Protocol

What does the Protocol career field do?

The primary purpose of this position is: to function as a protocol specialist and to provide expertise and support for all protocol matters. Performs, manages, and directs all administrative, procedural protocol duties and responsibilities at assigned installation, Wing, NAF, MAJCOM, and Headquarters levels. Performs protocol support for distinguished visitors (DVs) at all levels; military, civilian and foreign equivalents, and transient DVs. Performs escort duties, plans, and executes program itinerary visits, official ceremonies, and special events. Advises commanders and Air Force senior leaders at all levels on acceptable protocol practices for a variety of events.

Duties and responsibilities

• Directly supports the commander and vice commander in handling all aspects of visits, conferences, tours, memorial services, ceremonies, and social functions within the command, and those tasked by the offices of the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force offices.
• Manages Commander’s recognition programs and special ceremonies (medal presentations, individual recognitions, etc.), including scheduling events, determining need for audiovisual equipment, obtaining decorations, awards, gathering biographies and guest information, preparing agendas, and setting up event locations.
• Administers and oversees programs for Distinguished Visitors (DVs). Develops plans and procedures relative to VIP visits and is the focal point for all organizational visits. Ensures each visit is planned and consistent with established policies and reflect the personal desire and programmed activities of the host. Ensures the highest degree of official recognition is afforded to each visitor, presentations and tours are commensurate and coordinates appropriately with security clearance visitors. Advises the Foreign Disclosure Office on the advisability of proposed visits and the compatibility with existing scheduled visitors. Prepares protocol memorandums for base wide distribution reflecting the complete agenda of each visit. Directs all necessary support activities during the visit to ensure the visitor’s purpose is accomplished. Where a special security requirement exists, notifies AFOSI and coordinates appropriate measures with Federal and or local law enforcement. Accompanies dignitaries throughout their visit applying protocol etiquette with responsibility for ensuring proper transportation, accommodation, and meals are coordinated. These responsibilities require the exercise of maximum mature judgment, discretions, tact, diplomacy, and poise. Visitors include heads of state, royalty, chiefs of services, and both foreign and domestic governmental dignitaries.
• Plans and arranges ceremonies, office calls, receptions, luncheons, formal dinners, entertainment, tours, sporting events, and other activities for DVs. Hosts high-level Air Force conferences and meetings with planning, arranging, and oversight for all activities involved with the event.
• Advises commander and staff on military customs and courtesies, implements protocol policy and procedural guidance for the Air Force concerning proper protocol requirements for precedence; honors; ceremonies; flags; dinners and socials; visiting dignitaries; conferences; official meetings; and briefings. Responsible for the effective and accurate expenditure of the Commander’s Official Representation Funds (ORF), Reference AFI 65-603, Official Representation Funds.
• Special Morale and Welfare Funds (SM&W). Reviews to ensure compliance with established instructions, ensuring expenditures are of the highest order of propriety and integrity. Maintains current account balance and advises on the status of expenditures. Manages O&M funds; produces budget plans and reports, monitors office requirements, and identifies and recommends acquisition of support required for proficiency and production.
• Coordinates with HQ USAF, MAJCOM, and NAF protocol offices for DV visits.

Specialty qualifications

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of; management principles, customer service; automated information systems. Demonstrated ability to organize complex projects attested to in performance reports and commander recommendations.

Education. Completion of high school. For entry into this SDI, Airman must have completed appropriate level of PME.

Training. Member will attend MFSS200, Protocol Fundamentals once they have been selected for the enlisted protocol position.

Experience. Not used.

Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:

• For entry into this SDI:
• Have not received non-judicial punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) within the last 3 years.
• Be recommended by the immediate unit commander.
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly.
• Possesses the exemplary military appearance and the highest standards of conduct.
• Overall rating of "Exceeded some, but not all expectations" or "Exceeded most, if not all expectations" and/or an overall 5 rating on last 3 EPRs.
• Applicants must have two consecutive passing PT scores with in the last 12 months on the AFPT.
• See attachment 4 for additional entry requirements.
• For entry and retention of this SDI:
• No recorded evidence of emotional instability, personality disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or other unresolvedmental health problems.
• No record of substance abuse, financial irresponsibility, domestic violence, or child abuse.
• Never been convicted by a civilian court of Category 1, 2, or 3 offenses, nor exceeded the acceptable number of category 4 offenses. Category 3 and 4 traffic offenses alone are not disqualifying. NOTE: Categories of offenses are described as listed in AFI 36-2002, Regular Air Force and Special Category Accession, Uniform Guide List of Typical Offenses.
• For retention of this SDI, no record of disciplinary action (LOR or Article 15) or referral EPR after award of SDI.
• For award and retention of this SDI, must maintain local network access IAW AFI 17-130, Cybersecurity Program Management and AFMAN 17-1301, Computer Security.

Utilization Note (RegAF only):

• Award of this SDI is only authorized when an airman is filling a funded 8A300 unit manpower document (UMD) authorization. When the member is filling a valid 8A300 UMD authorization, 8A300 is authorized as the awarded (secondary, third or fourth), Control and Duty AFSC. Once the member is no longer filling a valid 8A300 UMD authorization, 8A300 is no longer authorized as the Control and Duty AFSC but will remain as an awarded (secondary, third or fourth) AFSC IAW AFMAN 36-2100, unless the member is disqualified from the SDI then it will not remain as an awarded AFSC. Further, 8A300 is not authorized for award as the PAFSC when filling a funded 8A300 UMD authorization unless incumbent has no other awarded AFSCs. Airmen performing 8A300 duties but not filling a funded 8A300 UMD authorization will have no change in their awarded, control and duty AFSCs. Ensure airmen employed outside of their CAFSC are managed IAW AFMAN 36-2100, Military Utilization and Classification. Use Outside of Control AFSC.

Civilian career paths

Comparable civilian careers for this field pay roughly $34,440–$65,980 per year (median salaries; varies by role and location):

• Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants: $65,980
• Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners: $52,560
• Public Relations Specialists: $67,440
• Tour Guides and Escorts: $34,440
• Travel Agents: $46,400