USMC FAO Notes
CAPT George Bloch, USMCR
With the release of ALMAR 015/99, the Commandant made his
views on the importance of the FAO and RAO programs very clear.
"MAGTFs operating in regions and countries where we have little
experience, much less linguistic and cultural knowledge, will
increasingly turn to regional experts, particularly FAOs/RAOs, to
make a tremendous difference in operational and warfighting capa-
bilities." Perhaps even more importantly for those officers in or
considering applying for these programs, he was careful to
emphasize the Corp's determination not to neglect them at
promotion time. "We cannot afford to overlook, or mismanage, the
valuable and expensive expertise resident in our FAOs/RAOs," he
wrote; "while these officers may not have been afforded the
opportunity to command at each grade, their overall value to the
Corps will be significantly enhanced."
Preliminary efforts by HQMC to identify appropriate FAO/ RAO
billets show some 235 billets in which the Marine Corps would
benefit if filled by FAOs or RAOs. This initial effort,'which
included prioritizing the billets, will be staffed to the
operating forces and billet sponsors for validation, modeling to
ensure feasibility, and final structure. This structure, with
additional information such as special requirements and expected
rotation date of incumbent, will be accessible on the World Wide
Web.
A number of other improvements will be seen in coming months
as well, including an overdue revision of the Marine Corps order
on the programs, and the development of an orientation course for
FAOs and RAOs entering the program through the study-track. As
always, input from FAOs and RAOs in the field is very helpful as
we attempt to capitalize on the tremendous potential inherent in
having a cadre of officers with regional expertise.
The Commandant's guidance is not the only sign of the
increased emphasis on the FAO/RAO programs at HQMC. Additionally,
CMC has directed that the position of International Affairs
Officer (IAO) Coordinator will be a full-time billet, expected to
be implemented this summer. Other enhancements include an ongoing
project to formally designate billets throughout the Corps as
being FAO/RAO billets, and the development of a comprehensive,
total force, data base which will be tied in with the Manpower
Management System to better manage regional expertise.
Preliminary efforts by HQMC to identify appropriate FAO/ RAO
billets show some 235 billets in which the Marine Corps would
benefit if filled by FAOs or RAOs. This initial effort,'which
included prioritizing the billets, will be staffed to the
operating forces and billet sponsors for validation, modeling to
ensure feasibility, and final structure. This structure, with
additional information such as special requirements and expected
rotation date of incumbent, will be accessible on the World Wide
Web.
A number of other improvements will be seen in coming months
as well, including an overdue revision of the Marine Corps order
on the programs, and the development of an orientation course for
FAOs and RAOs entering the program through the study-track. As
always, input from FAOs and RAOs in the field is very helpful as
we attempt to capitalize on the tremendous potential inherent in
having a cadre of officers with regional expertise.
1999, Foreign Area Officer
Association
Springfield, Virginia
Maintained by LTC Steve
Gotowicki.
http://www.faoa.org