Duties of an Air Force Protocol Officer

Most military jobs are specialties for which a candidate can enlist. For example, an officer might choose an engineering specialty when joining, and, if qualified for a contract, be assured of receiving that job. However, no military specialty exists for protocol officers. Instead, the position represents an assignment, such as base commander, group captain or squadron leader. Each base commander appoints his own base protocol officer. Although duties vary, Air Force protocol officers typically share certain basic tasks.


Air Force bases can receive visits from dignitaries, ranging from high-ranking military officers to representatives of foreign countries. It is up to the protocol officer to ensure that the visitors are housed, fed, escorted on tours or whatever else they might need during their visits. The protocol officer also makes sure that the base commander is prepared for visitors in advance and then kept informed as to who has arrived on base, why they are visiting and their itinerary. If interpreters will be needed, the protocol officer arranges for them to be on hand. The protocol officer may also need to handle additional tasks related to distinguished visitors, such as increased security, advising the chef about any special dietary requirements, scheduling media coverage or arranging off-base entertainment.


Many Air Force ceremonies contain fixed points of ceremonial etiquette. It is the duty of the protocol officer to ensure that all those participating in the ceremony understand the fine points of Air Force etiquette. Some matters are usually well known by Air Force officers, such as the proper folding of the American flag at a military funeral. However, participants might not be familiar with less common issues, such as whether a male officer walks down an auditorium aisle ahead of his wife or behind her. Protocol officers advise on even the finer points of Air Force etiquette at ceremonies such as change of command, offering toasts or arranging seating plans.

Planning Official Functions

Protocol officers coordinate and plan base events, such as the Air Force Ball, which can take up to a year to plan. Protocol officers offer advice on courtesies and customs, flag etiquette and seating plans to the function organizers or to attendees and participants. If necessary, protocol officers may book a singer for the national anthem and arrange for the honor guard to be present.

Desirable Attributes for Protocol Officers

Protocol officers must coordinate activities with a variety of people, so they need to be able to work as a team member. They must have good organizational skills, be able to plan for all possible contingencies and be attentive to details. Good protocol officers can think on their feet and are flexible enough to alter arrangements at the last minute when the situation demands it. They possess excellent communication skills and know how to make sure that others are listening attentively. A protocol officer’s appearance must be exemplary, going beyond the minimum required for other officers of equal rank. Creases should be sharp, and uniforms should fit well. Protocol officers should own all of the Air Force uniforms so that they have the exact uniform that the occasion demands.


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