Foreign Service is an organization through which the international affairs of the United States government are conducted. Members of the Foreign Service hold posts throughout the world and represent the people of the United States. The Foreign Service is administered by the U.S. Department of State and other government agencies that are directly involved in foreign affairs. The service provides trained personnel for U.S. offices in other countries. Members of the Foreign Service also fill numerous positions within the United States.
Foreign Service careers
Many Foreign Service members work at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., or at such agencies as the Agency for International Development, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Commerce. All other members serve in foreign countries. Most Foreign Service employees serve overseas for periods of 5 to 7 years out of every 10 years.
Members of the Foreign Service carry out a variety of tasks. Many have diplomatic posts that require them to carry on day-to-day relationships between the United States and other countries. Others have consular posts, in which they assist U.S. citizens abroad and handle U.S. business and commercial affairs overseas. Foreign Service members perform administrative work in U.S. embassies, missions, and consulates; negotiate with government officials of other countries; report on economic, political, and social conditions; issue passports and visas; and interpret U.S. policies to governments and citizens of other countries. Some members of the Foreign Service perform specialized tasks in economics, international labor affairs, and other areas.
The Department of State attempts to assign Foreign Service members to posts that are consistent with the members’ individual and family needs. However, Foreign Service members must be willing to work in any post that is assigned to them. Members are also expected to publicly support the policies of the U.S. government, regardless of the members’ own personal views. Foreign Service members serve at some personal risk, and a number of members have been killed in the line of duty over the years. On the other hand, careers in the Foreign Service offer many benefits and advantages. During overseas assignments, for example, employees may receive allowances for living expenses, travel, official entertainment, and other expenses associated with their work. They also receive a salary, health insurance, and other benefits.
Most newly appointed Foreign Service members receive orientation at the Foreign Service Institute in Washington, D.C., before they are sent abroad. The institute teaches the languages and customs of other countries, gives advanced instruction in foreign affairs, and provides training in specialized activities of the Foreign Service. The institute also offers courses for the spouses and dependents of Foreign Service officers and other government officials who work overseas.
Personnel
There are two main classifications of Foreign Service personnel: (1) Foreign Service officers and (2) Foreign Service specialists.
Foreign Service officers
(FSO’s) are assigned positions both in the United States and abroad. Their responsibilities include promoting U.S. foreign policy, protecting U.S. citizens, and helping U.S. businesses throughout the world. Each Foreign Service officer chooses one of five career tracks: (1) consular, (2) economic, (3) management, (4) political, or (5) public diplomacy. The career track determines the type of assignments an officer will likely receive.
People who wish to become Foreign Service officers must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 21 and 59. They must pass both a written examination and an oral assessment (evaluation). During the written examination, applicants must answer questions on a wide range of topics, including U.S. culture and government, management and finance, and English language skills. During the assessment, applicants are judged on their creativity and communication skills, and on their ability to work with others and analyze ideas and problems. Applicants must also go through a background investigation, a medical examination, and a final review.
Foreign Service specialists
are employees who provide support in a specific area of expertise. They include workers in such fields as medicine, information management, diplomatic security, human resources, and office management. Applicants who wish to become specialists must first select a specific job category. During the evaluation process, they must participate in a writing exercise and a structured interview, as well as a background investigation, a medical examination, and a final review.
History
Beginnings.
In the early years of the United States, many people opposed having any representation abroad. This opposition was so great that even the highest-ranking U.S. diplomats sent abroad held only the rank of minister, instead of ambassador. Such a diplomat often carried only the title of charge d’affaires.
Early diplomats of the United States included Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, John Jay, and James Monroe. In those early years, ministers had to pay their own travel expenses, provide their own living quarters, and hire their own secretaries. However, despite the low esteem diplomats received, four of the first six U.S. Presidents had a diplomatic background.
The spoils system, or appointment and promotion on a political basis, dominated the Foreign Service throughout the 1800’s and the early 1900’s. As a result, U.S. representation abroad consisted mainly of untrained personnel. Diplomatic positions served as rewards for service and frequently went to unqualified political associates and wealthy people who were campaign contributors.
The Rogers Act.
World War I imposed new responsibilities on the Foreign Service and brought about substantial reforms. In 1924, the Rogers Act—introduced by Massachusetts Congressman John Jacob Rogers—brought about significant improvements in the Foreign Service. The act combined the consular and diplomatic responsibilities of the service and established the basis of the organization as it exists today. The act also established difficult competitive examinations for Foreign Service officers.
Additional changes
occurred in the Foreign Service in the middle and late 1900’s. Many stemmed from the Foreign Service Act of 1946. This legislation gave ambassadors and ministers their first pay raises in nearly 100 years. It raised pay levels generally and set up a new class system for the Foreign Service.
The Foreign Service Act of 1980 led to other significant changes. It increased Foreign Service salaries, set up an office for the job placement of spouses of Foreign Service members, and improved retirement and survivors benefits for such spouses.
Many top-ranking ambassadors still receive appointments on political grounds. But most of the chiefs of overseas posts have advanced through the Foreign Service ranks.
