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Defense Attache Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STAFF OFFICER

Washington, DC · On-site

$121K - $158K/yr

HIGHLY DESIRED SKILLS 1. Graduation from the Joint Military Attaché Staff Operations Course. 2. Completion of at least two tours as an OPSCO in a Defense Attaché Office. Additional information DIA ...

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Defense Attache information

See salary details

$27.5K

$53.8K

$88.5K

How much do defense attache jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense attache in the United States is $53,753.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $64,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense attache?

A Defense Attaché is a senior military officer assigned to a diplomatic mission, typically an embassy, to represent their country's defense and military interests. They serve as a liaison between the host nation's military and their own government, providing analysis on security issues, fostering military cooperation, and supporting defense-related policies. Defense Attachés also play a key role in intelligence gathering, defense diplomacy, and military-to-military engagement. Their work requires strong diplomatic skills, strategic awareness, and knowledge of both military and geopolitical affairs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense attache?

To thrive as a Defense Attache, you need a solid background in military operations, international relations, and national security policy, often supported by military rank and specialized defense education. Familiarity with secure communication systems, intelligence analysis software, and embassy protocols is commonly required. Strong diplomatic skills, cultural adaptability, and discretion are vital soft skills for effective engagement in a foreign environment. These competencies ensure effective representation of your country's defense interests and the development of strategic relationships with key international partners.

What are some typical challenges faced by a defense attache in their daily responsibilities?

Defense Attaches often navigate complex diplomatic environments, balancing their home country's defense priorities with the host nation's expectations and sensitivities. Daily challenges can include managing sensitive information, interpreting rapidly evolving security situations, and facilitating clear communication between military leadership and diplomatic counterparts. Working closely with embassy staff, other military representatives, and local officials is essential, requiring both cultural awareness and strong interpersonal skills. While the role can be demanding, it offers significant opportunities for professional growth in international diplomacy and defense strategy.

How do you become a defense attache?

To become a defense attache, candidates typically need a background in military or diplomatic service, often requiring a security clearance and relevant experience in defense or international relations. Applicants usually join their country's foreign service or defense department, gain language skills, and demonstrate expertise in military affairs before being selected for diplomatic postings abroad.

Is being a Defense Attache a good career path?

A Defense Attache is a diplomatic military officer responsible for representing their country's defense interests abroad, often requiring military experience, security clearances, and language skills. It offers opportunities for international relations, strategic analysis, and career advancement within defense and diplomatic sectors. The role can be rewarding for those interested in diplomacy, security, and international policy but involves high responsibility and security requirements.

What does a defense attache do?

A defense attache is a military officer assigned to an embassy who represents their country's armed forces, gathers and reports military and security information, and fosters military-to-military relationships. They often coordinate defense cooperation, attend military events, and may require security clearances and diplomatic skills.

What cities are hiring for Defense Attache jobs?

Cities with the most Defense Attache job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Attache jobs?

The most popular types of Defense Attache jobs are:

What states have the most Defense Attache jobs?

States with the most job openings for Defense Attache jobs include:

Infographic showing various Defense Attache job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,753 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Attache Training Program (ATP) Instructors

Washington, DC

Armada Ltd
Insurance Services • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Type: Full Time, On-Site

Location: National Capitol Region (NCR)

Overtime Exempt: Exempt

Reports To: ARMADA HQ

Security Clearance: N/A


******************CONTINGENT UPON AWARD***************

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Attache Training Program (ATP) Instructors shall be able to instruct with authority over the entire range of Defense Attache Service topics.
  • Design, publish and present instructional lessons for JMAS students in accordance with JMAS SOPs and program standards.
  • Coordinate guest lecturers and ensure that guest lecturer materials and presentations meet JMAS standards.
  • Attache Training Program (ATP) Instructors will serve as Seminar Directors, responsible for evaluating students written products and practical exercise performance, documenting performance in accordance with established SOP's, providing regular feedback to support skill-building, and participating in student reviews.
  • Maintain student records in accordance with SOP's.
  • Provide coaching and mentoring to JMAS students on a range of technical and interpersonal skills required for successful performance in Defense Attache Offices and Embassy environments.
  • Serve as Course Directors, when designated, to administer, evaluate, synchronize, and manage blocks of instruction in the ATP curriculum in accordance with established JMAS and ATP procedures.
  • Attache Training Program (ATP) Instructors will serve as Primary Points of Contact for JMAS off-site exercises, when designated.
  • Be responsible for direct coordination with outside agencies, synchronize scheduling of meetings/trainings/briefings, maintain current contact information for all points of contact and agencies supporting lessons and exercises, keeping them updated and readily available on the shared electronic filing system.
  • Review and adjust all exercise-related materials (letters, Foreign Liaison Officer handouts, documents, read-aheads, news clips, etc.) before each class iteration.
  • Attache Training Program (ATP) Instructors will coordinate with exercise Role Players and JMAS Faculty attending JMAS exercises before each exercise iteration; assess the performance of the Role Players against learning objectives and provide the respective JMAS Contracting Officer Representative (COR), with feedback.
  • Conduct a faculty after action review within 24 hours of the end of off-site exercise(s) for which they are the lead.
  • Maintain the exercise folder in accordance with JMAS policy and procedures.
  • Provide off-site faculty support for approximately ten (10) days three (3) times per year in support of a JMAS exercise in Florida or, under extraordinary circumstances, an alternate venue as deemed necessary by the Commandant.
  • Perform all other instructor functions related to the administration, design, delivery, execution and maintenance of assigned training blocks and program duties, in accordance with JMAS standard operating procedures and current directives.
  • Attache Training Program (ATP) Instructors will actively support ongoing JMAS accreditation activities through participation on assigned accreditation committees and/or working groups; understand and support accreditation efforts by Council on Occupational Education (COE), International Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET), and potentially others deemed critical by the JMAS Board of Governors.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

  • Comprehensive knowledge of Defense Attache Service operations, embassy environments, and Department of Defense policies and procedures relevant to attache duties.
  • Ability to design, develop, and deliver instructional lessons in accordance with established training standards and adult learning principles.
  • Skill in evaluating written products and practical exercises, documenting student performance, and providing constructive feedback to support professional development.
  • Ability to mentor and coach students on technical, leadership, and interpersonal skills required for successful performance in Defense Attache Offices and diplomatic environments.
  • Ability to coordinate and execute complex training exercises, including role player coordination, exercise material preparation, and after-action reviews.
  • Ability to coordinate with external agencies, guest lecturers, and role players while maintaining effective communication and scheduling across multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to maintain student records, manage training documentation, and support accreditation activities in accordance with established SOPs and organizational standards.

Minimum/General Experience:

  • The Attache Training Program Instructor shall have a minimum ten (10) years' experience in Department of Defense environments
  • Additionally, a minimum of one complete and successful tour of duty as an Attache or Defense Liaison Officer/Assistant Defense Attache in the Defense Attache Service is required.
  • Instructor personnel will maintain certification in the personality typing instrument utilized by JMAS which is presently the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
  • Instructor personnel will maintain currency as certified EQ-i2.0 & 360 Emotional Quotient Inventory practitioners.

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in any discipline

Disclaimer:

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the contractor assigned to this position. Applying: If you feel you have the knowledge, skills and abilities for this position visit our careers page at www.armadausa.com.

Special Notes: Relocation is not available for these jobs.

ARMADA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. ARMADA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.


Must be able to successfully pass a background check, and pre-employment drug testing.  Job offers are contingent upon results of background check and drug testing.