The first thing the acronym FAO is associated with may be the UN food agency, the Food and Agriculture Organization. But for the U.S. Forces Korea, FAO denotes a “foreign area officer,” or an area expert under the command of the USFK. Some American FAOs have been serving in Korea for over a decade. At present, 20 to 30 U.S. FAOs work in Korea. They are considering policies and coordinating military affairs between Korea and the U.S., while working in key posts at the Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, the UN Command’s Military Armistice Commission, or the Military Attaché’s Office of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.

Having been studying Korea’s military, politics, society and culture and being fluent Korean speakers, these foreigners know Korean affairs better than most natives. A considerable number of them are also married to Korean women.  [Chosun Ilbo]

If anyone is wondering, no I am not an FAO but I would love to be one.  These guys have great jobs.  I had no idea though that there was so many of them in Korea.

ROK Drop readers may remember that last week I did a review of a book written by the very first Korea FAO, Colonel James Young titled Eye on Korea that I continue to recommend as a must read for any serious Korea scholar.  The book gives a good description of what FAO’s do for those interested in the responsibilities of an FAO.  Something I noticed though is that there is no female FAO pictured.  Does anyone know if there has ever been a female FAO for Korea?