Tradition Meets Tomorrow: FAOA's Legacy of Leadership
Serving FAOs, BAOs, International Specialists, and their Families
The Foreign Area Officer Association (FAOA)is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening national security by educating the public on the vital role Foreign Area Officers (FAOs), State Partnership Program (SPP) Bilateral Affairs Officers (BAOs), Attaches, Security Cooperation Officers, Internationally Focused Non-Commissioned Officers, and International Specialists play around the world and on national security issues. We support FAOs and international affairs professionals throughout their careers—while in uniform, during the transition to civilian life, and beyond—by providing education, professional development, and opportunities to expand their skills and impact.
Join the FAO+Connect Community ➽
Join the FAO+Connect Community ➽
FAOA membership starts with FAO+Connect and setting up your account means you are joining FAOA (FAO+Connect is how we track active membership). FAOA membership is open to all international specialist, not just FAOs.
FAO+Connect is your gateway to an unparalleled community of Foreign Area Officers and international specialists. Engage in discussions, access mentorship opportunities, and dive into a wealth of resources tailored to your professional growth. Stay informed about upcoming FAOA events, connect with peers across the globe, and tap into our FAO Bridge program to transition your military expertise into new, impactful civilian roles. Join FAO+Connect and be part of a community that's shaping the future of international affairs.
Spouses may now join FAOA for a discounted rate of $10 per year - to join, send an email to membership@faoa.org or the member can retrieve the token/link for their spouse in FAO Connect under the “Welcome” tab..
Current FAOA Members: If you are already a FAOA member, create a FAO+Connect account—it is included in your membership - send a note to membership@faoa.org, we will get you in - we will send you a log in token before you set up your account. Note: your previous log-in credential to our old website will not get you in. If you are a lifetime member, please send us a note so we can properly configure your account prior to setting up your FAO+Connect account. Seeking Membership in FAOA: If you are joining FAOA today, FAO+Connect is the forum to do so. FAOA membership is $60 a year, which goes to the non-profit supporting our FAOs and their families through our Educate, Bridge and Cultivate Pillars. FAOA reserves the right to decline membership applications.
Educate: Empowering Our Serving FAOs, BAOs, and International Specialists
At the core of our Educate pillar is a commitment to inform and inspire greater understanding of the vital role Foreign Area Officers (FAOs) and international affairs specialists play in strengthening national security and global partnerships.
We educate the public, industry, and government stakeholders on the strategic value FAOs bring to diplomacy, defense cooperation, and international engagement. Through events, panels, and publications such as the FAO Journal of International Affairs, we also help the public better understand today’s national security challenges and the global context in which FAOs operate. Education within FAOA is about building knowledge, fostering dialogue, and promoting awareness—uniting and empowering those who serve and support America’s mission abroad..
🌟 The FAOA Spouse Shine Grant Program was created to invest in the spouses and families who make service in the international affairs community possible. Whether pursuing a professional certification, continuing education, language training, launching a business, or leading a community initiative, Shine provides funding to help turn goals into opportunities. By supporting spouse development and resilience, we strengthen not only individual families but our entire community. Applications for the first tranche are now open. Visit the Spouse & Family Connect section in FAO+Connect to learn more and apply.
Cultivate: Amplifying Our Collective Influence
The Cultivate pillar fosters the growth of our community’s expertise, networks, and impact, ensuring FAOs and international specialists are at the forefront of global engagement. Through key initiatives like the FAOA Journal, FAOs on Tap, the Annual Black Tie Gala, and the "Context is Everything" panel series, we provide platforms for knowledge-sharing, professional development, and strategic dialogue.
Mentorship programs further enrich this pillar by passing along experiences and lessons learned between FAOs at all experience levels, strengthening the profession across generations. Additionally, our interactive FAO Connect platform enables FAOs and their spouses to engage with peers worldwide, sharing professional insights and practical guidance on navigating life abroad—from career opportunities to cultural adaptation and everyday living in diverse global environments.
Bridge: Connecting Expertise to Opportunity
The Bridge pillar embodies our dedication to connecting FAOs, BAOs, non-commissioned officer, and international specialists with civilian industries, institutions, and organizations that value their unique international expertise. FAO Bridge is the Foreign Area Officer Association’s career transition initiative designed to equip FAOs, BAOs, and internationally focused NCOs for life after military service. As members approach retirement or separation, FAO Bridge provides structured, high-impact support through a multi-part program that includes:
Professional Transition Coaching – Offering resume development, interview preparation, and one-on-one career guidance.
Mentorship – Pairing transitioning FAOs, BAOs, and International Specialists with seasoned professionals who have successfully navigated the civilian sector.
Virtual Job Fairs – Hosted in collaboration with Hiring Our Heroes, connecting international specialists directly with companies and institutions actively seeking global-minded talent.
Digital Resource Hub – A dedicated space within FAO Connect offering job postings, tools, and educational materials.
Corporate and Institutional Outreach – Building partnerships with employers across sectors who value FAO/BAO/International Specialists skills in strategy, security cooperation, and international engagement.
FAO Bridge reflects our belief that the leadership, cultural fluency, and problem-solving capabilities international specialists develop in service are not only relevant—but in high demand—across a wide array of civilian careers. The program exists to help our members carry their mission-driven mindset and global acumen into their next chapter, with purpose and support.
FAOA Chapters Around the Globe
Connect locally and globally with FAOA! Our chapters bring international specialists together to share insights, foster camaraderie, and collaborate on initiatives that support our mission. These communities provide valuable opportunities for professional networking, mentorship, and engagement with fellow FAOs and international affairs professionals. Whether participating in local events, virtual discussions, or community initiatives, members can strengthen connections across the enterprise while contributing to the Association’s growth. Explore and engage with these communities through FAO+Connect.
Sponsor Engagement: Empower and Connect
Partner with FAOA, which is a non-profit 501(c)3. FAOA is the premier hub of security cooperation and foreign policy experts, including skilled attaches, policymakers, advisors to foreign partners, security cooperation officers, and internationally focused non-commissioned officers. Your sponsorship will go towards supporting FAOs and their families through a variety of programs to include scholarships, the FAO Bridge transition program, and support & advocacy programs. Engage with our community, support their transition, and align your brand with our mission at key events like the Annual Black Tie Gala and our “FAOs on Tap” community events. Leverage this unique collaboration to enhance your strategic goals and support a seamless transition of expertise from military to civilian sectors.