Army Defense Attaché Assignment

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 08:10:38 -0500

I'm  in the process of completing a Defense Attaché
packet. Is anyone aware of the process to include: length of time before
decision is made; choice of duty assignment; family life; potential jobs for
spouse; schools for children and most importantly, civilian jobs after
retirement?

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 16 at 2013 9:45 PM

SFC James Baber — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 21:45:46 -0500

SSG W,

I always thought about doing that during my career, but never got the chance, I think it would be a very unique and challenging duty, but I also believe it would be beneficial and rewarding as well, especially within the civilian sector after departure from the military. I wish you luck in your pursuit and hope it is an enjoyable experience if you are selected for the position.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Dec 17 at 2013 12:13 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 00:13:01 -0500

I have two of my former instructors who are both current DAOs. Shoot me an email and I will get you in contact with each of them if you would like.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 4:22 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 04:22:21 -0500

I am looking to get into an Attache assignment through the Navy. So far, I have made little headway. Does anyone know who I could talk to for some first-hand information?

Response by MSG Cameron Davis made Mar 2 at 2014 6:51 AM

MSG Cameron Davis — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 06:51:01 -0500

SFC Carlos, I am currently in Athens, Greece. Feel free to email or contact me and I will answer anything I can.

Response by SGT Drue Rockwell made Jun 2 at 2015 11:49 PM

SGT Drue Rockwell — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 23:49:19 -0400

I'm interested in DAO but have a few questions. 1) How do promotions work while with them? 2) Length of tour? 3) Do you get to make a wishlist, or does your current list of languages affect duty assignments?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 3:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 03:01:46 -0400

I'd like to revive this thread. Trying to put together all the bits and pieces of information on how to apply for DAS NCO position, packet checklist, etc. This carrer seems to be very rewarding as for the individual and for our country.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 13 at 2015 3:44 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 03:44:20 -0400

Best of luvk

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 12:32 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 12:32:43 -0500

I grew up on embassy duty while my father was assigned as Detachment Commander of the Marine Security Guards at 4 different embassies. Before joining the Army I was a Supervisor for the Local Guard Program at the American Embassy in Managua, Nicaragua. I'm really interested in applying for a DAO assignment. I've read that Specialist's on promotable status can submit an application. I am yet to earn my E-4 but I want to apply as soon as I am eligible. I'm planning on requesting my Secret Clearance since my current position does not require one. My questions are:

Does an E5 get more COLA if living in a more expensive country to make ends meet?

How is housing provided? Through the State Department? I remember the Marine Detachment Commander had all expenses for housing covered by the State Department, is it the same for MILGRP?

What are some things I can start doing now to have my candidate packet be considered/approved as an E4/E5?

For those already on assignment overseas, did you get assigned to a country of your choice or one on your short list?

What was the process like once you were selected, did you PCS from your duty station to Washington DC with your family for all the training and then from there go to your overseas assignment?

I'm fluent in Spanish, will that get me assigned to a Spanish speaking country or are there more options?