A deputy chief of mission (DCM, in Europe the term deputy head of mission - DHoM or DHM is used instead), is the number-two diplomat assigned to an embassy or other diplomatic mission. He or she is usually considered the second-in-command to the head of mission (usually an ambassador). DCMs serve as chargé d'affaires (that is, as acting chief of mission) when the titular head of mission is outside the host country or when the post is vacant.