U.S. Department of State

Medical Treatment for Foreign VIPs

Foreign VIPs seeking medical treatment in U.S. facilities must receive clearance from the Department of State. ISO processes requests for treatment to ensure they meet U.S. foreign policy objectives. If approved, medical treatment of foreign VIPs occurs in either Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, or the Wilford Hall Air Force Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Emergency Medical Evacuation Flights

The Department of State must concur with the Department of Defense on any emergency medevac flights transporting U.S. citizens and foreign nationals who require immediate medical treatment in U.S. territory or overseas facilities. ISO action officers process the necessary clearances.

As the primary operational link between DOS and DoD, ISO often provides staff support for visits to the Department by senior military officers. In addition to facilitating courtesy calls with DOS principals, ISO has also provided tours of the Political Military Action Team to officers as high as USCENTCOM Commander General Franks.

Combatant Commander's Personnel Expense Program

ISO action officers process DOS clearance for activities funded by the DoD Commander's Personal Expense Program. The program supports a variety of events specially selected by regional Combatant Commanders, such as conferences with their foreign counterparts.

Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA)

SOFAs determine the legal status of U.S. armed forces stationed abroad. ISO, in cooperation with other Department of State representatives, drafts the necessary cables and memos to facilitate SOFA negotiations between foreign governments and the Department of Defense.

Request for Foreign Employment

Retired military personnel seeking foreign employment must receive permission from their branch of service and other government agencies. ISO processes requests for foreign employment applications for DOS.

Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreements

The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreements (ACSA) program allows for the exchange of logistical support between DoD and an allied nation's military to meet unexpected needs or shortfalls of troops stationed abroad. Some examples include: food, billeting, clothing, communication services, medical services, spare parts/components, training services, and ammunition. ISO processes DOS clearances for ACSA requests.

Department of Defense Remedial Action Program (RAP)

The Department of Defense's Remedial Action Program (RAP) addresses problematic issues that transcend the jurisdiction of individual combatant commands. The Department of State was given a seat at RAP working group meetings. Members of ISO's staff fill this position.

Administration of Military Personnel Assigned to the Department of State

The Military Affairs position is the single point lead for all State Department military personnel and mission support squadron matters for all Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force members assigned to the Dept of State. This individual ensures all legal compliance, filling positions, processing military awards, retirements, promotion boards, and evaluation requirements for military personnel while assigned to DOS.

Management of Political-Military Support to State Crisis Task Forces

The Office of International Security Operations has the responsibility for coordinating the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs' manning of the political-military position on any Department of State task force. ISO also provides the first 48 hours of any coverage of that position.

CAPSTONE Program Visits

The CAPSTONE visit is a high profile visit of newly appointed flag rank United States military officers to the Department of State. The officers attend lectures from senior Department of State officials in addition to a tour of the Operations Center.

Ship Clearances

ISO provides diplomatic clearance and coordinates courtesies of port with the Department of the Treasury, Department of Justice, Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Coast Guard for foreign military ships that request to visit U.S. ports.

Diplomatic Over-flight and Landing Clearances and Sovereignty Support

ISO is responsible for issuing diplomatic clearances to all foreign government aircraft that wish to enter U.S. airspace. ISO issues diplomatic clearance numbers and coordinates interagency activity related to the flight. This procedure applies to aircraft both landing in or over-flying U.S. territory. Foreign embassies are required to submit applications at least 72 working hours prior to arrival in the U.S. or its territories. Other over-flight duties include:

• ISO sends a representative to special events, such as the Olympics and the annual UN General Assembly, that involve a heavy volume of foreign government aircraft transporting VIPs into U.S. airspace.
• ISO issues diplomatic clearances to all foreign government (non-military) aircraft arriving at U.S. airbases overseas.
• As necessary, ISO representatives hold workshops for foreign embassy officials to educate them on the over-flight and landing clearance process.