MCO 1540.33 — International Affairs Program

MCO 1540.33 governs Marine Corps International Affairs Program policies, pathways, training, assignments, funding, and service obligations.

Search MCO 1540.33

  • Publication number: MCO 1540.33
  • Title: INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS PROGRAM
  • Date: 11 Mar 2025
  • Proponent: 01000 Military Personnel
  • Status: New

View MCO 1540.33 on armypubs.army.mil

The publication covers FAO, RAO, and FAS eligibility, application and selection, occupational specialty management, language and culture training, security clearances, passports, and utilization. It requires specified training, language proficiency, selection procedures, and study-track service obligations.

Topics covered

  • International Affairs Program
  • Foreign Area Officer pathways
  • Regional Affairs Officer policies
  • Foreign Affairs Staff Non-Commissioned Officer training
  • Language and culture sustainment
  • Security Cooperation training
  • Study-track service obligations

Questions and answers

What language proficiency should FAO and FAS Marines achieve?

FAO and FAS Marines should work to achieve 3/3/3 levels of proficiency in their assigned foreign language(s). (paragraph 5)

How much annual LREC sustainment training must FAOs complete?

To enable this, commanders must ensure that FAOs, regardless of billet, complete 40-80 hours of annual LREC sustainment/enhancement training in accordance with reference (d). (paragraph 5)

What Security Cooperation training must IAP Marines complete?

All IAP Marines will complete the Security Cooperation Workforce Development Program’s (SCWDP) minimum certification through the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU). (paragraph 8)

What training does the FAS study track include?

The FAS study track is a 12-month training program that consists of three elements: education in international and pol-mil affairs, language training, and regional immersion. (paragraph 4)

What language score must FAS Marines achieve during language training?

During language training, FAS Marines will gain functional proficiency in a foreign language as demonstrated by a DLPT/OPI score of 1+/1+/1+ (Listening/Reading/Speaking). (paragraph 9)

Ask Reggie.Bot a question about MCO 1540.33