Coast Guard
UNCLASSIFIED
Subspecialty

Officer Subspecialty

CG-SEI14

International Affairs

An officer subspecialty earned alongside a primary designator, marking advanced education or experience in this field.

Description

Coast Guard International Affairs Subspecialty Officers coordinate and execute USCG international affairs and support U.S. foreign policy efforts through engagements with Foreign Governments, U.S. Interagency, Embassies, Office of Secretary of Defense, DOD Combatant CDRS and Components, CGHQ Programs, and Area/District Staffs. International Affairs Subspecialty Officers execute the Commandant's international strategic intent. International Affairs Subspecialty Officers also develop, implement, and/or influence USCG, DHS, DoS, and DOD international engagement strategies; manage DOD Security Assistance program projects; negotiate international agreements; work in Foreign Military Sales and/or transfer of Excess Defense Articles; participate in deliberations with international organizations; arrange/ support capacity building activities including training of foreign personnel; serve as a member of U.S. Embassy Country Team (COGATT, CGLO, SDO/DATT, SCO, Maritime Advisor); serve on a joint staff/COCOM promoting USCG international engagements; and serve in the IPS Program.

Core Skills

  • international engagement planning
  • foreign government liaison
  • security assistance management
  • foreign military sales
  • international agreement negotiation
  • interagency coordination
  • embassy country team support
  • maritime capacity building
  • cross cultural communication

Common Certifications

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Certified Global Business Professional (NASBITE CGBP)
  • Certified Export Specialist (CES)
  • Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
  • International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Communication Management Professional (CMP)
  • FEMA Emergency Management Institute ICS 100 and 200

Civilian Career Paths

  • PUBLIC AFFAIRS
  • PROJECT MANAGEMENT
  • ADMINISTRATION
  • LEGAL SERVICES

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • Certified Global Business Professional (NASBITE CGBP)
  • Certified Export Specialist (CES)
  • FEMA Emergency Management Institute ICS 100 and 200
  • International Business Certificate

Career Growth

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
  • Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM)
  • Certified International Trade Professional (CITP)

Data sourced from official Coast Guard publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.