Monday, February 21, 2005
Draft
McCausland
19
government employees) to advance to the oral examination on the basis of their
professional experience.
From the standpoint of entry into the Foreign Service, this should be broadened to
include those in the military (both active and reserve) or completing graduate degrees in
areas of particular need.
In addition, the written examination should be offered via
computer. This would allow applicants to take the exam throughout the year at various
locations.
A strong difference exists, however, between the State Department “Foggy
Bottom” and those serving in overseas assignments. The latter is clearly the preference of
the majority of FSOs and in many ways reflects the historical ethos of the organization.
This is further manifested in promotions within the organization. Consequently, most
FSOs seek to stay in regional bureaus or abroad and avoid functional agencies (INR, arms
control, legislative affairs, etc.). This occurs despite the fact that these organizations are
not only critical to the success of the institution but also provide valuable experiential
learning opportunities. Some have even suggested that a so-called elitism among Foreign
Service Officers results in an assignment to these agencies or bureaus as being viewed as
a serious “step down”. Consequently, some assigned to these organizations who are not
FSO’s may suffer from poor morale.
They have few opportunities for overseas
assignments or taking other lucrative assignments within State. This also results in a
bifurcation within the organization. For example, the economics section of State may be
more closely aligned with Treasury or the Office of the Trade Representative on a
particular issue than with the regional bureaus. This ineffective organizational structure
Convention