What is an invitational travel order (ITO)?

A written authorization (DD Form 2285) for International Military Students to travel to, from, and between U.S. activities for the purpose of training under an approved and funded International Military Education and Training or Foreign Military Sales program.

A national of a foreign government, with military or civilian status of that government, who is receiving education or training or is touring USG activities under the sponsorship of the security assistance training program.

Activities undertaken by the DoD to encourage and enable international partners to work with the United States to achieve strategic objectives. It includes all DoD interactions with foreign defense and security establishments, including all DoD-administered security assistance programs, that: build defense and security relationships that promote specific U.S. security interests, including all international armaments cooperation activities and security assistance activities; develop allied and friendly military capabilities for self-defense and multinational operations; and provide U.S. forces with peacetime and contingency access to host nations.

A data system within Security Assistance Network Web used primarily by Security Cooperation Organizations and International Military Student Offices to manage the Security Cooperation training program for the foreign partner. SC-TMS produces International Military Education and Training and Foreign Military Sales management reports, invitational travel orders, and other training management documents.

A process, authorized by the Arms Export Control Act, through which eligible foreign governments and international organizations may purchase defense articles, services, and training from the United States Government.

A Department of Defense element that is part of the United States Diplomatic mission located in a foreign country to carry out security assistance and security cooperation management functions under the supervision and coordination authority of the senior defense official/defense attaché.

The military department or defense agency responsible for the execution of military assistance programs. With respect to FMS, the military department or defense agency assigned responsibility by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency to prepare an LOA and to implement an FMS case. The implementing agency is responsible for the overall management of the actions that will result in delivery of the materials or services set forth in the LOA that was accepted by a foreign country or international organization.