3-3. The United States maintains diplomatic relations with more than 180 foreign countries through embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions. The ambassador to a country is responsible to the President for directing, coordinating, and supervising official government activities and personnel in that country. These personnel include all U.S. military personnel not assigned to the geographic combatant commander or other designated U.S. military area commander. Protection and security of military personnel are a matter of significant interest. Often, specific agreements are required between the ambassador (also known as the Chief of Mission) and the geographic combatant commander. Special operations forces deployed to a particular country for any reason (exercise, operation, or security assistance) remain under the command and control of the geographic combatant command or a designated subordinate headquarters (normally the theater special operations command—see JP 3-22 for more information). Special operations forces do not operate in a combatant commander’s area of responsibility or in an ambassador’s country of assignment without providing prior notification and receiving permission to do so.