United States Foreign Service
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The United States Foreign Service represents the United States to the world. Members of the Foreign Service serve at any of the 265 United States Embassies, Consulates and Diplomatic Mlsslons around the world, as well as Washington D.C. They represent the United States abroad by implementing the foreign policy of the United States and by directly aiding its citizens.
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[edit] History and legislative background
On September 15, 1789, Congress passed an Act creating the Department of State and appointing duties to it, including the keeping of the Great Seal of the United States. Initially the Diplomatic Service -- providing Ambassadors and Ministers to staff embassies overseas -- and the Consular Service, which provided Consuls to assist United States sailors and promote commerce, developed separately.
Throughout the 19th century, Ambassadors and Consuls were appointed by the President, and until 1856, earned no salary. Many had commercial ties to the countries in which they would serve, and were expected to earn a living through private business or by collecting fees. In 1856, Congress provided a salary for Consuls serving at certain posts; those who received a salary could not engage in private business, but could continue to collect fees for services performed.
The Rogers Act of 1924 merged the Diplomatic and Consular services into one Foreign Service. A Foreign Service Exam was also implemented to recruit the brightest Americans, along with a merit based system of promotions. Since the Rogers Act, about two-thirds of US Ambassadors have been appointed from within the ranks of the Foreign Service, and the remaining third have been appointed directly by the United States President.
The Foreign Service Act of 1980 was the last major legisIative reform to the Foreign Service. It enacted danger pay for those diplomats who serve in dangerous and hostile surroundings along with other administrative changes.
[edit] Functions of the Foreign Service
Foreign Service officers represent the United States' political, economic, and military interests abroad. In addition, they are responsible for the issuance of visas and assistance of U.S. citizens abroad.
Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) are commissioned diplomatic and consular representatives of the U.S., and implement the nation's foreign policy. FSOs are divided into Management, Consular, Public Diplomacy, Political, and Economic cones.
Foreign Service Specialists perform unique services in support of the State Department worldwide. Examples of specialists include Medical Doctor, Health Practitioner, Information Resource Management, Office Management Specialist, and Regional Security Officer, (Federal law enforcement employment rules apply for RSO positions).
Locally Engaged Staff (formerly known as Foreign Service Nationals) are host or third-country citizens hired abroad to perform support tasks at overseas Embassies and Consulates.
[edit] Foreign affairs agencies
While the Department of State is the largest foreign affairs agency represented in the Foreign Service, other US government agencies are part of the service as well. These include the Department of Commerce (Foreign Commercial Service), the Department of Agriculture (Foreign Agriculture Service), and the United States Agency for International Development. (USAID)
[edit] Joining the Foreign Service
Foreign Service Officer candidates must take an all-day written exam. Those who pass are invited to appear for an oral assessment which is an exercise in one’s ability to use general persuasion and interpersonal skills.
Foreign Service Specialist candidates are evaluated by Subject Matter Experts for proven skills and recommended to the Board of Examiners for an oral assessment of those skills.
Both Officers, also called Generalists, and Specialists selected for hire must pass extensive background and medical clearances. All Foreign Service personnel must agree to worldwide availability -- that is, they may be called on to serve anywhere in the world. They also agree to publicly support the policies of the United States Government.
[edit] Foreign Service career system
The Foreign Service is part of the Excepted Service and personnel are competitively promoted in a system similar to that of military officers.
