What is the Functional Area 48 (Foreign Area Officer)?
An Army Foreign Area Officer (FAO) is a commissioned officer with expertise in a specific foreign region, combining military knowledge with specialized knowledge about that region’s culture, politics, and security landscape. They act as advisors to senior military and civilian leaders, providing insights into the decisions, policies, and professional cultures of allies, partners, and potential adversaries.
“Army FAOs are Soldiers grounded in the profession of Arms; deliberately accessed, trained, educated and developed to provide leadership and expertise in diverse organizations in joint, interagency, intergovernmental and multinational environments; who advise senior leaders as regional experts; and who offer unique warfighting competencies—cross-cultural capabilities, interpersonal communications, and foreign-language skills—that are critical to mission readiness of the Army in today’s dynamic strategic environment.” DA PAM 600-3
Check out Department of the Army Pamphlet 600–3, Personnel-General Commissioned Officer Professional Development and Career Management https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/376665.pdf Chapter 27 Foreign Area Officer Functional Area (FA 48), page 276
And also the Army’s STAND TO page: https://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2019/07/12/
Key Responsibilities and Skills:
Adaptive Leadership: FAOs provide guidance and leadership specific to their assigned region, adapting their approach based on the unique context.
Strategic Analysis: They analyze foreign countries and regions, considering factors like historical, political, military, cultural, sociological, economic, and geographic aspects.
Advisory Role: FAOs advise senior military and civilian leaders on various matters related to their region of expertise.
Cross-Cultural Communication: FAOs have strong cross-cultural communication skills, enabling them to effectively interact with individuals from different cultures.
Language Proficiency: Many FAOs possess advanced foreign language skills in the major languages of their assigned region.
Independent Operations: They can operate effectively in complex environments, often acting as strategic scouts.
Military Diplomacy: FAOs bridge the gap between military expertise and diplomatic skills, contributing to international cooperation and understanding.
Requirements and Education:
Prior Military Experience: FAOs are typically already commissioned officers with a solid foundation in their primary military occupational specialty.
Graduate-Level Education: FAOs complete graduate-level studies in areas like political science, national security affairs, or related fields.
Foreign Language Skills: Language proficiency in a major language of their assigned region is a critical requirement.
Benefits:
Unique Career Path: FAOs have a unique career path that combines military service with specialized expertise in a foreign region.
Global Engagement: They play a vital role in U.S. Department of Defense efforts to engage with allies, partners, and potential adversaries.
Strategic Impact: Their insights and expertise contribute to the overall strategic goals and objectives of the Department of Defense.
Army FAO Training
Army FAOs all are required to have the same training completed either before or after becoming a FAO.
Language – conducted from 9 to 18-months at the Defense Language Instituate in Monterey California or in Washington, D.C. Army FAOs must speak a core language designated by DA PAM 600-3.
Graduate degree – all Army FAOs must possess a graduate degress specified by DA PAM 600-3.
In-Region Training – all Army FAOs must have extensive experience in their region. This isn’t traveling there once on vacation.
Department of State FAST Class:
https://www.state.gov/foreign-affairs-security-training-center-fastc
FAO Branch Overview: FAO Branch Overview
DA PAM 600-3 Figure 27-1
What is a Foreign Area Officer?
There are numerous similarities and several differences between the services’ foreign area officer programs. Below are promotional videos from all services for your quick reference.
United States Marine Corps
Foreign Area Officer – Quick Intro
United States Marine Corps
Capt. Mark Brokaw Jr. Explains the Role of a Foreign Area Officer
United States Navy FAOs
Foreign Area Officers – the Hidden Gem of Military Officer Careers!
United States Navy
FAOs
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/890932/foreign-area-officers-commercial
United States Navy
FAOs
Analysis Of The United States Navy Foreign Area Officer Program By Jesse T. Grano March 2013
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA580229.pdf
United States Army
FAO Program at Defense Language Institute Monterey, CA
https://www.dliflc.edu/about/fao/
United States Army
48E FAO program, George C. Marshall Center, Garmisch, Germany
https://www.marshallcenter.org/en/academics/eurasian-foreign-area-officer-program
Joint Foreign Area Officer Conference (JFAOC)
Presidio of Monterey, CA
https://www.dliflc.edu/foreign-area-officers-converge-for-advanced-training/
How do I join?
The United States Army accesses our applicants for the Functional Area 48 (Foreign Area Officer) through the Voluntary Transfer Incentive Program (VTIP) program, which is managed by the U.S. Army Human Resources Command.
The most recent notes from HRC can be found below – but always check the most recent MILPER message for specific and updated instructions.
The VTIP now occurs once a year. The 4QTR FY25 application cycle is open and will close 12 June 2025. For the VTIP, you must have a CPT KD OER in IPERMS (of any length, you do not have to be KD complete), a DLAB score of 95 or above (exceptions in the VTIP MILPER), and meet the other requirements in the VTIP MILPER Appendix One. 26-01 movers currently in the AIM market place are ineligible this cycle. The VTIP MILPER and Appendix One will outline all application requirements. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate a strong potential for promotion to the next grade (MAJ). Everyone is encouraged to apply early, multiple re-applications and exception to policy applications are welcome. Other things that make an applicant more competitive is a higher DLAB score, documented foreign language (DLPT/OPI), a graduate degree in a FAO-related field, and relevant regional experience. Regional Areas of Concentration (AOCs) are designated based on Army requirements, fill rates by year group by AOC, officer qualifications, and preferences. When you apply, you must acknowledge that you will be considered for all AOCs for which you are eligible.
VTIP Packet Contents:
- See the VTIP MILPER and Appendix 1 to ensure a complete application. Some applicants require additional documents.
- VTIP 4187 – updated 4QTR FY25
- MFR – In a single page, applicants should explain their interest, reasoning, desire, and/or qualifications to become a Foreign Area Officer.
- FAO Questionnaire (OCT 24) – The most current questionnaire for use in your application.
- Regular VTIP (Non-ETP) Applicant Submission – Instructions on using the Personnel Action Request (PAR) on AIM 2.0 for normal applicants.
- STP & AIM 2.0 Resume – NOTE: Not required as part of the scanned packet, just a reminder to update these documents. This will be automatically pulled and reviewed by FAO Branch and the VTIP Board.
Effective upon release of 4QTR FY25 VTIP MILPER, officers requesting a branch transfer, both through the VTIP panel process and as an exception to policy, will incur a 3-year ADSO which will run concurrent with all other training and schooling ADSOs.
There is one other way to join FA48 FAO through the Talent Based Career Alignment Program:
Click to access TBCA-Program-Guide_Phase-5_Final-Copy_15-FEB-2022.pdf