NSDD 38 - U.S. Department of Defense, Department

UNCLAS MANILA 000268 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT APER AODE ABLD ASEC KSPR RP SUBJECT: NSDD 38 - U.S. Department of Defense, Department of the Navy Request to Add One Position in Manila REF: A) SECSTATE 00232; B) NSDD-38 Case Number DoD PHI-27932-12192006 ¶1. The Chief of Mission hereby approves the Department of the Navy's Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) request to add the following direct-hire full-time permanent (DHFTP) position in Manila. With this additional position NCIS will have an authorized position level in the Philippines of six USDH. -- Special Agent, GS-13 ¶2. Staffing levels at Post have remained constant since 2002, while ship visit support and other Mission requirements have increased. The NCIS and its Force Protection offices in Manila are heavily involved in providing and coordinating USN and host nation support to our visiting warships and exercises. Additionally, the Commander Pacific Command, Commander Pacific Fleet and Post all agree the aim is to expand traditional USN warship port locations to other areas of the country in order to increase engagement, and to allow U.S. military members to enjoy liberty in these locations. Due to political reasons, liberty incidents involving U.S. military personnel must be responded to in a rapid fashion. Maintaining extensive liaison contacts with host nation security and law enforcement agencies is vital to this effort and the overall Force Protection support package provided by NCIS. The addition of one NCIS Special Agent will allow for greater ability to respond to criminal violations of the U.S. and host country laws and provide greater flexibility to NCIS in the service of traditional DoD/DoN CI efforts. ¶3. Mission Manila understands that: a) The position does not require additional office space. b) Housing will be assigned by the Inter-Agency Housing Board (IAHB). As with all housing assigned by the IAHB, it must comply with OBO space standards and be approved prior to occupancy by both the Facilities Maintenance Office and Regional Security Office for safety and security. Furnishings are being arranged. c) The new position will fall under the authority of the Chief of Mission, or in their absence, the Charge d'Affaires. d) There is no one presently at the Mission who has the expertise (or time) to fulfill the functions of the position. e) An NSDD-38 employee is the only way the function of the position can be met; no other solution will provide the U.S. expertise and the continuity required to make such a position a success. f) This staff change was not reflected in our most recent MPP. Given the recent concerns over the Philippine/U.S. Visiting Forces Agreement, COM and PACOM have determined that further engagement in the Philippines is necessary. This engagement will be realized through additional exercises, port visits, Community Relation events (COMREL) and Civil/Military Operations throughout the country. Each of these will require NCIS Force Protection and law enforcement/investigative support. ¶4. The position will be funded directly by NCIS, using a NAVFAC ICASS code. Financial Management Center has prepared an ICASS full-year estimate in the amount of $18,570. ICASS cost centers to be subscribed to include basic package, health services, security services (American),Community Liaison Office, shipment and customs services, travel services, mail and messenger services (American), vouchering, and cashiering. NCIS agrees to reimburse State for non-ICASS costs for meeting security standards, outfitting space and other costs if appropriate. Please be advised that eligibility for Post's Health Unit services requires that all personnel and their eligible family members complete their medical clearance process prior to arrival at Post. Medical clearances are coordinated though the Office of Medical Services, Washington D.C. ¶5. Mission Manila looks forward to working with NCIS and the DoN to establish this new position. KENNEY