Continuous Learning Hours
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Target Audience
This learning guide is designed for SCO personnel stationed in United States embassies overseas who host DoD official visitors, including distinguished visitors (DVs) as part of their normal duties.
Description
This learning guide addresses the full spectrum of SCO responsibilities involving official visits between DoD (and other U.S. Government) officials and host nation counterparts. It examines the following topics:
- Types of DoD Visitors
Introduces the various types of official visitors who may travel to counterpart nations.
- Foreign Clearance Guide
Summarizes the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide and its applicability to official visits.
- Aircraft and Personnel Automated Clearance System
Briefly explains the use of the Aircraft and Personnel Automated Clearance System (APACS).
- SCO Visit Responsibilities
Describes the full range of SCO responsibilities before, during, and after official visits.
- Aircraft Clearances and Ship Visits
Addresses SCO supporting responsibilities for official U.S. Government aircraft clearances and U.S. Navy ship visits with the host nation.
- Visits by Host Nation to DoD
Describes the mechanisms for official travel by host nation officials to DoD organizations and installations and the role of the SCO.
This learning guide is for reference or professional development only. No certificate is awarded for completion.
Duration
This learning guides takes approximately one hour to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SCO’s responsibility in general for DoD visitors?
Under the authority of both the U.S. Ambassador and the SDO/DATT, and in compliance with the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide, the
SCO must manage its official visitors so that their presence, activities, and mission support United States security
cooperation and foreign policy goals with the host nation. As a minimum, official visits should not detract from these goals. This
requires the SCO to carefully coordinate its official visitors with host nation counterparts and the U.S. embassy country team.
What about DoD aircraft clearances and U.S. Navy ship visits?
These are typically the responsibility of the local Defense Attache Office (DAO), which also works under the authority of the SDO/DATT. However, the SCO must remain cognizant of these activities as they interface with – or support -- its security cooperation mission.
What about visits by host nation personnel to CONUS?
The DoD Foreign Clearance Guide does not apply here. Guidance stems from other policy documents, including DoDD 5230.20. In general, official foreign visitors to DoD installations and organizations must have an approved request through the Foreign Visits System (FVS) or, if they are on student status, have an Invitational Travel Order (ITO) issued by the SCO.
Who do I contact if I have any technical issues with this learning guide?
Go to the Online Learning Help Desk for technical assistance.