Foreign Clearance Program Expert

Position Overview

The Foreign Clearance Program (FCP) Expert supports AF/A10P in managing the Department of Defense (DoD) Foreign Clearance Program on behalf of the Secretary of the Air Force. The role maintains and interprets the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG), the primary reference for aircraft diplomatic clearances and official personnel travel overseas. The Expert also supports the Aircraft and Personnel Automated Clearance System (APACS), coordinating with U.S. embassies, the Department of State, the FAA, combatant commands, and international partners to facilitate global access and ensure compliance with U.S. policy and international law.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine policies and procedures for aircraft diplomatic clearances, international personnel travel, and DoD passport requirements.
• Maintain and update the classified and unclassified DoD Foreign Clearance Guide, ensuring content complies with international law and U.S. Government policy.
• Analyze global access, overflight, and international sovereignty issues and recommend solutions that support U.S. military operations.
• Research airspace access, Flight Information Regions, Air Defense Identification Zones, Freedom of Navigation, and other aviation-related policy matters.
• Provide policy and administrative support to FCG and APACS users, including interpreting country-specific travel and clearance requirements.
• Support APACS system maintenance, upgrades, user issue resolution, and proposed system enhancements.
• Maintain guidance for specialized aircraft diplomatic clearances, including Prime Nuclear Airlift Force requirements and the Special Weapons Overflight Guide.
• Develop and deliver FCP training and outreach for embassy personnel, defense attachés, passport agents, Air Force exchange officers, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare policy papers, briefings, decision documents, and recommendations for senior leaders and interagency audiences.
• Respond to short-notice taskings and Government inquiries, and represent FCP positions in interagency forums as directed.

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret security clearance.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in foreign clearances, aircraft diplomatic clearances, international aviation, or sovereignty policy.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide to ensure compliance with U.S. Government policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of foreign entry requirements for DoD personnel, including passport and visa requirements.
• Understanding of international sovereignty issues, including aircraft access, customs and inspections, and Arctic sovereignty.
• Familiarity with Air Staff, Joint Staff, and Office of the Secretary of Defense organizational and documentation processes.
• Ability to address policy issues related to APACS.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing interagency audiences.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of Air Force foreign military and foreign operating rights.
• Understanding of international civil aviation and its relationship to military operations.
• Knowledge of Freedom of Navigation policy and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
• Familiarity with special weapons overflight requirements.
• Experience using APACS as an approver or requester, or working in an embassy Defense Attaché Office or as an Operations Coordinator.
• Experience with combatant command or air mobility diplomatic clearance processes.
• Experience managing complex, long-term projects.
• Active Top Secret clearance.

Work Environment

Full-time, on-site position at a Government facility in the National Capital Region, with access to unclassified and classified systems, including SIPRNet.

Standard 40-hour workweek, Monday–Friday, with core hours of 0800–1600; occasional extended hours may be required for urgent taskings.

Occasional CONUS and OCONUS travel for training, outreach, and conferences.

The Red Gate Group, founded in 2006, is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Company based in Chantilly, VA. As an SDVOSB, the Red Gate Group has established a reputation for delivering quality multi-tiered services in intelligence analysis, strategic planning, program management, policy development, operational design, and technology integration. RGG delivers high-quality, customer-centric solutions around the world—from the foxhole to the highest levels of Government.

Our motto, "Making a Difference for Country and Client," reflects our deep commitment to national security and service excellence. As an employer of choice, we offer comprehensive benefits including flexible time off, 11 paid holidays, immediate 401(k) eligibility with a generous match, and full medical, dental, and vision coverage. Our employees enjoy 100% company-paid life insurance and disability benefits, along with professional development assistance for degrees and certifications.

We foster a culture of growth and work-life balance, backed by our commitment to supporting both our clients' missions and our employees' success. Join our team and be part of an organization that values both service excellence and employee wellbeing.

Summary

The Red Gate Group, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Red Gate Group, Ltd. considers applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. Know Your Rights