I will try to answer most of the questions starting from my original post down.
A Reserve LCol/Col as a CDA? Could be possible, here the Americans do it believe it or not and so do the Germans. Speaking a foreign language and subsequent selection to that country is not a guarantee that a LCol/Col could be sent there. It would only mean they would be language tested and then possibly have the training waived. As far as the host nation being offended, that could be entirely true, especially when there is only 1 CDA at the mission. You never know what the response will be until you try it.
Military Attaché posting is a "plum" job? You would tend to think so, seeing as they have a strong social/diplomatic ccommitmentwhich looks enticing. The CDA starts work at 0730-0800 hrs and goes until 1630-1700 hrs. Goes home, changes into uniform and maybe, just maybe has a quick snack because he has a reception at 1900 hrs, then back home to change from uniform to suit and a dinner party at 2030 hrs and lucky to be home by 2400 hrs. The work week here is Sun-Thurs, but the CDA's evenings are typically what you see above. This is a recurring cycle of no less than 4 days a week. For the first month I was slightly envious of the CDA, but after awhile of maintaining his schedule for him I was just amazed that they can do this sort of thing day in and day out. I like my time at home to relax or maybe play sports, for the CDA and his family, such a thing is a luxury! So if you like 16 hour days/5-7 days a week, welcome to the fold.
All CDA positions are hard Col's. But yet, there are LCol's filling some of these positions, which to me says there are not enough to go around. As to whether a LCol can fill the position, that is a diplomatic question and at the ddiscretionof the host nation whether they will "accept" a lower rank.
Once you have been in the position for a few months and had the chance to observe the CDA in his environment you can see the actual meaning of "Diplomat Soldier". Some of the CDA's enjoy there time and the work so much that they ask to continue with the program. But the larger percentage of them I think just couldn't spend more than 3 years at it. If they don't have grey hair when they arrive, they sure will before they leave!
So on the social/work aspects for the AA, well here is a sample! I am in to the office this morning at 0700 hrs, we have an Embassy Function at 1600 hrs this afternoon, which of course I have to plan because if the Military doesn't do it, it won't get done. After that is over, I have a dinner to attend at 1930 hrs. Fri morning I have to meet with the CDA (he's away now) and then I have a fund raising B.B.Q. in the afternoon (got sucked into that one). Sat I leave Cairo at 0530 hrs to travel south with a couple of Embassy pers and will be gone the entire day and probably not back until night fall. Then Sun morning the work week starts over again. So as you can see, my weekend (Fri-Sat) is not for relaxing again! Friday night is free, but I am sure my phone will ring and it will be another local AA hosting something.
Every mission is different and no two jobs are the same. I enjoy my work here, but if I went to another mission the circumstances could very well be different.
So if you want to become a CDA or an AA, make sure you take the job for the right reasons.
For Acorn - I think the boss is looking forward to his return to Canada after two tours as a CDA. It will be a sad day when he leaves as I thoroughly enjoy working for him. But when he leaves, I have to train a new LCol! ;D
