Diplomatic Security Protocols

[Odinson]

DIPLOMATIC SECURITY
PROTOCOLS​

Available to Foreign Governments​

Due to unique threats and international expectations that are put on the United States, visits by certain members of the United States government to other countries require exceptional security measures that not every country may be willing to allow. That is why the State Department has issued this helpful guide to inform departments/ministries in charge of foreign affairs on what the official American security protocols are for members of the government. While exceptions, or additions, can be made to these procedures, such cases are exceedingly rare, especially when it comes to the protection of individuals such as the President.

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THE PRESIDENT OR VICE PRESIDENT
TRAVELLING ABROAD​

While thee State Department is not primarily responsible for the protection of the President when he is abroad, we have worked closely with the Secret Service to issue an appropriate guide so that other governments may know what to expect if they would like to invite the President to come to their country. It is first important to remember that the President is exceptionally busy, and that inviting him for any kind of state visit will be difficult, especially if it is not done with some reasonable time in advance. There are times of the year where the President has ceremonial and official obligations within the United States, as well as geopolitical surprises that may make his presence in Washington a first priority of the government. Keeping that in mind, these are some of the most important security-related protocols that a government should keep in mind if they are seriously considering inviting the President to their country, even if it is just for a short meeting:

• ARRIVAL - The President almost exclusively uses a modified 747 for international travel. For the vast majority of countries, it is critical to have an airport that is capable of handling a fully-loaded 747 for both landing and takeoff, as well as having a portable staircase to push up to the aircraft after it lands. The President's aircraft, commonly known as "Air Force One", is never open to any kind of search from another nation. Onboard will be a number of heavily-armed federal agents, with both semi-automatic and automatic weapons, who will protect the aircraft while the President is conducting diplomacy. Separate aircraft will be used to fly in the President's motorcade as well as additional security personnel, who are also heavily armed.
• PROTECTION - The President will be given armed protection by the Secret Service throughout any visit to any other country. While there are some instances where security can be relaxed (or may not involve armed agents), such as when the President would be in the residence of another head of state, the Secret Service will never leave the President alone, or entirely give up his protection to another security service. The President will also always travel in his own motorcade which can delivered via aircraft. Additional counter-assault teams will be sent, who will be armed with both automatic and semi-automatic weapons, in the event that the President needs to be extracted. The location of these teams can be negotiated, so that they are not in plain site. Also, the presence of helicopters operated by the United States Marines, will be necessary as well. In all, security personnel will likely number around 250 federal agents, marines, and airmen.