So Why the 'State' Department?

 

Hey, why doesn't the US have a Foreign Ministry like everywhere else? What's the deal with calling our foreign affairs thing 'State'?

You see, in the beginning...

When the United States was recently founded, we did indeed have a Department of Foreign Affairs, led by John Jay. However, this was soon abolished and the new country had only four cabinet departments: Army, Treasury, Attorney General, and State.

Foreign Affairs was a very low priority for the US throughout most of its history. On the eve of World Ear II we had less than 1,500 professional diplomats representing us overseas. Ambassadors were called 'ministers' and went around deliberately underdressed to represent their republican humility.

Because of this lack of interest in international diplomacy, foreign affairs wasn't considered important enough to merit its own cabinet post. Originally, State was responsible for the Mint, the Census, and everything else that couldn't fit into another department.

State Department U.

Several people have likened the experience of A-100 to going off to college. It sounds like a funny comparison, but it's really true. The difference is that what in college felt childish and 'basic' has now been significantly upgraded. Among other similarities:

- The Foreign Service Institute has a rather pretty, bucolic campus right outside a major city. With a cafeteria! And shuttles to take you back and forth 
- A gift shop full of swag with our logo on it (hoodies, shot glasses, bumper stickers etc.)
- choosing your post assignments instead of class assignments. 
- the humble meal plan has transformed into the per diem 
- Pre-assigned housing (luxury apartments instead of dorms)
- Lots of drinking (legal this time; mostly at happy hours)
- Constantly introducing yourself to new people (and wearing of name tags). Except instead of high schoolers you're meeting former military officers, lawyers, professors and more of the intimidatingly accomplished.

Go Diplomats!

Me Vs. The Bid List

At a certain point in every FSO's life, he or she has to 'bid'. That is, they are presented with the available posts they qualify for and must choose the ones they would prefer.

Your first two assignments as an FSO are 'directed', that is, you cannot turn them down. One of the two must be doing consular work, and one has to be a 'hardship' post.

The first time out, A-100 members must bid on ALL available jobs (dozens in total) ranking them in order of preference. Our class just got the list. While I cannot post the complete list, it offers a fairly wide range of geographical diversity, with a focus on Latin America and East Asia. Most of the jobs, though, involve consular work (read: stamping visas).

The bidding process takes at least a month. We meet with our Career Development Officers (CDOs) who try to help us balance our expectations and wishes with the needs of the service. A loooot of strategizing goes on during this time, most of it in vain. Do I rank Rome and Madrid high on the off chance I'll get it? Should I go straight for super-duper hardship posts and make money/win brownie points? Does anything I do make a difference?

Since I have a foreign language, I am required to serve in one of those countries at least once in my first two tours.

We don't get our assignments for about another month. Oh, the uncertainty!

The Oath

Did you know that Foreign Service Officers take an oath? Well, we do - twice, actually. The first time, it's more of a formality to get paid. The second time is supposed to be more earnest.

It goes like this:

I, [name], do solemnly swear [or affirm] that I will support and defend the Constituion of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. That I take this oath freely and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. That I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office which I am about to enter. So help me God.

While we said it flags waved and bald eagles soared overhead. Pretty neat.

A-100: Day One

At last, we begin!

The purpose of the first day is to clear away as much bureaucracy as possible. This means filling out forms, getting our ID badges, and cramming us with an overwhelming amount of information about health plans, retirement plans, how not to leak classified information etc.

Observations on the latest A-100 class

Size: Roughly 45 people. Much smaller than most A-100 classes, which are usually between 80-100. Budget cuts, sequestration, etc.

Demographics: Mostly white. A fairly even split between men and women. Age tends towards late 20s/early 30a, but there are some mid-career people who are older.

Previous careers: Some lawyers, administrators, a few lucky recent college grads. MANY people who are transferring from another branch of government service, such as the military or State Department Civil Service. 

Included in the security brieifing were some notes on proper use of social media. As such, here are a few things you will not see on this blog:

- Criticism of US policy or officials
- Interior photos of embassies or other government buildings
- Photos and identifying information of USG officials (except maybe ambassadors)
- Identifying information about me. Yes, obviously some of you know who I am, but I don't need to make things easy.

Fear not; I'll still find a way to make this interesting.

Onwards and upwards!

One Week to the A-100

In February of 2011, I took the Foreign Service Officer Test for the first time.  It was highly reminiscent of the SATs - multiple choice questions, math problems, an essay.  I breezed through it and got a passing score. Could joining the Foreign Service really be this easy?

Not so fast. Between the FSOT and the OA (oral assessment) is a series of essays questions. Apparently my writing wasn't very captivating. I was not invited to the interview.

But, I learned my lesson! I re-took the test in 2012 and received an invite to the day-long interview in Washington DC. There was an interview, a group exercise, and a 'case management' file.  I passed the interview. I passed the group test. I did not pass the case management study, and it was enough to bring down my score below the minimum.

Slightly daunted, I sent off the same winning essays in 2013, only to be denied an invite. Word on the street was that the State Department was severely cutting back on hiring; with sequestration and the endless budget battles, nobody could tell how many new FSOs there would be.

At last, in 2014, I decided to give it one more go. I was invited to DC and found taking the test a second time much less stressful. I was given a handshake and a manila envelope with my passing grade inside.

This, however, was only the beginning. After the exam is a series of medical and security checks to make sure you're suitable for a job that confers considerable privileges and requires you to publicly represent the government of the United States. My years of foreign travel slowed down this process considerably, but about eight months later I got a job offer to come back to DC and begin training.

So now, here I am, ten days from the start of the 182nd A-100 class and ready as I'll ever be to start the rest of my life.

My cone (career track): Consular

My first assignment: To Be Determined

My first day: May 4 

Stay tuned.