Traveling to a foreign country on official duty is an exciting prospect, but for all Department of Defense (DOD) government personnel, it necessitates thorough preparation beyond just packing a suitcase. Prior To Foreign Travel All Dod Government Personnel Must adhere to specific mandatory requirements designed to ensure their safety and security, as well as compliance with international regulations. This guide, drawing from insights provided by DLA Security & Emergency Services, outlines these crucial steps and offers valuable tips for a smooth and secure journey.
Navigating the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide
The cornerstone of pre-foreign travel preparation for DOD personnel is the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG). This comprehensive document is the definitive source for understanding the necessary procedures and requirements. It meticulously details what is needed based on the specific Combatant Command (CCMD) and the country of destination. It’s crucial to understand that these requirements aren’t static; they are continuously updated to reflect evolving global threats and geopolitical landscapes. Therefore, consulting the most current version of the FCG is paramount.
The FCG is organized by CCMD, and within each CCMD section, you’ll find country-specific requirements. These can include a range of mandatory actions that prior to foreign travel all DOD government personnel must complete. Examples of these common requirements are:
- Country Clearance via APACS (Aircraft and Personnel Automated Clearance System): This is often a fundamental step, ensuring official authorization and tracking of personnel entering foreign nations. The APACS system is essential for gaining clearance.
- Level I Antiterrorism Training: Within 12 months of your travel dates, completion of Level I Antiterrorism training is often required to ensure personnel are aware of and prepared for potential security threats.
- Isolated Personnel Report (ISOPREP) Training: Also required within 12 months of travel, ISOPREP training equips individuals with the knowledge and procedures necessary if they become isolated or detained in a foreign environment.
- Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training: This more intensive training, valid for 36 months, provides critical skills for survival and evasion in potentially hostile situations. SERE training is a vital preparedness measure.
- Travel Threat Briefing: Before each instance of foreign travel, a travel threat briefing from an Antiterrorism Officer (ATO) is mandatory. This briefing provides up-to-date intelligence and advice on specific risks in your destination country.
Links to access all required training are readily available within the FCG and through DOD resources.
Essential Pre-Travel Requirements in Detail
To underscore the importance of preparedness, let’s delve a little deeper into why prior to foreign travel all DOD government personnel must fulfill these requirements:
- APACS Country Clearance: Navigating APACS is not just bureaucratic paperwork. It’s a critical security measure that allows the DOD to track and account for personnel abroad, ensuring support and assistance can be provided if needed. The clearance process itself can take considerable time, from 21 to 45 days depending on the country, so initiating this early is essential.
- Antiterrorism and Security Training: In today’s global climate, awareness of terrorist threats is paramount. Level I Antiterrorism training and travel threat briefings are designed to heighten vigilance and equip travelers with the knowledge to mitigate risks and maintain situational awareness during their travels. As Jeff Benton, a physical security specialist at DLA Security & Emergency Services, points out, these training modules “remind travelers to maintain awareness of their surroundings while traveling,” a crucial element for personal safety and mission success.
- Personnel Recovery Preparedness: ISOPREP and SERE training are proactive measures for personnel security. While no one anticipates needing these skills, these trainings provide invaluable knowledge and techniques for survival, communication, and evasion in unforeseen and potentially dangerous circumstances.
Planning Timeline: Start Early
The timeframe for completing these requirements is not insignificant. Prior to foreign travel all DOD government personnel must be proactive and begin the process well in advance of their departure date. The recommended lead time is 45-60 days. This window allows sufficient time to complete training modules, navigate the APACS clearance process, and receive necessary briefings without last-minute stress or potential travel delays. Remember, DTS (Defense Travel System) orders for foreign travel are routed to the local ATO, who will verify that the traveler has received the mandatory travel-threat briefing.
Resources for Personal Foreign Travel
Even when traveling abroad for personal reasons, DOD personnel are encouraged to leverage available resources. While not mandated for personal travel, receiving a travel-threat briefing from your local ATO is highly recommended as a proactive safety measure.
Furthermore, the State Department’s website is an invaluable resource for all international travelers. It provides up-to-date travel alerts and warnings, embassy and consulate information, entry and exit requirements, local laws, health and medical facility details, and more for every country in the world.
The State Department also strongly encourages enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP registration allows U.S. embassies to provide you with critical safety and security information and to contact you in case of emergencies, whether natural disasters, civil unrest, or family crises. As Benton notes, “With the Smart Traveler, it can be a reassuring thought knowing the U.S. Embassy is aware you are in the country which ensures that your location is accounted for during any type of emergency.”
Conclusion: Prior Preparation is Key to Safe Foreign Travel
In conclusion, prior to foreign travel all DOD government personnel must prioritize and diligently complete all mandatory requirements outlined in the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide. These measures are not mere formalities; they are essential components of ensuring personal safety, security, and mission readiness in an increasingly complex global environment. By starting preparations early, utilizing available resources, and staying informed, DOD personnel can confidently and securely navigate their foreign travels, whether for official duty or personal enrichment.
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