FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
The Defense Logistics Agency Foreign Visitor and Disclosure Program office published new policy to ensure foreign national visit requests are screened appropriately and approved in accordance with Department of Defense policy.
DLA received 59 foreign requests from foreign nationals from 60 countries in 2024, resulting in 380 approved visitors to agency facilities or attendance at hosted events. The new DLA policy,
DLAI 5230.01, (CAC required), provides updated guidance to clarify the definition of a foreign visit, outline the proper procedures, and detail how requests are processed inside and outside the continental United States.
DLA, like each of the military services and most federal agencies, has a requirement to maintain a foreign visit program. The program is both an access and information management tool governed by DOD and DLA policy and directives, DLA Headquarters Foreign Visit Coordinator Gregory Wilson said. He also coordinates with DLA Intelligence & Security on all visits.
"Information presented to guests is reviewed and approved by the DLA Foreign Disclosure Office in advance of presentation,” he added.
Foreign visits fall into two categories:
- Official visits: Formerly called “government sponsored,” these visits allow a foreign national to be sponsored by the host nation’s government.
- Official visits are considered in the interest of the foreign host nation’s government and are initiated by the embassy of the foreign country.
- Some examples of foreign national visitors include general officers, flag officers, Senior Executive Service-level senior officials, delegations, military groups or civilian groups.
- Unofficial visits: Formerly called “non-government sponsored,” these visits allow a foreign national who is not sponsored by or in the interest of the host nation government.
- Accordingly, the embassy of the foreign country will not generate a foreign visit request. In this case a DLA Foreign Visit Request Form is initiated by the DLA representatives hosting the visit.
- Visitors may include civilian companies, contractors, local and municipal government representatives and military or civilian personnel participating in class visits and site tours.
- Most OCONUS foreign visits are in this category.
Timelines of Importance
Foreign visit requests must be generated and submitted to the DLA foreign visit coordinator 30 days prior to the event. Briefings and speeches to be shared with foreign visitors require review and approval. Submit reviews at least 10 days prior to the event to the DLA Foreign Disclosure Office for processing, Wilson said.
Wilson said an approved foreign visitor request form is not necessary for foreign visitors attending DLA-hosted events that are open to the public, such as open houses.
Most foreign visitor requests align with the interests of both DLA and the visiting individuals, companies or groups.
“Ninety-nine percent of foreign visits to DLA are not unsolicited 'cold calls,’” he said. “They typically involve prior contact with someone at the agency to coordinate the visit, which often focuses on sharing lessons learned, offering mission support, providing expertise, or learning about DLA's role in supporting the warfighter, allied partners and logistics."
Wilson added that foreign visits are crucial for strengthening existing connections with allied nations and creating opportunities to build new relationships.