text: Unified Action
  Note: U.S. DOS Foreign Affairs Manual, Correspondence Handbook, describes the use of
  diplomatic notes (5 FAH-1).
  5-31. Commanders have limited authority to negotiate or interact at a tactical or operational level. Such
  interaction is limited to special agreements as addressed under the law of war. Such agreements are typically
  verbal and must not have an adverse effect on protected persons (such as prisoners of war or civilians).
  Special agreements are binding between those governments or military commanders that made the
  agreements. When engaging the civil component, CA Soldiers often negotiate and make agreements with
  segments of the populations, HN, or partner nation institutions.
  THE ROLE OF UNITED STATES EMBASSIES
  5-32. An embassy is the headquarters for USG representatives serving in a foreign country. It is normally
  led by an ambassador, who is the representative of the U.S. President to the host country. An embassy is
  normally located in the capital city. It may have branches, known as consulates, in other cities.
  5-33. U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, and foreign embassies and consulates in the United States, each
  have special status. While the host government is responsible for the security of U.S. diplomats and the area
  around an embassy, the embassy belongs to the country it represents. Representatives of the host country
  cannot enter an embassy without permission—even to put out a fire—and an attack on an embassy is
  considered an attack on the country it represents.
  5-34. The ambassador, also known as the chief of mission, is the highest-ranking diplomat to the host country
  and is the personal representative of the President. This person is comparable to a CEO of a corporation and
  has to be a strong leader and a good manager. The ambassador is supported by a deputy, known as the deputy
  chief of mission, and a team of U.S. foreign service officers and specialists from the DOS. The ambassador
  may also be supported by representatives from other U.S. agencies, such as the USAID DOD, Department
  of Commerce, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and so on. No matter their agency,
  all employees work under the direction of the ambassador.
  5-35. The primary purpose of an embassy is to assist American citizens who travel to or live in the host
  country. U.S. Foreign Service Officers also interview citizens of the host country who wish to travel to the
  U.S. for business, education, or tourism purposes. Embassy staff interact with representatives of the host
  government, local businesses, nongovernmental organizations, the media and educational institutions, and
  private citizens to increase understanding of the U.S. and its policies and to collaborate on shared interests.
  5-36. Embassy staff analyze the political and economic situation in the host country and report back to the
  DOS on issues that affect the United States. They help U.S. businesses find partners and customers, and may
  train the police and military of the host government to support better security in the country. They also
  sponsor educational, professional, and cultural exchanges to introduce emerging and established leaders to
  the U.S., and to promote ties between U.S. and foreign students, academics, scientists, entrepreneurs,
  political, religious, and civil society figures.
  5-37. While Americans work at embassies and consulates, most of the staff comes from the host country.
  These employees are essential to the success of any embassy because they know the local culture, have
  essential skills, or are well-connected to government and civil society leaders.
  5-38. A large embassy may have annexes. The main embassy building is called the chancery. As the public
  face of the U.S., it is often an architectural work of art. In some countries, American staff may live on the
  embassy compound, but they frequently live in apartments or houses in the host city. The residence of the
  ambassador is often used for official functions, and its public areas are often decorated with American art on
  loan from museums.