Observer training and orientation tours

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1. Training outside the formal course

The Security Assistance Management Manual provides for three kinds of specialized training: observer training, on-the-job training and orientation tours (SAMM C10.17.20). Each has its own conditions, and the tours carry the most detailed rules. How students are screened before any training is covered in screening an international military student.

2. Observer training

In observer training the student watches methods of operation, techniques and procedures (SAMM C10.17.20.1). It is not part of a formal course, though it sometimes supplements or follows one. It is authorized only if no course covering the desired training is available, including specialist training. Some observer training explicitly excludes hands-on work. The manual’s example is medical observer training, in which foreign personnel may not provide patient care.

3. On-the-job and familiarization training

On-the-job training is follow-on technical training devoted to practical application, carried out after a formal course (SAMM C10.17.20.2). It is planned in advance as part of the country’s training program. Under International Military Education and Training (IMET), on-the-job training in the United States that is not tied to a formal course is authorized only if no course covering the training exists. Overseas, it follows the policies of the combatant command or military department sponsoring it.

4. Orientation tours

Orientation tours familiarize selected mid-level and senior foreign military personnel with American military training and doctrine (SAMM C10.17.20.3). A tour becomes a Distinguished Visitor Orientation Tour when the delegation includes general officers or equivalent defense ministry civilians. The manual describes the tours as short, intensive programs tailored to a country’s needs. The National Defense University (NDU) runs those sponsored by the security cooperation training program. They are limited to countries with less developed defense relationships with the United States, such as new IMET recipients, unless extraordinary circumstances exist.

The manual adds that, beyond their military objectives, the tours build mutual understanding, cooperation and friendship between the United States and the participating nation (SAMM C10.17.20.3). IMET may fund an orientation tour only under a policy waiver approved by the combatant command and the Defense Security Cooperation University, in coordination with the State Department (SAMM C10.6.3.5). The request cites the approval of the chief of the security cooperation organization (SCO) and certifies the tour’s importance, with a proposed itinerary and areas of interest.

Funding also depends on rank. Some tours are eligible for IMET funding, and requests must state the positions held by the visitors (SAMM C10.17.20.3.1). Tours at chief of staff level and above are not funded by IMET and are referred to the corresponding American element (SAMM C10.17.20.3.1.1). Distinguished visitor tours are funded with IMET, Foreign Military Financing (FMF) or a sales case, and the country must have IMET funds or an open case to use (SAMM C10.17.20.3.1.2). IMET and FMF funded tours are for senior officials below the equivalent of the American chief of staff or chief of naval operations. Every such tour needs approval from the Defense Security Cooperation University. If a visit includes a senior office of the Secretary of Defense or the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a similar visit to the State Department is scheduled.

5. Size, length and screening

A distinguished visitor tour should last no more than fourteen calendar days plus overseas travel, with no more than five visitors (SAMM C10.17.20.3.1.3). Travel and accommodation should match those given to American personnel in similar circumstances. Ordinary tours are for selected officers who may become future leaders, with no more than seven visitors, mainly international military participants (SAMM C10.17.20.3.1.4). Tours to the military academies are not authorized. Section 636(g) of the Foreign Assistance Act authorizes reimbursing the expenses of American officers detailed to accompany orientation visits.

Medical and security screening are required for every participant, and so is human rights vetting, unless the tour is paid with purchaser funds (SAMM C10.17.20.3.1.5). Participants funded by FMF and IMET are covered for emergency medical treatment only. When the travel order authorizes it, participants may take leave at the end of a tour at no extra cost to IMET (SAMM C10.17.20.3.7).

6. Requesting and running a tour

Before saying anything to country officials that could be taken as an offer, the SCO checks with NDU’s tour manager that the request fits the guidance (SAMM C10.17.20.3.2). It then sends the request, with justification, to the combatant command, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), NDU and the implementing agency. A fillable request form and worksheet are provided in the security cooperation training management system. An IMET-funded tour is added to the program only after the SCO chief attests to its importance. Tours should not form a major part of a program or be a routine use of country funds.

Itineraries follow the tour’s objectives, from specialized techniques and facilities to broad exposure to decision-making and management (SAMM C10.17.20.3.3). Official entertainment should suit the participants’ grade and position (SAMM C10.17.20.3.4). The agenda is the responsibility of NDU and DSCA, and NDU clears every itinerary with DSCA before releasing the proposed agenda to the country team (SAMM C10.17.20.3.6).

Escorts get particular attention. Where participants’ limited English makes a language-qualified escort essential, every effort is made to provide one (SAMM C10.17.20.3.5). SCO staff should not escort IMET tours, except in unusual cases with DSCA’s prior approval. Such an escort is under NDU’s authority and stays with the tour at all times until the participants return home. The escort’s travel and per diem are charged to IMET as a separate line in the country program, under budget project N70. No other American personnel may accompany a tour unless NDU designates or agrees to them.

Key terms

Observer training	Watching methods and procedures outside a formal course, allowed only where no course exists.
On-the-job training	Follow-on practical training after a formal course, planned as part of the program.
Orientation tour	A short, tailored program introducing foreign officers to American military training and doctrine.
Distinguished Visitor Orientation Tour	A tour with general officers or equivalent civilians, limited to fourteen days and five visitors.
Escort officer	A language-qualified officer who stays with a tour under NDU’s authority.
Human rights vetting	Screening required for every tour participant, except on tours paid with purchaser funds.

Every statement above links to the document behind it. The full source list for this piece is on the sources page.

This page describes public United States government programs for general information. It is not legal, regulatory or procurement advice, and it does not address the facts of any particular case.

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