Which US government agencies work in the US embassies?

When the US ambassador calls a country team meeting, all the heads of politics, economics, management, security and public diplomacy sit around the table. In large missions such as Mexico City, Cairo, New Delhi, Harare, London, and Paris, as well as many medium-sized posts, representatives from other organizations will participate in discussions about mission activities, host country events, and ways to best achieve US goals.

More than 27 US government agencies work abroad. All agency representatives report to the US ambassador of the country in which they operate.

Departments of Commerce and Agriculture, such as the Department of State and USAID, depend on their Foreign Service officials to conduct the agency’s programs abroad, who work to promote U.S. products and services to ensure that American farmers and companies can compete fairly and effectively abroad.

In developing countries, the United States Agency for International Development is an integral partner with the State Department in implementing the President’s foreign policy through economic development and humanitarian assistance.

Most embassies have a Defense Attaché Office (DAO) headed by a Defense Attaché – the DATT. The DAO, which may have representatives from more than one military branch, represents the US Department of Defense and advises the Ambassador on military matters.

Other U.S. agencies with offices overseas include: The Departments of Homeland Security (Coast Guard and Immigration and Customs Enforcement), Justice (FBI, DEA) and Treasury Departments, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the Library of Congress Others.

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