Defense Doors Opening for Diplomats: Foreign

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 STATE 051418 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: APER AMGT SUBJECT: Defense Doors Opening for Diplomats: Foreign Policy Advisors (POLADs) Sought for U.S. Military Commands ¶1. The Bureau of Political Military Affairs (PM) seeks talented, action-oriented officers who are interested in working at the interface of diplomacy and defense as Foreign Policy Advisors (POLADs). This is in response to increased hiring authorized by Congress for FY 2009 to expand the Foreign Policy Advisor (POLAD) program to fifty new POLAD positions over the next two years, with twenty new POLAD positions in the summer bidding cycle for 2009 for immediate vacancies. These new positions take into account the need to address current national security issues such as Iran and Afghanistan; commands that deal with civilian-like humanitarian missions such as SOUTHCOM, AFRICOM, and PACOM; and other commands that support counter-insurgency (COIN) operations, as well as stabilization and reconstruction work. ¶2. We are recruiting for these new "Now" positions in order to fill them in the summer of 2009. They are still being created in FSBID, so they may not appear there for another few days. These positions are in addition to the existing POLAD positions on last summer's open assignments list and the ten new POLAD positions announced last fall. Due to the restructuring of civilian-military work in Afghanistan, the four new POLAD positions there remain under review and will be announced soon. POLAD positions to be filled in the summer of 2010 will be announced separately, and will be filled as part of the regular summer 2010 bidding cycle. ¶3. POLADs to senior military officials work individually with military service chiefs, regional combatant commanders, functional commanders, and subordinate commands in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Iraq, and other locations within the United States and overseas. POLADs provide policy advice and support on international relations and diplomacy to their commanders, whom they frequently accompany on travel. ¶4. The Political Military Bureau is proud that several participants in its POLAD program have gone on to positions of high distinction, including as ambassadors, deputy assistant secretaries of State, directors general of the Foreign Service, academic leaders, and NATO officials. Their subsequent successes reflect well on the POLAD program, and demonstrate their worth in the career path of those seeking positions of high responsibility in the area of national security. 
 ¶5. Although no previous military or political military experience is required for these positions, it would nonetheless be helpful. The Political Military Bureau seeks highly motivated, energetic officers with a keen interest in national security issues who possess strong analytical, interpersonal, writing, and speaking skills. FSOs are also expected to be flexible in keeping with their dynamic role in the field and some may work with Coalition or NATO partners, peacekeeping operations, or humanitarian issues. ¶6. The point of contact for these positions is POLAD Director Jonita I. Whitaker, who can be reached at: whitakerji2@state.gov or at (202) 647-4776. Back-up contact is POLAD Deputy Director David Pozorski, who can be reached at: PozorskiDP@state.gov or at (202) 647- ¶0295. POLAD Top Sixteen: New Opportunities for Diplomat- Warriors ============================================= =========== == ¶7. The following are the NOW and SUMMER 2009 POLAD positions open for bidders: ¶A. S19324050, PM/POLAD, Air Forces Africa/17th Air Force Ramstein, Germany, FE-OC The 17th Air Force is charged with supporting U.S. Africa Command with command and control of air forces to conduct sustained security engagement and operations as directed to promote air safety, security, and development on the continent of Africa. The POLAD provides policy support regarding the political, diplomatic, and interagency dimensions of the commander's military responsibilities, especially with respect to contingency and crisis management activities, STATE 00051418 002 OF 005 SUBJECT: Defense Doors Opening for Diplomats: Foreign Policy Advisors (POLADs) Sought for U.S. Military Comman and works closely with representatives of cooperating agencies. The POLAD assists the Commander of the newly created Air Force component to U.S. Africa Command in promoting unity of effort between the U.S. military and civilian operations covering 52 nations of Africa. The POLAD travels frequently with the Commander throughout the AOR. The POLAD also enables and facilitates collaboration and synchronization with embassies and other U.S. diplomatic missions or presence in Africa. ¶B. SD0235300, PM/POLAD, U.S. Naval Forces South, NAVSOUTH/4th Fleet, Mayport, Florida, FE-OC The POLAD will provide expert geopolitical, political- military, economic, and other strategic advice and information to support USNS Comfort, USS Kearsarge, etc. The POLAD uses personal contacts within State and OSD to access the most current thinking on issues and current USG positions. He or she prepares key staff for international activities by providing information papers and briefings on key policy issues. The POLAD accompanies senior command staff on international travel and during international activities. As an expert on political information and foreign policy affecting NAVSOUTH, the POLAD proposes priorities and assesses relevant issues, and conducts research and analysis to ensure that senior staff are always prepared. This position will hence deal daily with embassy country teams and host nations in assisting with counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, civil affairs, and related projects. The POLAD assists in strengthening security relationships within the AOR. The POLAD also assists the Admiral in planning for contingency operations, crisis situations, and security cooperation throughout the region. ¶C. SD0235400, PM/POLAD SOCSOUTH, Homestead, Florida, FE- OC The POLAD provides policy support regarding the political, diplomatic, and interagency dimensions of the commander's military responsibilities. The POLAD assists the Special Forces Commander in promoting unity of effort between the U.S. military and civilian operations in the Americas. The POLAD travels frequently with the Commander throughout the AOR. The POLAD also enables and facilitates collaboration and synchronization with embassies and other U.S. diplomatic missions or presence in the Western Hemisphere. ¶D. SD0235500, PM/POLAD, U.S. Army South, San Antonio, Texas, FE-OC This command is the largest purveyor of humanitarian and security assistance in the Western Hemisphere. The POLAD advises the Commander on the diplomatic and foreign policy dimensions of his military responsibilities. The POLAD also works closely with SOUTHCOM to ensure unity of effort and coordination in all aspects of humanitarian and security assistance activities. ¶E. S19324005, PM/POLAD, U.S. Army, Europe (USAREUR), Heidelberg, Germany, FE-OC The Foreign Policy Advisor to USAREUR advises the Commander and staff of USAREUR on the diplomatic and foreign policy dimensions of their military responsibilities. USAREUR is a subordinate unified command of EUCOM and exercises operational control of theater Army. USAREUR is responsible to the Commander for combat readiness, targeting, exercises, plans, joint and combined training, NATO/partnership activities, and execution of counterterrorism, peacetime, and contingency operations. The POLAD assists the Commander in maintaining effective security relations with the countries in USAREUR's AOR, ensuring good coordination between the command and the embassy country teams in those countries. The POLAD travels with the Commander and staff throughout the AOR, and builds and maintains a broad network of contacts with State, the JCS, and the CIA on political-military issues of priority interest to USAREUR. ¶F. S19325050, PM/POLAD, Naval Forces Europe - Naples, Italy (NAVEUR),FE-OC The Commander of NAVEUR is now dual-hatted as commander of NAVAF, with the creation of the Africa Command, based in Naples, Italy. The POLAD assigned will have the requisite qualifications such as regional knowledge of Europe and Africa, language ability, and political and STATE 00051418 003 OF 005 SUBJECT: Defense Doors Opening for Diplomats: Foreign Policy Advisors (POLADs) Sought for U.S. Military Comman diplomatic expertise. The Foreign Policy Advisor provides policy support to the NAVEUR Commander and immediate staff regarding the political, diplomatic, and interagency dimensions of their military responsibilities. The POLAD assists the Command in promoting unity of effort between the U.S. military and JFC-Naples, and works closely with members of the coalition, in particular NATO members. The POLAD travels frequently with the Commander. ¶G. S19324006, PM/POLAD, U.S. Marines Europe/Africa - Stuttgart, Germany, FE-OC U.S. Marines Europe/Africa coordinates provision of Marine Corps personnel in support of AFRICOM operational requirements, conducts joint training exercises, and executes assigned operational missions in AFRICOM's AOR. The Foreign Policy Advisor (POLAD) will be the personal advisor to the Commander and deploy as needed with task forces and components. The POLAD provides policy support regarding the political, diplomatic, and interagency dimensions of the commander's military responsibilities. The POLAD assists the Commander in promoting unity of effort between the military and our embassies, especially with respect to contingency and crisis management activities, and works closely with representatives of cooperating countries as well as local forces and government officials where Marines Europe/Africa is present. The POLAD also assists the Commander to maintain a productive network of contacts with appropriate senior civilian and defense officials in support of operations. The POLAD travels frequently, including with the Commander. ¶H. SD0235800, PM/POLAD, USARPAC, Hawaii, FE-OC The Foreign Policy Advisor to U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) advises the Commander and staff of USARPAC on the diplomatic and foreign policy dimensions of their military responsibilities. USARPAC is a subordinate command of PACOM and exercises operational control of theater Air Forces. USARPAC is responsible to the Commander for combat readiness, targeting, exercises, plans, joint and combined training, partnership activities, and execution of counterterrorism, peacetime, and contingency operations. The POLAD assists the Commander in maintaining effective security relations with the countries in USARPAC's AOR, ensuring good coordination between the Command and the embassy country teams in those countries. The POLAD travels with the Commander and staff throughout the AOR, and builds and maintains a broad network of contacts with State, the JCS, OSD, and the CIA on political-military issues of priority interest to USARPAC. ¶I. SD0236000, PM/POLAD, 12th Air Force, Tucson, Arizona, FE-OC The Foreign Policy Advisor to the 12th Air Force Commander provides expert policy advice regarding the political, interagency, and diplomatic dimensions of his military responsibilities. The POLAD travels with the Commander and staff, and builds and maintains a broad network of contacts with State and others on political- military issues of priority interest to the Command. ¶J. S19325055, PM/POLAD, U.S. Army Africa (formerly Southern European Task Force (SETAF),Vicenza, Italy, FE-OC The Foreign Policy Advisor provides policy support regarding the political, diplomatic, and interagency dimensions of the Commander's military responsibilities. The POLAD assists the Commander in promoting unity of effort between the U.S. military, interagency, and civilian operations in the AOR. The POLAD also works closely with representatives of cooperating countries as well as local forces and government officials. The POLAD travels frequently with the Commander or senior staff. The POLAD also enables and facilitates collaboration and synchronization with embassies and other U.S. diplomatic missions or presence in the AOR. The POLAD also assists the Commander to maintain a productive network of contacts with appropriate senior civilian and defense officials in support of operations. In early December 2008, SETAF officially assumed duties as the Army component headquarters for U.S. Africa Command. ¶K. SD0235700, PM/POLAD, U.S. Central Command, MacDill AFB, Florida, FS-01 STATE 00051418 004 OF 005 SUBJECT: Defense Doors Opening for Diplomats: Foreign Policy Advisors (POLADs) Sought for U.S. Military Comman The Foreign Policy Advisor to CENTCOM will be the Command's principal analyst for all regional and domestic political issues dealing with Iran, including Iranian politics and foreign relations. The POLAD will serve as the chief advisor in this regard to the CENTCOM Commander, Deputy Commander, and Senior Political Advisor. The POLAD will also travel as needed throughout the AOR in the company of the CENTCOM Commander, Deputy Commander, and Senior Political Advisor. ¶L. S19324004, PM/POLAD, U.S. European Command (USEUCOM), Stuttgart, Germany, FS-03 The incumbent in this position acts as deputy POLAD to the Senior EUCOM POLAD, and advises the commander and staff of USEUCOM on the economic and energy issues within the AOR. The POLAD will provide economic analysis and advice to the Commander, EUCOM Directors, and Deputy Commanders, as well as diplomatic and foreign policy dimensions of their military responsibilities. The POLAD assists the Commander in integrating economic security with other components of comprehensive security and stability on the transport, movement, dependence, and production of carbon-based fuels across the international marketplace inside and outside the EUCOM AOR. The POLAD travels with the Commander and staff throughout the AOR, and builds and maintains a broad network of contacts with State, academia, international government organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector on all economic and financial issues of interest to EUCOM. ¶M. SD0235600, PM/POLAD, 18th Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, FS-03 The 18th Airborne Corps based at Fort Bragg, is a deployable unit that provides support and services to theater Army force commands. It conducts theater security cooperation activities, providing a forward- based service component command to plan and conduct land operations across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The incumbent advises and supports the Commander and his/her senior staff on the foreign policy aspects of the Command's responsibilities based on information and guidance provided by relevant offices at the Department of State and other Washington-based foreign policy agencies, as well as with contacts at embassies and consulates in USCENTCOM's area of responsibility. The POLAD works closely as necessary and appropriate with Department of State POLADs at USCENTCOM at MacDill AFB in Tampa, as well as in the field in Iraq and Afghanistan, to ensure unity of effort in providing foreign policy support to the military in the Middle East and South Asia. This position will introduce mid- level officers to the POLAD discipline and the U.S. military environment. The POLAD will participate in pre-deployment training with the two-star command, which is based at Fort Drum, New York. The POLAD will deploy with the Corps on their onward mission. ¶N. S19321245, PM/POLAD, Deputy POLAD-Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR),Mons, Belgium, FS-03 The POLAD will serve as the deputy to the senior POLAD, who provides expert policy advice regarding the political and diplomatic dimensions of SACEUR's military responsibilities. This includes assisting the senior POLAD in advising SACEUR on key NATO political-military issues, preparing SACEUR for NATO meetings, participating in NATO planning/briefing initiatives, assisting SACEUR with calls on foreign military and civilian leaders, and accompanying SACEUR on extensive travels throughout Europe and to the United States. The POLAD works closely with the U.S. Mission to NATO and maintains contacts with State, DOD/OSD, the JCS, and the NSC. ¶O. SD0235900, PM/POLAD, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Belleville, Illinois, FS-03 This position will be deputy to the senior POLAD, who advises the four-star Commander of USTRANSCOM on the foreign policy implications of his worldwide "global reach" responsibilities, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine constituent command operations and planning, and ensures that military objectives coincide with U.S. foreign policy goals. The Deputy POLAD assists in the preparing the Commander for meetings with senior foreign military and political leaders by providing foreign policy guidance, STATE 00051418 005 OF 005 SUBJECT: Defense Doors Opening for Diplomats: Foreign Policy Advisors (POLADs) Sought for U.S. Military Comman accompanying him on foreign trips, and assisting in foreign distinguished visitor visits. The POLAD will back-up the senior POLAD in representing the commander on political-military issues within the U.S. Government interagency process. As a key member of the USTRANSCOM staff group, the POLAD provides guidance and information across the Command staff to all directorates and to all levels of personnel, both officers and enlisted as appropriate. The POLAD participates in war game exercises to ensure that international political and diplomatic issues are evaluated and considered. ¶P. SD236100, PM/POLAD, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry),Ft. Drum, New York, FS-03 This FS-03 POLAD position will introduce mid-level officers to the POLAD discipline, which provides exposure to the U.S. military environment and operations before its deployment. The Command is a deployable unit that provides command and control of multiple Brigade Combat Teams (3500 man) units to theater Army force commands. It conducts theater security cooperation activities, providing a forward-based service component command to plan and conduct land operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The POLAD advises and supports the commanding general and staff on the foreign policy aspects of the command's responsibilities based on information and guidance provided by relevant offices at the Department of State and other Washington-based foreign policy agencies, as well as with contacts at embassies and consulates in USCENTCOM's area of responsibility. The POLAD will deploy with the Command to Iraq in 2010. He or she works closely as necessary and appropriate with Department of State POLADs at USCENTCOM at MacDill AFB in Tampa, as well as in Baghdad Iraq, to ensure unity of effort in providing foreign policy support to the military in the Middle East and South Asia. ¶7. Minimize considered. CLINTON