Tradition Meets Tomorrow: FAOA's Legacy of Leadership
Serving FAOs, International Specialists, and their Families
The Foreign Area Officer Association is a Non-Profit 501(C)19
Join the FAO+Connect Community ➽
Join the FAO+Connect Community ➽
FAOA membership starts with FAO+Connect and setting up your account means you are joining FAOA (FAO+Connect is how we track active membership).
FAO+Connect is your gateway to an unparalleled community of Foreign Area Officers and international specialists. Engage in discussions, access mentorship opportunities, and dive into a wealth of resources tailored to your professional growth. Stay informed about upcoming FAOA events, connect with peers across the globe, and tap into our FAO Bridge program to transition your military expertise into new, impactful civilian roles. Join FAO+Connect and be part of a community that's shaping the future of international affairs.
Current FAOA Members: If you are already a FAOA member, create a FAO+Connect account—it is included in your membership - send a note to membership@faoa.org, we will get you in - we will send you a log in token before you set up your account. Note: your previous log-in credential to our old website will not get you in. If you are a life time member, please send us a note so we can properly configure your account prior to setting up your FAO+Connect account. Seeking Membership in FAOA: If you are joining FAOA today, FAO+Connect is the forum to do so. FAOA membership is $60 a year, which goes to the non-profit supporting our FAOs and their families through our Advocacy, Bridge and Leverage Pillars. FAOA reserves the right to decline membership applications.
Advocacy: Empowering Our Serving FAOs
At the core of our Advocacy pillar is the unwavering commitment to champion the interests and advancement of Foreign Area Officers and serving their families. We dedicate ourselves to influencing policy, fostering a united FAO community, and ensuring our voices are heard and respected across the defense and diplomatic arenas. Through advocacy, we aim to bolster the professional growth and recognition of FAOs, leveraging our collective expertise to shape outcomes that matter. Advocacy within FAOA is about making a difference—uniting, engaging, and driving positive change for our community and beyond.
Leverage: Amplifying Our Collective Influence
Leverage, our third pillar, harnesses our community's networks and expertise to enhance FAOs and international specialists' visibility and impact. This pillar empowers our collective ability to inform defense and international dialogue. Key initiatives like the FAOA Journal, FAOs on Tap, the Annual Black Tie Gala, and the "Context is Everything" panel series serve as platforms for insight sharing and networking. By leveraging these opportunities, members shape policy and foster global cooperation, emphasizing FAOs' vital international role. Engage with us to broaden your influence and contribute to shaping the international affairs landscape.
FAOA Chapters and Interest Groups Around the Globe
Connect locally and globally with FAOA! Whether you're in Korea, Monterey, Hawaii, or Germany, our chapters and interest groups bring FAO professionals together to share insights, foster camaraderie, and collaborate on initiatives that resonate with our mission. Our Korea, Fort Leavenworth, and Monterey Chapters, along with the Hawaii and Germany Interest Groups, offer unique opportunities for engagement and networking in your region. We are thrilled to announce that we anticipate our Hawaii and Germany Interest Groups evolving into full chapters in 2024. Embrace the chance to enhance your FAOA experience and make an impact within your local community by joining or initiating events and discussions through these dynamic groups. Connect with the chapters in FAO+Connect.
Bridge: Connecting Expertise to Opportunity
The Bridge pillar embodies our dedication to connecting FAOs and internationally focused NCOs with civilian industries, institutions, and organizations that value their unique international expertise. As members approach retirement or separation from military service, FAO Bridge provides vital support, fostering networks that ease the transition to civilian roles and prepare our community for life after service. This initiative not only facilitates seamless transitions but also underscores the continued relevance of FAO skills in various sectors, promoting the translation of military achievements into civilian success stories. Through mentorship, corporate partnerships, and career outreach, FAO Bridge empowers our members to leverage their global leadership and problem-solving skills, ensuring a future where their contributions continue to make a profound impact.
Sponsor Engagement: Empower and Connect
Partner with FAOA, which is a non-profit 501(c)19. FAOA is the premier hub of security cooperation and foreign policy experts, including skilled attaches, policymakers, advisors to foreign partners, security cooperation officers, and internationally focused non-commissioned officers. Your sponsorship will go towards supporting FAOs and their families through a variety of programs to include scholarships, the FAO Bridge transition program, and support & advocacy programs. Engage with our community, support their transition, and align your brand with our mission at key events like the Annual Black Tie Gala and our “FAOs on Tap” community events. Leverage this unique collaboration to enhance your strategic goals and support a seamless transition of expertise from military to civilian sectors.
