Welcome to the Marshall Center

The Eurasian Foreign Area Officer (FAO) Program prepares U.S. military officers and officers of allied nations to be leading regional experts and to serve in key political-military assignments throughout Eurasia.

While each FAO executes a unique, tailored, individual training program, most FAOs can expect to spend 12-18 months living, working, and traveling in Eurasia, as well as participating in Marshall Center activities. The training program components include: host nation homestays, advanced language training, work assignments at U.S. embassies in the region and/or with Eurasian militaries, regional field studies and research, attendance at host nation civilian and military academic institutions, and participation in Marshall Center resident courses.

After completing the program, FAOs will go on to serve in U.S. embassies in the region, on NATO and major U.S. theater command staffs, and on numerous operational missions throughout the world. FAOs have been described as the United States' soldier-statesmen. More than 1200 FAOs have completed this training program since it began in 1947. More than 30 graduates have attained general officer/flag officer or ambassadorial rank.