American diplomats have one focus: defending and
advancing American interests. In my
decades in the Foreign Service, including three years as U.S. Ambassador to
Azerbaijan as well as in senior positions in the State Department in a
Washington, this focus was made ... This blog is taken a panel discussion on Foreign Service Careers organised for students in London by 1-800Home.
I run the Economics Section in the Embassy. That is the place where we focus on the US-UK economic relationship. It's a very ... The second of our blogs explaining the various responsibilities of the officers at the US Embassy in London. The Management Section is composed of a number of functions that provide back up for the entire Embassy.
I am the Minister Counselor ... Two years ago 2 Foreign Service classes were nearly canceled through cuts. Happily, the officers in those classes are now on board but it was a scary thought that the talent pool for officers could be cut off. Without new officer classes there will be less people in embassies and at the State Department to assist Americans in trouble and to keep us safe. Temporary programs or non officer positions are not a substitute for officer level positions. Talented, committed individuals will either not take those positions or leave taking their experience and especially their potential with them. Anyone who... The United States is a superpower and we have citizens studying, working and travelling all over the planet. We need to afford the resources to help Americans in need. In the event that a natural disaster or war warrants an evacuation by the military, US embassies and the State Department in Washington are part of the team coordinating with national and local officials in the affected country, communicating with US citizens and of course with our military to help people out of physical danger. The good news is that evacuations on that scale are rare and assistance in most situations involve... The public deserves the best when it comes to senior diplomatic appointments. If those appointments include individuals from the private sector or other parts of government, they should be of the highest quality. However, even the most qualified political appointees should not be appointed in such numbers that outstanding careers officers are forced to seek advancement outside of the service. It is also essential that policies encourage talented young people to choose the Foreign Service as a career. The American public deserves the very best.
Who You Gonna Call?
Strong Numbers in the Foreign Service
A Strong Budget for the Foreign Service
Strong State Department Career Progression
