Five international military students arrived at Training Support Center Hampton Roads (TSCHR) to attend a ten-week course.

The TSCHR International Military Student Office (IMSO) administers between 80 to 100 international military students each year.

The office, managed under the direction of the Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity, receives students and monitors training for international military students attending technical schools in Hampton Roads.

The IMSO staff has one of the most unique and challenging jobs since they are called upon to accomplish tasks unlike those performed anywhere else in the military. The office becomes a host, administrator, counselor, expediter, diplomat and summarily, the official U.S. Government representative who serves as the primary point of contact for the international military students undergoing courses of instruction at Hampton Roads installations. The IMSO staff is often the first contact with the U.S. Navy that many of these students have.

"The IMSO program is one of the most gratifying jobs here at TSC, " said Rick Sisler, TSCHR IMSO. " It's our responsibility to make sure all international military students experience the American lifestyle and the inner workings for life in our society while in the States, including its people, political system and other institutions."

Sisler and his staff of three coordinates numerous requests from U.S. military liaison officers, providing answers needed to execute logistical support and students' needs. Additionally, TSCHR IMSO staff members provide cultural awareness and cross-communication resources to proctors assigned to teach the students.

IMSO has several objectives, which include assisting the foreign countries in evolving the knowledge and skills needed for effective management and operation of its defense establishment, establishing the expertise needed for effective operation and maintenance of equipment acquired from the United States, promoting a U.S. military bond with the armed forces of the foreign country and further promoting a better understanding of the United States.

During calendar year 2017, there were 37 officers, 36 enlisted and 5 civilian international military students from various countries including Australia, Bahrain, Bulgaria, France, Guyana, India, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco and Saudi Arabia attending TSCHR.

The TSCHR mission to provide centralized student management and training support to the Naval Education and Training Command activities within the Hampton Roads area of responsibility. For more information on Training Support Center Hampton Roads, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/tsc or http://ww.netc.navy.mil/centers/tsc_hr/imso/Default.htm.

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For more news from Training Support Center Hampton Roads, visit www.navy.mil/.