12 FAM 1000
Unmanned AIRCRAFT Systems and Unmanned aerial vehicles policy
Policy Objectives, SCOPE, AND AUTHORITY
(CT:DS-437; 04-03-2025)
(Office of Origin: DS/C)
12 FAM 1011 POLICY OBJECTIVES, SCOPE, LEGAL AUTHORITIES, & DEFINITIONS
12 FAM 1011.1 Definitions
(CT:DS-335; 08-04-2020)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV): A powered, aerial vehicle that does not carry a human operator, can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and may carry a lethal or nonlethal payload. A UAV is a constituent element of a UAS.
Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS): The collection of devices consisting of one or more remotely operated UAV and associated elements needed to operate the UAV, such as communication links and control components.
12 FAM 1011.2 Policy Objectives
(CT:DS-335; 08-04-2020)
a. This Foreign Affairs Manual section addresses the response to threats presented by hostile use of UAS (which includes UAVs) and restrictions on the use of such items near protected facilities and personnel. Commonly referred to as “drones” or remote-controlled model aircraft, UAVs vary greatly in size and configuration and can pose multifaceted threats from surveillance, ordnance, explosive, and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) payloads.
b. In keeping with Diplomatic Security (DS) global responsibilities, the following policy objectives will apply:
(1) Consider as potential threats all UAS near Department facilities (both within the U.S. (the Continental United States) and abroad (Outside the continental United States)) or personnel (including personnel located domestically that the U.S. Government has an obligation to protect), except those known to be engaged in authorized missions;
(2) Detect, alert others, seek protective shelter from, track and monitor unidentified UAS;
(3) Treat any UAV, payload or debris that may come to rest on protected or controlled property as potentially improvised explosive devices (IED), surveillance tools, hazardous materials or WMD;
(4) Do not engage with, disrupt, disable, or destroy a UAV or interfere with the operation of a UAS unless specifically authorized to do so in accordance with post policies;
(5) Conduct appropriate regional security office investigations, including documentation and reporting of UAS-related incidents, through established reporting protocols;
(6) Participate in interagency coordination for strategic information sharing, policy formulation and countermeasures development;
(7) Collaborate with host nations, foreign partners and allies, including law enforcement and security entities of multilateral organizations, to exchange UAS threat information, to coordinate threat responses, and to advance the development of countermeasures; and
(8) Develop and implement training, briefings, and technical programs to mitigate threats posed by the hostile use of UAS. Regional security officers (RSOs) should include a brief description of UAS concerns and reporting responsibilities during initial security briefings at post or via security notice.
c. The Office of Aviation of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL/A) is responsible for Department policy development and interagency coordination of requirements for the acquisition, operation, and employment of Department UAS (including those procured for foreign assistance purposes) (see 1 FAM 532.4 and 2 FAM 817.2). Such policy and oversight development shall be in consultation with other Department bureaus, consistent with their respective, unique program and operational requirements. The INL/A director is also the technical advisor for the Aviation Governing Board, which approves aviation policies, budgets, and strategic plans for the Department’s aviation assets and activities.
NOTE: Although, as described above, INL/A is responsible for policy coordination, acquisition and employment of UAS used by the Department, DS is responsible for defensive measures taken in response to UAS threats to certain domestic and overseas facilities and personnel. The DS Training Program Management Division (DS/FASTC/TPM) utilizes UAS for training purposes during Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) and Advanced Tactics, Leadership and Skills (ATLaS) courses for student situational awareness. Future uses may include use of UAS by the Office of Mobile Security Deployments (DS/T/MSD), Office of Investigations, Office of Protective Intelligence Investigations (DS/TIA/PII) and the Office of Protection (DS/DO/P) for protection surveillance activities. Those programs are discussed further in the sections below on Directorate roles.
12 FAM 1011.3 Scope And Applicability
(CT:DS-335; 08-04-2020)
This policy applies to:
(1) ABROAD:
(a) All personnel subject to COM authority and the overseas Department-run facilities in which they are located;
(b) All personnel under the security responsibility of the Secretary while working at or visiting a location under COM authority; and
(c) All personnel overseas in locations where there is no COM but are under the security responsibility of the Secretary.
(2) Domestic and territorial coverage/areas/facilities:
(a) All Department facilities in the U.S. and associated territories, including, but not limited to, Department Headquarters at the Harry S Truman building and annexes, field offices, warehouses, and training facilities;
(b) All Department facilities in the U.S. and associated territories assigned personnel under security responsibility of the Secretary of State while at those locations including, but not limited to, employees, contractors, trainees, visitors, etc.;
(c) All foreign or domestic non-Department employees, contractors, trainees, and visitors at a Department facility; and
(d) DS personnel engaged domestically in the protection of foreign diplomatic facilities and personnel, including visiting foreign dignitaries.
c. The following DS directorates hold DS policy responsibility in addressing various aspects of UAS use and activity:
(1) Countermeasures (DS/C);
(2) Cyber and Technology Security (DS/CTS);
(3) Domestic Operations (DS/DO);
(4) High Threat Programs (DS/HTP);
(5) International Programs (DS/IP);
(6) Security Infrastructure (DS/SI);
(7) Threat Investigations and Analysis (DS/TIA); and
(8) Training (DS/T).
12 FAM 1011.4 DS Legal Authorities
(CT:DS-437; 04-03-2025)
a. The Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-399; 22 U.S.C. 4801, et seq., as amended.
b. Those security functions of the Secretary of State set forth in 22 U.S.C. 4802(a) delegated to the Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security pursuant to Delegation of Authority No. 214, dated 9-20-1994.
c. The Overseas Security Policy Board, a subgroup of the Records Access and Information Security Policy Coordination Committee of the National Security Council (National Security Presidential Directive).
d. Special agent authorities providing for the protection of U.S. Government officials and foreign officials and facilities found in the Department of State’s Basic Authorities Act (Public Law 84-885, section 37; 22 U.S.C. 2709).
e. Title III of the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 (22 U.S.C. 4831 - 4835), as amended, provides that the Secretary of State shall convene accountability review boards. (See 12 FAM 033.1.)
f. Section 140(c) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995, Public Law 103-236 (April 30, 1994), as amended by Section 1(d) of Public Law 103-415 (October 25, 1994), provides that the Secretary shall convene an accountability review board in certain circumstances when a terrorist act is committed in the United States by an alien. (See 12 FAM 033.)
g. Physical security requirements for U.S. diplomatic facilities authorities are found in the Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act (SECCA) of 1999 (22 U.S.C. 4865), amended in 2022.
h. Extraordinary protective services to be provided by DS pursuant to the Foreign Missions Act, 22 U.S.C. 4314, et seq.
i. Authorities related to the sharing of terrorism information are found in Executive Order 13526 and 32 CFR 2001.
j. Information-sharing authorities are found in Section 1016 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.
k. Presidential Policy Directive 17, Countering Improvised Explosive Devices (June 14, 2012), improves internal management of executive branch efforts to counter threats involving the use of IEDs, and the use of UAS has been identified as an emerging threat in this area.
12 fam 1012 ds PROGRAM responsibilities
(CT:DS-375; 02-18-2022)
a. Hostile actors employ various types of UAS to attempt to access U.S. Government spaces, facilities, personnel, and infrastructure. Unidentified UAS are potential threats.
b. DS is responsible for establishing protocols, policies, programs, and procedures to mitigate or reduce the threat from the hostile use of UAS to personnel, property, information, and infrastructure; and coordinating with other U.S. Government agencies for the safe use and operation of UAS.
c. DS utilizes the following topical elements to effectuate this UAS policy:
(1) Counterintelligence: DS counterintelligence programs address the use of UAS of varying size and configuration used by hostile actors to access or facilitate access to U.S. Government spaces, facilities, and systems to gather intelligence about U.S. Government facilities, personnel, and infrastructure;
(2) Countermeasures/response: DS countermeasures programs include a range of activities to identify, detect, track, create safe space, and take protective actions in response to any UAS threat;
(3) Detection: Includes use of sight, sound, and technical means to identify UAS presence and potential related threats;
(4) Investigations: UAS incidents are investigated to determine their purpose and origin and any threat they may pose to U.S. Government facilities, personnel, information, or infrastructure. RSOs investigate, document, and report UAS incidents and related information. Domestically, DS does not have statutory authority to investigate UAS incidents. When notified of incidents involving State facilities or personnel the local special agent-in-charge will follow appropriate reporting requirements at facilities where DS has a field or resident office. Other Department facilities, when reported to the Uniformed Protective Officers, will be reported to DS/TIA/PII and Federal Protective Services where appropriate. Overseas incidents should be reported using the Security Incident Management and Analysis System (SIMAS), DS Spot Reports, and TERREP-captioned cables in accordance with reporting guidance;
(5) Monitoring: DS monitors the evolution, application, and detection methods associated with UAS globally; DS programs are designed to assist in developing measures to counter and mitigate emerging UAS threats;
(6) Reporting and analytics: DS provides reports of UAS sightings as foundational analysis tools to report, investigate, and assist the development of UAS threat mitigation strategies;
(7) Training: DS develops and implements training programs for DS personnel for the safe detection, response to, and mitigation of the threat posed by UAS. Training for the future use of UAS by DS for defense purposes may be included in the training program; and
(8) U.S. Government Policy Coordination: DS coordinates the development and implementation of consistent UAS–related DS and Department policies with other U.S. Government agencies to facilitate an interagency response.
12 FAM 1013 UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
12 FAM 1013.1 Counterintelligence
(CT:DS-335; 08-04-2020)
a. Program scope: Working with U.S. Government agencies and allies to produce counterintelligence pertaining to UAS activity that occurs both domestically and abroad.
b. DS-specific program responsibilities: DS/CTS has counterintelligence responsibilities that include supporting efforts by DS partners with the cybersecurity expertise and services required for proposed countermeasures.
12 FAM 1013.2 Countermeasures and Response
(CT:DS-335; 08-04-2020)
a. Program scope: Producing countermeasures to include a range of methods to identify and detect a UAS threat, create safe spaces and take protective actions in response to a UAS threat.
b. DS-specific program responsibilities: DS/C, DS/DO, DS/HTP, DS/IP, DS/TIA, DS/SI, and DS/T share countermeasures and response responsibilities that include:
(1) DS/C:
(a) The Office of Security Technology (DS/C/ST): Partnering with other U.S. Government agencies in developing and testing technologies to detect, track, counter, and provide early warning of UAS overflights; and
(b) The Weapons of Mass Destruction Division (DS/PSP/WMD): Providing training and resources to prepare U.S. Government personnel assigned to facilities domestically and abroad to respond to WMD-related threats;
(2) DS/DO: Representing DS in the Interagency Security Committee (ISC) stakeholder meetings; and projecting UAS technology development; and implementing security operations, training and employee awareness;
(3) DS/HTP:
(a) Collaborating with DS/IP and DS/T to address protective training and oversight support for RSOs;
(b) The Office of Special Programs (DS/HTP/SP): Collaborating with the Office of Intelligence and Threat Analysis (DS/TIA/ITA) DS/TIA/PII to address new and existing threats and provide guidance to RSOs; and
(c) Conducting emergency planning and collaboration on all programs and innovations to address emerging threats in support of RSOs.
(4) DS/IP:
(a) Overseeing all aspects of the local guard (LG), bodyguard (BG), surveillance detection team (SDT) and worldwide protective services (WPS) programs, including but not limited to contracts, orders, and procedures;
(b) Overseeing all aspects of the Marine security guard (MSG) program, in coordination with the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, to address MSG training, procedures, and policies for response to UAS incidents;
(c) Collaborating with DS/HTP and DS/T to address protective training and oversight support for RSOs; and
(d) Collaborating with DS/TIA to address new and existing threats and provide guidance to RSOs.
(5) DS/TIA:
(a) Identifying new and existing threats;
(b) Collaborating with DS/HTP and DS/IP to provide threat information to RSOs; and
(c) Consolidate quarterly reports of UAS incidents submitted through the SIMAS database.
(6) DS/SI:
(a) Managing the Department’s information security program to ensure that Department information and infrastructure are not compromised;
(b) Serving as the DS critical infrastructure protection (CIP) coordinator; and
(c) Representing DS in Department and other agency forums facilitates interagency CIP security discussions and shares best practices.
(7) DS/T:
(a) Developing and implementing training to further the goals of the Department; and
(b) Providing UAS threat familiarization for FACT classes.
12 FAM 1013.3 Detection
(CT:DS-375; 02-18-2022)
a. Program scope: Producing methods of detecting a UAV within an established U.S. Government perimeter, a crucial element in mitigating its potential impact on U.S. Government facilities, personnel, or infrastructure.
b. DS-specific program responsibilities: DS/C, DS/CTS, DS/DO, DS/HTP, DS/IP, and DS/T share detection responsibilities that include:
(1) DS/C: DS/C/ST partnering with other U.S. Government agencies to develop and test technologies to detect, track, counter, and provide early warning of UAV overflights;
(2) DS/CTS: Supporting DS partners with cybersecurity expertise and services for proposed countermeasures;
(3) DS/DO: The Office of Domestic Facilities Protection (DS/DO/DFP) providing periodic UAS-awareness for domestic Uniformed Protective Officer services;
(4) DS/HTP and DS/IP: Overseeing RSO activities including LG, BG, MSG, SDT, and WPS programs; and COM personnel awareness programs on UAS detection and response;
(5) DS/T: Providing a range of training and incident-related support, including UAS threat familiarization for RSOs, other security personnel, and U.S. Government agencies, in addition to instruction in FACT classes.
(6) DS/TIA:
(a) Providing threat analysis based on information from a variety of sources;
(b) Disseminating UAS-related threat information to DS directorates, RSOs, other Department stakeholders and the private sector as needed;
(c) Reviewing RSO reports of UAS activity near U.S. Government facilities and personnel abroad;
(d) Incorporating, as appropriate, those reports in the processing and dissemination of related information to both the Intelligence Community and private sector; and
(e) Coordinate interagency response to overseas incidents as appropriate.
12 FAM 1013.4 Investigations
(CT:DS-335; 08-04-2020)
a. Program scope: UAS incidents will be investigated by DS components consistent with their authority to determine the purpose and origin of the UAS and any threat posed to U.S. Government facilities, personnel, information, or infrastructure. RSOs are required to investigate, document, and report UAS incidents and related information.
b. DS-specific program responsibilities: DS/CTS, DS/DO, DS/HTP, DS/IP, DS/SI, DS/T, and DS/TIA are responsible for providing investigative support that includes:
(1) DS/CTS: Supporting DS partners with cybersecurity expertise and services that are required for proposed countermeasures or investigative support;
(2) DS/DO:
(a) The Office of Investigations (DS/DO/INV): Addressing UAS usage for law enforcement investigations. Small, inexpensive, and easily operated UAS enhance DS ability to collect overhead images and video for evidentiary purposes; and
(b) The Office of Counterintelligence (DS/DO/CI): Providing analysis and investigation if a UAS is suspected to be collecting voice, data, videos, or images for the purpose of exploiting a counterintelligence vulnerability both domestically and abroad.
(3) DS/HTP and DS/IP: Overseeing RSO activities, including overseas investigative reporting and programs related to UAS detection and response;
(4) DS/SI: Managing the Security Incident Program to enhance the protection of classified information by identifying, evaluating, and assigning responsibility for breaches of security involving UAS;
(5) DS/T: Developing and implementing training to further the goals of the Department in addressing UAS threats; and
(6) DS/TIA: Providing threat analyses of information from a variety of sources that may be used for investigative of or protection against UAS threats.
12 FAM 1013.5 Monitoring
(CT:DS-375; 02-18-2022)
a. Program scope: Monitoring the global activity, evolution, proliferation, uses and methods for the detection of UAS, through every means available, critical to the development of measures to counter and mitigate the UAS threat.
b. DS-specific, monitoring responsibilities: DS/C, DS/CTS, DS/DO, DS/HTP, DS/IP, DS/T, and DS/TIA all assist in monitoring UAS developments. Specific responsibilities related to the monitoring of UAS developments include:
(1) DS/C:
(a) Managing the development and implementation of all physical and technical-countermeasure security standards and policies that apply to Department facilities and personnel domestically and overseas;
(b) Securely transporting classified diplomatic materials across international borders;
(c) Providing defensive equipment to protect the lives of U.S. Government personnel, classified information, and property;
(d) Working with other government agency partners to develop and test technologies to detect, track, and provide early warning of UAV overflights; and
(e) Monitoring global UAS capabilities and threats, including the development of potential WMD tactics, use, and equipment.
(2) DS/CTS: Providing DS partners with cybersecurity expertise and services required for proposed countermeasures;
(3) DS/DO:
(a) Participating, on behalf of DS, in ISC stakeholder meetings and contributing to periodic discussions on UAS policy;
(b) Providing periodic briefings and informational bulletins on UAS awareness or sightings as a topic in daily local Uniformed Protective Officer roll call via DS/DO/DFP; and
(c) Monitoring developments for inclusion of UAS in law enforcement investigations.
(4) DS/HTP and DS/IP: Overseeing RSO activities, including investigative reporting and programs related to monitoring for UAS presence;
(5) DS/T: Developing and implementing training to further the goals of the Department;
(6) DS/TIA:
(a) Providing threat analyses of information from a variety of sources;
(b) Disseminating UAS threat-related information to DS directorates, RSOs, other Department stakeholders and the private sector as needed; and
(c) Consolidate quarterly reports of UAS incidents submitted through the SIMAS database.
12 FAM 1013.6 Reporting and Analysis
(CT:DS-335; 08-04-2020)
a. Program scope: Overseeing DS report programs related to UAS presence and use and analyzing information from diverse sources on potential UAS threats to support the development of mitigation strategies.
b. DS-specific program responsibilities: DS/CTS, DS/HTP, DS/IP, and DS/TIA contribute directly to reporting and analysis of UAS threats. Specific responsibilities include:
(1) DS/CTS: Supporting DS partners with cybersecurity expertise and services for proposed countermeasures;
(2) DS/HTP and DS/IP: Overseeing RSO investigative reporting and related programs for UAS presence, such as the Security Incident Management Analytics System;
(3) DS/TIA:
(a) Providing threat analyses of information from a variety of sources;
(b) Reviewing reports of UAS activity near all U.S. Government facilities and personnel; and
(c) Incorporating, as appropriate, those reports in the processing and dissemination of related information to both the IC and private sector.
12 FAM 1013.7 Training
(CT:DS-335; 08-04-2020)
a. Program scope: Developing and implementing a variety of training programs to detect, respond to, and mitigate UAS threats; and training on the use of UAS.
b. DS-specific program responsibilities: DS/DO, DS/HTP, DS/IP, and DS/T develop and implement training in the nature of the UAS threat and mitigation strategies. Specific responsibilities include:
(1) DS/DO: DS/DO/DFP is responsible for providing periodic UAS awareness for domestic uniformed guard services;
(2) DS/HTP and DS/IP: Share joint responsibility for overseeing RSO activities including, but not limited to: LG, BG, SDT, and WPS program training; conducting MSG react drills; developing emergency action plans; and developing post policies and awareness programs with respect to UAS use and the related threat; and
(3) DS/T: Developing and implementing training programs for DS personnel, specialized security training for other Department and U.S. Government foreign affairs agency employees and their dependents, and certain foreign government security and law enforcement personnel.
12 FAM 1013.8 U.S. Government Policy Coordination and Partner Engagement
(CT:DS-335; 08-04-2020)
a. Program scope: Coordinating development and implementation of UAS-related policies by DS, the Department and other U.S. Government agencies and allies, critical to providing a safe and secure environment in which to conduct U.S. foreign policy.
b. DS-specific program responsibilities: DS/C, DS/DO, DS/HTP, DS/IP, and DS/SI responsibilities include participation in interagency information sharing and policy development efforts related to UAS matters. Specific responsibilities include:
(1) DS/C:
(a) Developing, implementing, and managing DS UAS countermeasures programs (1 FAM 262.1-2 (11); and
(b) Maintaining open communication with, and participating in, various U.S. Government inter-agency coordination and information sharing events, as well as with the private sector.
(2) DS/DO:
(a) Representing DS at ISC stakeholder meetings;
(b) Providing briefings on projections of UAS technology by DS/C, security operations requirements, and employee UAS awareness and response training by DS/T; and
(c) Monitoring developments regarding the use of UAS in law enforcement activities.
(3) DS/HTP: Coordinating, through RSO programs, development of post policies with respect to UAS threats at HTHR posts.
(4) DS/IP:
(a) Coordinating, through RSO programs, development of post policies with respect to UAS threats at non-HTHR posts;
(b) The Office of Overseas Protective Operations (DS/IP/OPO): Representing DS at the Department Aviation Governing Board (AGB). The AGB is responsible for approving policies, budgets, and strategic plans for Department aviation assets and activities, consistent with DS authority to research, develop, and implement technical and physical security programs to carry out its worldwide (foreign and domestic) security and law enforcement activities (see 2 FAM 815.1); and
(c) Coordinating the development of emergency management policy and providing guidance to posts on developing emergency plans to respond to UAS incidents.
(5) DS/C and DS/FASTC/TPM: Coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration for Certificate of Authorization for domestic use of UAS;
(6) Joint Program Office for Countering Improvised Explosive Devices (JPO C-IED), chaired by the Federal Bureau of Investigation:
(a) The JPO C-IED leads an interagency committee focused on developing policies and sharing best practices to counter the threat of improvised explosive devices, including the threats posed by UAS; and
(b) The Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) is the Department lead representative on the JPO C-IED. DS/T, DS/C, and DS/SI also participate.
12 FAM 1013.9 Other Department Bureaus ENGAGEMENT Related to UAS/UAV
(CT:DS-335; 08-04-2020)
Below are additional Department Bureaus that also coordinate with other bureaus/offices with counter-UAS policy and program responsibilities. Specific responsibilities include:
(1) CT: CT is responsible for Department policy development and interagency and international coordination related to terrorist use of UAS, focusing on bilateral and multilateral engagement, cooperative countermeasures technology development with other nations, and critical infrastructure security and resilience. CT coordinates international policy with the Global Counterterrorism Forum, United Nations, North American Treaty Organization, and represents Department of State in the U.S. interagency UAS Security Senior Steering Group. CT also oversees policy for the Technical Support Working Group, which works with interagency and bilateral partners to fund C-UAS research and development initiatives;
(2) The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN): ISN is responsible for Department policy development and interagency coordination related to export controls on UAS, consistent with our commitments to multilateral nonproliferation regimes such as the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Missile Technology Control Regime, focusing on bilateral and multilateral engagement with other nations;
(3) The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs: The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement's Man-Portable Air Defense Systems Task Force (MTF) conducts global aviation security sector outreach and training to combat mobile threat systems targeting civil and military aviation. The MTF contributes training and best practices to front-line global aviation security officials focusing on bilateral and multilateral engagement and critical infrastructure protection, while tracking and reporting on emerging advancements in UAS technology that mimics surface to air weapons systems capabilities; and
(4) The Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs (EB): Within EB, the Office of Transportation Policy (EB/TRA/OTP) is responsible for bilateral and multilateral engagement on Department policies that support a safe, secure, and healthy U.S. transportation network worldwide as an instrument for U.S. economic and political policies. OTP develops and coordinates policy on international civil aviation issues, including safety and security practices, commercial and operational problems encountered abroad, airport access, military-civil relations, technical assistance, and accident investigations. OTP participates in the development of policy on international civil aviation with broad substantive and/or multinational application, such as those involving the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the European Union
12 FAM 1014 THROUGH 1019 UNASSIGNED