the FAO Team. Already baptized by fire with several "hot" issues relating to In Country Training, he's earned his spurs here on the Army staff.

Foreign Area Officers' Course (FAOC)

The latest FAOC was conducted in June 2001. Courses are conducted twice annually -- normally in June and December -- at DLI in Monterey. The timing and location are driven by the fact that this offers the best opportunity to reach a large number of FAOs just starting into training. The FAOC is not a mandatory requirement for qualification as a FAO. Typically running 4 Ť days, the focus is as follows.

Block 1: FAOs in support of National Security Strategy/National Military Strategy & PERSCOM Briefing

Block 2: The Role of the State Department, the Embassy Country Team and OPMS XXI/Professional Development

Block 3: FAO Roles and Functions, Advanced Civil Schooling, In Country Training and Regional Training Panels

Block 4: (Focused on FAO Spouses) Thriving Overseas and Regional Spouse Panels

Block 5: Graduate School Fair (normally 15-20 schools on our ACS list participate)

This past session was the best we've seen so far in terms of questions and positive responses from the FAOs. While the impact of OPMS XXI issues was the hottest topic, we had an excellent dialogue on other issues as well. While short, the course is one sure way for the Program Managers to put out guidance and to meet with our officers.

Finally, in terms of the FAOC, we continue to look for ways to be able to get the info to those officers who do not go to DLI in Monterey. We offered the first shortened course at West Point last winter and will continue to conduct this version of the course on a semi-annual basis.

Advanced Civil Schooling (ACS) Approved Schools List

Each year the proponent updates, by AOC, the graduate degree programs FAOs can attend as part of ACS. We'll soon begin the process for this year's update. The criteria used in determining quality programs are listed on our web page and the currently approved can be found both there and on the PERSCOM page.

We take a lot of time in researching each school's offerings. While some may appear more prestigious than others, every program on our list will meet your needs. We also recognize that we may not identify every possible program. If you know of another that you think meets our requirements, follow the directions on our web page to bring it to our attention.

Perhaps the greatest frustration we have in this area is with officers who fail to adequately prepare during the application process. If you want to apply for a program not on our list or have a special circumstance that needs consideration, ENSURE you coordinate with your Regional Program Manager early in order to maximize your chance for success.

2002, Foreign Area Officer Association
Springfield, Virginia
Maintained by LTC Steve Gotowicki.
http://www.faoa.org