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FOCUS ON FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALISTS ASSISTING ANTI-POACHING EFFORTS IN CHAD / 53 By Joe Cole

20 / EDITOR’S INTRODUCTION FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALISTS SPEAK OUT / 55 21 / A TOUCH OF CLASS: By Steven Alan Honley THE WORLD OF FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALISTS By Bob Guldin F EATURES 28 / PUBLIC DIPLOMACY’S “SECRET WEAPON” By William Ancker FOR PROF. GINGRICH, A LITTLE HISTORY LESSON / 62 31 / THAT’S CLASSIFIED! Newt Gingrich claims the Foreign Service has By Barbara Jacquin systematically worked to undermine U.S. interests. Here’s why he’s wrong. 32 / SAY AH: REGIONAL MEDICAL OFFICERS IN ACTION By Stephen R. Dujack By Shawn Dorman CHILE’S OWN SEPT. 11 / 68 34 / A SECURITY ENGINEERING OFFICER’S POINT OF VIEW Allegations of American involvement in the Sept. 11, By Craig L. Cloud 1973, coup in Chile were recently revived by an 36 / RESPONDING TO A CRISIS unexpected source: Secretary of State Colin Powell. By Karen Sliter By George Gedda

38 / OFFICE MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS: ON THE MOVE By Linda O’Brien C OLUMNS D EPARTMENTS 40 / THE EVOLUTION OF THE OMS FUNCTION PRESIDENT’S VIEWS / 5 LETTERS / 6 By Llywelyn C. Graeme She Talked the Talk and CYBERNOTES / 10 Walked the Walk BOOKS / 74 42 / GIVE ME TECHNICOLOR … ANY DAY! By Louise K. Crane By Linda Ingalls IN MEMORY / 75 SPEAKING OUT I / 14 INDEX TO 43 / THE LIFE OF FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALISTS Why I Resigned ADVERTISERS / 82 By Brian Coen By John Brown AFSA NEWS / 46 / SEPARATE AND UNEQUAL CENTER INSERT SPEAKING OUT II / 15 By Harry Chamberlain Why Dissent is Important 47 / IROS: INTO THE CYBER AGE and Resignation Honorable By Ruth Mara, Cynthia Borys and Marge Melun By Ann Wright

49 / THE IMS OVERSEAS: STAND UP AND BE COUNTED REFLECTIONS / 84 By William Potter By Mikkela Thompson

THE MAGAZINE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS PROFESSIONALS OREIGN ERVICE Foreign Service Journal (ISSN 0146-3543), 2101 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037-2990 is published J O U R N A L F S monthly by the American Foreign Service Association, a private, non-profit organization. Material appearing here- Editor Editorial Board Journal, STEVEN ALAN HONLEY in represents the opinions of the writers and does not necessarily represent the views of the the Editorial Board or AFSA. Writer queries and submissions are invited, preferably by e-mail. Journal subscription: AFSA Associate Editor JUDITH BAROODY, SUSAN B. MAITRA CHAIRMAN Members - $9.50 included in annual dues; others - $40. For foreign surface mail, add $18 per year; foreign air- Business Manager mail, $36 per year. Periodical postage paid at Washington, D.C., and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: MIKKELA V. T HOMPSON Send address changes to Foreign Service Journal, 2101 E Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037-2990. Indexed & MARK W. B OCCHETTI Ad Circulation Manager by Public Affairs Information Service (PAIS). The Journal is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos ED MILTENBERGER ELIZABETH SPIRO CLARK AFSA News Editor TATIANA GFOELLER-VOLKOFF or illustrations. Advertising inquiries are invited. The appearance of advertisements herein does not imply the SHAWN DORMAN endorsement of the services or goods offered. FAX: (202) 338-8244 or (202) 338-6820. E-MAIL: [email protected]. CAROL A. GIACOMO Art Director WEB: www.afsa.org. TELEPHONE: (202) 338-4045. © American Foreign Service Association, 2003. Printed LAURIE KASSMAN CARYN J. SUKO in the U.S.A. Send address changes to AFSA Membership, 2101 E Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037- CAROLINE MEIRS Editorial Intern 2990. Printed on 50 percent recycled paper, of which 10 percent is post-consumer waste. ASTER GRAHN HOLLIS SUMMERS Advertising Interns WILLIAM WANLUND CHARLES ODENZ JESSICA BARNOSKI TED WILKINSON Cover and inside illustration by Connie McClennans

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 3

PRESIDENT’S VIEWS She Talked the Talk and Walked the Walk

BY LOUISE K. CRANE

eing AFSA’s Resources Bureau is a monopoly and Bacting presi- The Foreign Service that employees can’t go elsewhere for its dent allows me to services, she announced that employees use this space to pay owes Director General deserved better treatment and she homage to an extra- Ruth Davis a lot. would see to it that they got it. She told ordinary Foreign In just two years she us, “Put your complaints in writing, Service director name names and send them to me.” I general, Ambassa- has changed a culture. know service has improved because in dor Ruth A. Davis. Her tenure as DG my first year as AFSA State VP, I has pretty much coincided with my first received numerous complaints about term as the AFSA vice president for advertising, weak follow-up, long lag career development officers who State. And after working together for times between the written and oral ignored their clients, didn’t answer their two years, I have to say that “brave” is exams, interminable waits for security mail, didn’t serve as their advocates, etc. a word I would use to describe her, clearances, etc. — and fixed them. As This year, not one employee has written although I don’t know if she sees her- a result, not only has State been hiring us claiming his CDO was wanting. self this way. large numbers of new personnel, but Amb. Davis also invited the employ- Many DGs have come and gone has a much bigger pool to choose from. ees to respond to a survey rating State since I took the oath on the 8th floor, Veteran employees judge the new hires on how they are treated by manage- but I don’t believe any of them trans- of much higher quality than in the ment. Now that’s a worthwhile study of formed a bureaucratic culture as pro- recent past. the department! Then she published foundly as she has. Or to put it another She didn’t stop there. Coming from the results. And, recognizing that a way, they all could “talk the talk,” even the Foreign Service Institute, where all higher-quality workforce requires bet- eloquently, but couldn’t “walk the walk” new hires land first, she was all too famil- ter leadership and management, Amb. the way DG Davis has. She has used iar with the administrative headaches Davis instituted mandatory leadership Secretary Powell’s obvious confidence junior officers traditionally encounter: and management training for all in her to advance many initiatives to late notices, sloppy paperwork, erro- employees. make the Foreign Service better. neous salary computations and conflict- The Foreign Service owes Director For example, the Secretary ing instructions, etc. Using her new General Davis a lot. In just two years launched the Diplomatic Readiness power, she changed that culture. she has changed a culture. Her legacy Initiative and proved wrong all those Meanwhile, she went through all the lies not in yet one more study of State to naysayers who claimed State couldn’t recommendations for reform so care- throw on the fire, or in more rhetoric compete for the “best and the brightest” fully iterated in those voluminous stud- about Foreign Service sacrifice. Her with the private sector. The DG knew ies of the State Department and the legacy is fast service, high standards, the problem was with a ponderous, Foreign Service over the years, break- transparency, honesty and recognition inefficient bureaucracy, not with the ing them down into the immediately — all those old-fashioned virtues talent pool. She quickly identified the doable, the doable in the medium term which must have been apparent to logjams to recruiting talent — scanty and the ones that are probably too Secretary Powell when he asked her damn hard to do at all. Then she pro- to take the job. Louise K. Crane is AFSA vice presi- ceeded from there. Thank you, Amb. Davis, and God- dent for State. Acknowledging that the Human speed. ■

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 5 LETTERS

Thanks for June the door hit you on the way out.”) He earnest, reasons of Realpolitik (i.e., Y’all are putting out many a good deprecates their apparent lack of fear of losing face in the Arab world if issue of the Journal, but you deserve a Middle Eastern experience or exper- we backed down) made war virtually special commendation for the June tise. He also suggests that if they had inevitable. issue. It’s not just informative; it’s had “total access and consummate • Continued resistance by pockets instructive, even inspiring — particu- experience” in Middle East issues and of pro-Saddam loyalists and the grow- larly so for those unfamiliar with the could draw on the “full panoply” of ing frustration of ordinary Iraqis over struggles of 30 years ago and for those information available to the most the failure so far of the U.S. occupa- holding the notion that a union must senior officials, they probably would tion authorities to restore even a sem- be an enemy of management, and have agreed with administration poli- blance of normalcy show that the management an enemy of a union. cy — or only then would have had Rumsfeld Pentagon paid woefully Congratulations to all the authors credible grounds for resignation. I inadequate attention to “postwar” who provided insights on how AFSA find Jones’ position both uncharitable planning — with American troops on made history and how it has helped and fallacious. the ground now having to pay the improve the Foreign Service. I was I cannot presume to speak for the price for that shortsightedness. particularly impressed with Hank three resignees. I suspect, however, • It is not a manifestation of over- Cohen’s article for his specific exam- that the reasons for their decisions to seas “clientitis” to know that the ples of just how a union makes a prac- quit involved some or all of the fol- administration’s avowed policy of tical difference. lowing considerations: “pre-emptive” (“preventive” would be I plan to publicize the June issue on • Contrary to what Jones seems to a better word; there is a difference) my own Web site (www.senser.com), suggest, highest-level access to all- war scares the daylights out of many helping your good work get the wide source intelligence information does peoples and governments around the distribution it deserves. not necessarily guarantee selection of world — making it that much harder Robert A. Senser the best policy alternative. Wider for American diplomats to do their FSO, retired political agendas and bureaucratic work. Editor, Human Rights for infighting play an enormous role in • Treating close friends and long- Workers issues of “high politics.” time allies France and Germany as Reston, Va. • You don’t have to be an expert on virtual enemies because they dis- either intelligence matters or any par- agreed with U.S. policy on Iraq Why So Harsh? ticular region of the world to realize (although their positions reflected the I was surprised and disappointed that information, especially if it is overwhelming opinions of their elec- that someone with the long Foreign incomplete or inconclusive, can be torates) smacks of hubris and petu- Service experience and professional open to differing interpretations. lance, not statesmanship or intelligent credentials of frequent Journal con- • From at least last summer, if not diplomacy. tributor David T. Jones would be so from the January 2002 State of the • Some members of the “neocon- contemptuously dismissive of the Union address, the administration servative” clique who beat the drums recent resignations of three FSOs in seemed hellbent on military action most loudly for war in Iraq actively protest against the Bush administra- against Iraq, regardless of internation- despise the Department of State — tion’s Iraq policy (Speaking Out, al opinion or the findings of U.N. viewing it as infested with liberal wimps June). Jones’ attitude toward the weapons inspectors. who are unwilling or incapable of three officers can be summarized in • Once the U.S. military buildup in implementing a robust, red-meat poli- two words: good riddance. (“Don’t let the Persian Gulf region began in cy of going after the world’s bad guys

6 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 L ETTERS

(as seen in the April 22 speech by Newt Don’t Blame the Palestinians Middle East Myths Gingrich, reported in the June AFSA I served as deputy principal offi- Ambassador Kampelman’s article, News). They are no friends of ours. cer in Jerusalem from 1976 to 1980 “Toward a True Israeli-Palestinian There are many dedicated, hard- and would like to comment on Peace” (FSJ, May), contains perhaps working officers who are uncomfort- Claude Salhani’s article in the June the most partisan, pro-Israeli version able with current trends in U.S. for- issue, “Resolving the Palestinian of Middle East history I have ever eign policy but who are already past Question.” Much of this article is read. The ambassador’s claim that the the midpoint of their careers and are good analysis of the Israeli- Occupied Territories are actually not unwilling to voice open dissent in the Palestinian struggle. However, there “occupied,” but merely “disputed,” is current climate or to face the eco- is a glaring and significant misstate- preposterous, especially in light of nomic risks of resigning before they ment when the author puts the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s are eligible for retirement. That is blame primarily on the Palestinians recent proclamation that the “occupa- what makes the actions of the three for the non-resolution of this strug- tion” must end. Perhaps Amb. officers who resigned recently so gle. He quotes that old saw of Abba Kampelman should visit the Occupied courageous and, to my mind, praise- Eban: “The Palestinians have never Territories and explain to Palestinian worthy. missed an opportunity to miss an refugees who have suffered under Perhaps David should have con- opportunity.” This is as inaccurate as Israeli curfews, closures, travel restric- sulted more of his Foreign Service it is unhelpful. The real fact of the tions, checkpoints, arrests without colleagues, both active-duty and matter is that the Palestinians have trial and home demolitions that they retired, before launching his intem- seldom had any opportunity offered have not been living under military perate attack on those three brave to them. occupation these last 36 years. officers. On the contrary, for decades the I also find Amb. Kampelman’s Nicholas A. Stigliani United States looked on the claim that Arab nations should have FSO, retired Palestinian issue as a refugee prob- “absorbed” Palestinian refugees racist. Okinawa, Japan lem and denied there were any The insinuation here is that all Arabs Palestinian national rights. After the are the same, so why should they have Acts of Integrity PLO was formed, the U.S. and Israel the right to live where they choose? David T. Jones’ attack on the three refused to recognize it during the After the 1999 Kosovo conflict, no one FSOs who resigned over Iraq policy 1970s and 1980s. It was only when told the Kosovar refugees that they was both offensive and fatuous. The Israel dealt with the PLO in Oslo in should be “absorbed” into Albania and fact that they cut short their careers 1993 that it became possible for the Macedonia, and rightfully so. The on principle speaks for itself in answer Palestinians to have an ongoing rela- ambassador should recognize that to Jones’ libelous implication that they tionship with the United States. most refugees don’t want to be were “time-serving drones.” One may criticize the Palestinians “absorbed” into another country — To take the ultimate step of resign- for many errors, but one should not they want to have the right to return ing over policy disagreement short single them out as the reason for the to their homelands. years before retirement eligibility, as non-resolution of the Israeli- Finally, as Amb. Kampelman was the case with at least one of the Palestinian issue. That prize must at begins to analyze the current intifada, three, is an act of highest integrity, least be shared by the U.S. and he dubiously perpetuates the twin whether or not one agrees with their Israel. It is because of our failure to myths that Ehud Barak generously reasons. Brady Kiesling worked for deal properly with the Palestinians offered 95 to 97 percent of what the the government with passion and bril- since 1948 that the Arab and Muslim ambassador refers to as the liance, and his departure from our worlds have been so enraged at us. “Disputed” Territories during the ranks is a loss to mourn. Jones’ History would have been so much most recent Camp David talks, and attempt to besmirch the honor of different if we had dealt with the that Arafat rejected the generous offer those who resign over principle is con- Palestinians as generously as we have and instead launched the “terrorist temptible. dealt with the other party, Israel. intifada.” Mark Fitzpatrick Donald A. Kruse Nearly all recent accounts written FSO FSO, retired by those at the Camp David talks, Department of State LaGrange Park, Ill. including a piece in the New York

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE J OURNAL 7 L ETTERS

Times by Barak himself, indicate that with the visa process. Administrative can’t stand the tests involved, I do get what the Palestinians were offered officers and deputy chiefs of mission annual physicals. My prostate specif- was approximately 85 to 90 percent of should not control the resources avail- ic antigen blood test results were still the West Bank, only limited sover- able to consular managers. Consular within the normal range (0-4 mgs per eignty over water and airspace rights, systems should not be under the milliliter), although on the high side no control over its borders, and only a direct control of anyone but the con- (elevations in the PSA suggest cancer, kind of super-autonomy that would sular manager. Consular personnel but often are caused by an enlarged have left 80 percent of Israel’s settler must be fluent in the language(s) of prostate or infection). population firmly in place. Further- the applicants they are interviewing. On the advice of a State more, the highly regarded Mitchell Internal controls for processing appli- Department physician, I consulted a Commission Report found no evi- cations for visas must be up to the urologist, underwent a biopsy, and dence whatsoever that the intifada standards of the U.S. Mint. Work in discovered I had cancer. Luckily, it was a coordinated, pre-planned defense of our national security must appeared to be contained within the response to the breakdown in peace not be considered to be “down” in the prostate. After much research and talks. consular section. soul-searching, I decided to have my There will never be a true Israeli- Thomas R. Hutson prostate removed via a relatively new Palestinian peace so long as influen- FSO, retired procedure called laparoscopic radical tial people like Amb. Kampelman Thurman, Iowa prostatectomy and have been pleased persist in perpetuating myths that fuel with the results. I was able to return anger and misunderstanding between Now, for the rest of the story ... to work in less than three weeks after both sides. In the May Journal, I defended surgery with few side effects. David Seminara AFSA against retired FSO Thomas Mostly, I hope to impart the fol- FSO Hutson’s claims that AFSA didn’t lowing: get those yearly exams, ask Chicago, Ill. really “care” about consular affairs. I your doctor questions, keep tabs on replied that AFSA is exactly the your PSA numbers, and most impor- Consular Culture strong, independent union consular tantly, be informed. Please contact While some would advise me to let employees need. me at [email protected] if you sleeping dogs lie, I offer this response One of Hutson’s many uninformed would like information about the LRP to Louise Crane’s reply to my May let- statements was that AFSA did not procedure. ter. Louise Crane is indeed an ardent defend consular employees against Manuel Marroquin advocate for AFSA and its work on unfounded charges. Privacy laws pre- Contracting Officer behalf of the Foreign Service, but she vent me from providing specifics, but USAID clearly misread my intent. AFSA is delighted to report that one Washington, D.C. I am most concerned about the senior consular employee was com- “Foreign Service culture,” which rele- pletely exonerated of all charges with An Apology gates consular work to the realm of the help of capable AFSA lawyers. So On Feb. 6, following two months nonsubstantive endeavor. As long as much for Hutson’s doubting that of close cooperation with Diplomatic performing statutory functions is con- AFSA had taken a “robust” stand on Security and the Justice Department, sidered to be for those less talented or any individual case. I think he owes I entered a guilty plea in the U.S. less ambitious, there is little hope that AFSA an apology. Federal Courthouse in Washington, consular work will attract either the Louise Crane D.C. to the charge of one count of people or the resources needed to do AFSA State VP visa fraud. I was separated for cause the work the right way, and to meet from the Foreign Service, effective our critical responsibilities for our Get Checked Out Feb. 21. national security. After having a recent battle with I want to apologize to AFSA and to Let me be blunt. Junior officers prostate cancer, I wanted to write to all my former colleagues. I am should not be dragooned into manda- urge men over 50 to keep current extremely remorseful for my actions tory visa line chores as a “rite of with their physicals, particularly pay- in Prague. I am sorry from the bot- passage.” Foreign Service National ing attention to and understanding tom of my heart for my criminal con- employees should have nothing to do the prostate results. As much as I duct and for letting down my friends

8 FOREIGN SERVICE J OURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 L ETTERS

and colleagues, AFSA and the entire department. My actions in Prague were stupid, selfish and criminal. I am still strug- gling to understand what made me do what I did, after a lifetime spent on a straight and narrow path. I do know that I have to learn from my mistakes and strive to become a better person to have any hope of putting this awful incident behind me. The Foreign Service was in many ways a dream job for me, a constant source of pride and satisfaction, a good living for my family, and a chance for my children to see the world. I must now live with the daily knowledge that I not only ruined my career and my good name, but deprived my wife and two children of that security and global exposure. I would like to thank AFSA for its counsel and assistance during this dif- ficult time. I would also like to thank Diplomatic Security for treating me with professionalism and courtesy throughout the course of their investi- gation. Alex Meerovich Former FSO Note: Alexander Meerovich was sentenced on June 24 to 24 months in prison and fined $5,000. His sentence will be followed by a two-year term of supervised release. ■

Editor’s Note: As a follow-on to Bill Farrand’s July-August letter lamenting the upcoming closure of the Army Peacekeeping Institute, we report that while the July-August issue was being printed, the decision to close the facility was changed. Pentagon Spokeswoman Alison Bettencourt was quoted in the July 8 Washington Post (p. A12) stating that the Pentagon had decided “to put on hold its earlier decision” to close the Peacekeeping Institute and was now “reviewing its charter” in view of current circumstances.

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 9 CYBERNOTES

Alien Claims Tort Act: Help Over the past decade 26 cases have (www.usaengage.org), a pro-trade or Hindrance? been filed, half of which have been organization focusing on economic A recent court case highlights the dismissed outright and none of which sanctions, and the National Foreign controversy brewing around a 1789 has yet been decided in favor of the Trade Council (www.nftc.org), law originally intended to prosecute plaintiffs. another free-trade group, have filed acts of international piracy, which is In July, California’s Ninth Circuit amicus briefs asserting that such suits now being used by Human Rights Court of Appeals heard an appeal in harm American businesses and devel- advocates. The Alien Tort Claims the latest such case, one against oping countries by discouraging Act, or ACTA, gives American courts American energy giant Unocal in investment. jurisdiction over violations of U.S. connection with its pipeline project in Also opposed to a human rights laws and treaties committed outside Myanmar. Unocal is charged with interpretation of the law is Attorney the United States against foreign knowingly using slave labor to build General John Ashcroft, who filed a nationals. the pipeline. A year ago, a three- brief in the Unocal case advocating Since the U.S. is a signatory to var- judge panel found there was suffi- strong restrictions on the use of the ious pieces of international human cient evidence for Unocal to stand law for such cases (the brief is avail- rights law, claims have been brought trial. The California court went able at http://www.hrw.org/press/ against American multinationals ahead and set a September date for 2003/05/doj050803.pdf). operating abroad for supporting trial, though it did narrow the scope — Aster Grahn, Editorial Intern repressive regimes, or aiding and of the case. abetting human rights violations. For details on the Unocal case, Iran In Sites check out Unocal’s own Web site Though the drumbeat in Wash- (http://www.unocal.com/myan ington for another “regime change” mar/), as well as the Web site of the has at least temporarily subsided, Iran he existence of military International Labor Rights Fund isn’t likely to remain off the front strength and other forms (http://www.laborrights.org), a pages for long. The inevitable spin on of leverage are prime Washington-based NGO that has media discussion of this pivotal T been lead counsel in this and many of Middle Eastern nation, however, diplomatic assets; but, as the other suits under ACTA. The often makes it difficult to find out always, a global diplomacy is ILRF site has a summary of each of what is actually happening in Iran. the first line of defense, the for- the human rights cases brought Happily, there are a number of Web under ACTA and status reports on all sites that offer news, information and ward presence where our of them, as well as legal details of analysis on various aspects of this national interests in internation- each issue. Human Rights Watch energy-rich, complex and culturally al peace and justice may possi- also features the law on its Web site, distinctive country. with a background, Q&A, and history For background, the Library of bly be secured short of war. of some of the cases (http:// Congress has a comprehensive and — Former Secretary of State www.hrw.org/campaigns/atca/ detailed, yet readable, history of Iran George Shultz, accepting intro.htm). through the Khomeini revolution Human rights and labor groups (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/irtoc. AFSA’s Lifetime tend to see the ACTA as a valuable html). The CIA World Factbook is a Achievement Award, tool for bringing justice to the victims good source for up-to-date basics on June 26, 2003. of American corporate misdeeds the country (http://www.cia.gov/ abroad, but business and other groups cia/publications/factbook/geos/ir. view it differently. USA-Engage html), and the Department of

10 FOREIGN SERVICE J OURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 CYBERNOTES

Energy has a useful country analysis organization of its kind. The Middle offers only one piece of the puzzle brief on Iran (http://www.eia.doe. East News and Information Center at (www.iran.org). Active in Washing- gov/emeu/cabs/iran.html). the University of Texas has a Web site ton and California, but with an uncer- Strategic news on Iran from all containing a variety of links to Iran- tain presence in Iran, monarchist sources is presented every day, cate- related resources (http://menic. Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed gorized by issue and updated con- utexas.edu/menic/Countries_and_ shah, has his own Web site stantly, at the Iran Expert Web site Regions/Iran). (www.rezapahlavi.org). Similarly, (www.iranexpert.com). A more Detailed and authoritative informa- the militant and controversial group freewheeling site for news on Iran tion on Iran’s weapons of mass operating until recently out of Iraq, from the world press in English is destruction programs can be found at the People’s Mojahedin of Iran, or Iran News (http://payvand.com/ the Center for Nonproliferation MEK, has its own Web site news). For the Iranian government Studies’ Web site (http://cns.miis. (http://www.iran.mojahedin.org). view, the Iran Daily, an English-lan- edu/research/wmdme/iran.htm). guage paper in Tehran, is useful The Arms Control Association also More Selfless Surfing (www.iran-daily.com). For an inde- maintains updated documentary You can give money to charity for pendent Iranian view, there is the material, news and analysis of free, just by visiting a Web site and Iran Press Service (www.iran-press- WMD issues (www.armscontrol. clicking on a link. Several nonprofit service.com). org/country/Iran). organizations have found a way to For policy discussion and analysis, When it comes to tapping into the harness the power of advertising to click on “Iran” at the home page of the Iranian democratic movements, both turn empty Web space into funding Washington Institute for Near East within Iran and elsewhere, sources for good causes. When you click the Policy Web site (www.washington are more chaotic and less reliable. link, advertisements pop up; that institute.org). Or, look in “Policy The Iran Online “Newsroom,” for would normally be annoying, but Briefs” at the Web site of the Middle example, has an impressive list of these ads have a purpose. As with East Institute (www.mideasti.org/ links to political parties in Iran, but most Web sites, the revenue generat- html/briefs.html). Founded in 1946 many sites are outdated or links are ed from the advertising is based on with the view that the Middle East broken (http://www.iranonline. the number of people who see the would become key to the U.S., the com). The Foundation for Democracy ads. In this case, that revenue goes to Middle East Institute is the oldest in Iran Web site is lively, but clearly the good cause of your choice. The pioneer of the “free donation” strategy was The Hunger Site (www. 50 Years Ago... thehungersite.com), launched in 1999. Today, in addition to fighting hunger, it hosts similar links support- Even though the legislative body is assigned the ing free mammograms for underpriv- important fields of regulating foreign commerce, ileged women, pet adoption, pur- chase of rain-forest land for conserva- declaring war and raising and supporting armies, a tion, and donations to child health. strong president can usually force and direct its action even in these FreeDonation.com (www.freedon areas. ation.com) lets you donate to chari- ties fighting cancer, hunger, home- — Graham H. Stewart,“Who Makes Our Foreign Policy?,” FSJ, lessness, AIDS, and environmental September 1953. degradation, and supporting the arts and education. A click on The Birth

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 11 C YBERNOTES

Site gives a donation toward medical Site of the Month: Thomas care, parent training, or adoption http://thomas.loc.gov/ counseling for at-risk pregnant Every fall, as children head back to school and FS personnel settle into their women. A click on another site gives new postings, Congress slips back into Washington and gets to work again. money to educate women in develop- AFSA monitors congressional issues and debates from the Capitol, but now ing countries (www.twowings. there is a tool for those who can’t make it to the meetings, yet want to keep an or.at), and another will help protect eye on our legislative bodies. air quality (www.iwantcleanair. Thomas (named after Thomas Jefferson, whose picture graces the site) is a com). searchable database offered by the Library of Congress “to make federal leg- If you want to find sites for more islative information freely available to the Internet public.” The site is dedicat- or different charities, www.thenon- ed to databases of legislative documents, including current proposed bills, com- profits.com provides links to over 90 mittee reports, historical documents, and public and private laws passed since free donation sites. Most of these 1973, as well as a list of roll-call votes for both the House and Senate from 1990 Web sites also include online stores to the present. and appeals for direct donations. For Thomas conveniently allows different levels of search, by keyword/phrase or those who want to be sure their clicks by bill number. There is a section on legislation pertaining to terrorism or the won’t be wasted, One-Click Charity 9/11 attacks. The site also provides basic information on the legislative process, Check has verifications and evalua- addresses for legislators, and legislative schedules. One of the most useful fea- tions of the various sites and organi- tures is the “Bill Status and Summary” link, which gives all the basic information zations (http://kimberlychapman. about a bill, as well as links to its full text and other useful references. com/charitycheck/charitycheck. — Aster Grahn html). — Aster Grahn ■

THE REMINGTON

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SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE J OURNAL 13 SPEAKING OUT I Why I Resigned

BY JOHN BROWN

n March 10, 2003, I submit- because of the faulty policy it was ted my resignation from the My resignation was presenting in simplistic ways, was OForeign Service to the essentially failing to offset a growing anti- Secretary of State. Numerous fac- Americanism throughout the globe. tors led to this decision, but two a political statement, In mid-January, I witnessed the stood out. First, I believed that for I thought it was demonstrations in Washington President George W. Bush had against the impending war, and I failed to present a convincing case important that the agreed with many of the speakers to Americans and the world that media, both at home making a case against a conflict with massive force should be used and abroad, Iraq. The demonstrators them- against Iraq at this particular time. selves, serious but not solemn, came Second, I felt an obligation as an publicize my from a wide cross-section of the American to speak out against this decision. U.S., and represented, in my view, presidential failure to justify a ques- the best traditions of dissent in a tionable policy. democracy. I welcomed their slo- My doubts about the president’s gans — such as “stop weapons of war plans began in earnest last fall. mass distraction” — as a form of A Sept. 7, 2002, New York Times but rather crudely presented propa- mental relief from what I increasing- article, “Bush Aides Set Strategy to ganda: The constant repetition of ly considered the heavy-handed, Big Sell Policy on Iraq,” drew my special words and slogans (“weapons of Brother-like pronouncements of the attention. In it, White House chief mass destruction,” “regime change,” Bush administration. of staff Andrew Card Jr. said the “liberating the Iraqi people”), The eloquent Feb. 27 resignation administration had waited until after emphasized at some times and not letter of my Foreign Service col- Labor Day to kick off its plans to others for no clear reason; the demo- league John Brady Kiesling (whom persuade the public of the necessity nization of opponents of the war, I’d never met) likewise made a of war against Iraq because, “from a from Baghdad to Paris (at least the strong impression. “The policies we marketing point of view you don’t Vatican was spared); and the appeal are now asked to advance,” he wrote, introduce new products in August.” to atavistic emotions such as fear of “are incompatible not only with The idea of war as a product to be outsiders and shadowy enemies. American values but also with sold appalled me. The White House’s efforts to link the American interests. Our fervent Subsequent readings of press and tragedy of 9/11 with the need to pursuit of war with Iraq is driving us government statements, which I invade Iraq appeared to me espe- to squander the international legiti- examined extensively in preparation cially tortuous and strained. macy that has been America’s most for the course I was giving on public I was concerned but not sur- potent weapon of both offense and diplomacy at Georgetown University prised that this crude propaganda, defense since the days of Woodrow (as a faculty adviser on detail from which paid so little respect to the Wilson.” These words were among the department), failed to convince sensitivities of foreign audiences, the most articulate refutations of me of the administration’s argu- had failed to persuade the world, pre-emptive unilateralism that I had ments for war. Indeed, I felt they even our traditional allies. It was seen. were not coherent arguments at all, apparent that our public diplomacy, Continued on page 16

14 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 SPEAKING OUT II Why Dissent Is Important and Resignation Honorable

BY ANN WRIGHT

resigned from the Foreign In my cable, I noted that the Service on March 31, 2003, When one disagrees stated rationale for the administra- Ibecause I felt I could no longer strongly with an tion’s policy on Iraq changed literal- represent the policies of the current ly day by day, from hiding weapons administration. While the decision important policy of of mass destruction, to support for to undertake military operations in any administration, al-Qaida and other terrorists, to Iraq without United Nations in my view, Saddam’s massive human rights vio- Security Council authority was the lations against his own people. trigger for my resignation, I also had resignation is These are all issues of great con- serious concerns about many other an honorable cern, but none that, in my opinion, policies of the administration, such action to take. should trigger immediate military as its lack of effort to help resolve action. I also found it very difficult the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; its to glean information from our daily unwillingness (or inability) to seek a press guidance that could convince dialogue with North Korea concern- me, or anyone with whom I spoke, ing its nuclear program; and, even of the imminent need for the U.S. taking into account national security to go to war in Iraq. So I felt it was concerns, the unreasonable curtail- my professional obligation to set ment of civil liberties in the U.S. for or not, in the years to come because forth my concerns to senior policy- many of those under investigation, of our recent actions in Iraq and, makers. but not charged, for possible in- until very recently, the administra- Particularly because I was in the volvement in terrorist activities. tion’s lack of pressure on both sides field, the Dissent Channel was the In regard to the war with Iraq and to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian only on-the-record method available other Middle East-related issues, let conflict. to make my individual observa- me begin by acknowledging that — Contrary to David Jones’ assump- tions and concerns about possible as David Jones speculated in his tion in his commentary, however, I did reaction to our policies in the June “Speaking Out” column — I set out my concerns about the admin- Middle East known. Considering was never assigned to a post in that istration’s going to war with Iraq with- the Defense Department’s apparent volatile region. However, like most out U.N. Security Council authority dominance over our Iraq policy, I Americans, over the last 30 years I in a dissent cable to the State honestly did not expect my input to have observed and read about the Department before resigning. I did change policy, but I wanted State to reactions of many inhabitants of the so because, although I was not in the know there was at least one more area (particularly the young) to U.S. policy-making chain for any of the ini- Foreign Service officer who dis- policies concerning the area. I’ve tiatives with which I disagreed, I was agreed with the rush to war. also talked to many Foreign Service one of those responsible, by virtue of The department’s response to friends and colleagues who have my position in our embassy, for my Dissent Channel cable was thor- served there. On that basis, I feared explaining and defending the admin- ough but broke no new ground on (and still fear) that America will be istration’s policies to the host govern- the rationale for the need for immi- the target of many angry young Arab ment and its citizens, from whom the nent military action and did not and Muslim men and women, fairly U.S. wanted support. Continued on page 18

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE J OURNAL 15 S PEAKING O UT

Continued from page 14 over the planned conflict in Iraq, I The president’s press conference believe he would have done the same on March 6, in the wake of the The eloquent Feb. 27 thing. (I should note, since this col- administration’s failure to win the umn is something of an apologia pro support of the United Nations for resignation letter of my vita sua, that I escaped the Vietnam- the war, was the straw that broke the era draft in a way of which I am not camel’s back in making me decide to Foreign Service proud, by claiming a minor medical resign. Speaking to a docile media in problem. In deciding to resign from a faux-imperial White House setting, colleague John Brady the Foreign Service, I wanted to show red carpet and all, his scripted perfor- my opposition to another unjustified mance was a disastrous effort to Kiesling made a strong war in a more honorable way, perhaps explain why the United States should the result of my becoming older and attack Iraq at this time. Tom Shales, impression on me. perhaps a little wiser.) the intelligent TV commentator for For most of my 22-year career I The Washington Post, wondered if the served in Eastern Europe and Russia, president “may have been ever so and I’ve had the privilege to meet slightly medicated.” pendent person who couldn’t tolerate extraordinary persons who stood up After that debacle, I could not see parochial attitudes or slow-moving for cultural freedom and human rights myself continuing to work for the bureaucracies. In a wonderful article at great personal risk (and with the State Department, knowing that I had for the Foreign Service Journal pub- encouragement of the embassies for done nothing against a war that I now lished in June 1964 (recently reprinted which I worked). My resignation, of believed was totally unjustified. So I on the American Diplomacy Web course, in no way can be compared to sat in front of my computer for many site), he gave the following advice, their struggle for truth and justice, but hours to write a resignation letter. By which I think every junior officer (and as I think about my decision to leave March 10, I had had enough of staring not only those in the public diplomacy the State Department, I now realize at draft after draft on the monitor. I cone) should read: that I was influenced by the example realized that if I didn’t send the resig- “[N]o good cultural officer has ever of those dissidents more than I was nation letter I’d never be able to get had the illusion that the people he aware of at the time. This became down to serious work. So I submitted really should know will make an apparent to me when I received an e- it and immediately felt an enormous appointment to see him in his office. mail of support for my resignation sense of relief. Professional ‘friends of America’ may from the editor of a Belgrade opposi- — but few others. He must seek them tion daily, Nasha Borba, whom I had Personal Factors out himself. Only then can he start come to know quite well during my I write these words in June, more operating in terms of people he knows tour in Serbia from 1995 to 1998. I than three months since I resigned, and of places he’s been, and of situa- was delighted — and proud — to hear and in hindsight I’ve identified addi- tions he has experienced. No amount from him. tional circumstances that led, indirect- of theoretical knowledge can replace Finally, I realize now that as a for- ly and perhaps subconsciously, to that such contact with concrete reality. mer USIA employee I never really felt decision. These have to do with my Like Léon-Paul Fargue, he should opt fully “at home” in the new setting of family background, where I’ve served for ‘l’intelligence qui mange de la Foggy Bottom. It is a much bigger in the Foreign Service, and my career viande,’ that can observe the shape of and more anonymous bureaucracy as a United States Information Agency roofs and the color of skies and can than my prior agency, consolidated officer. seize the importance of such things in into the State Department in 1999 My father, John L. Brown, who understanding people and communi- with, I believe, only limited success, in died last November (he did not like cating with them. For he must under- part because State’s slower administra- the mushy term “pass away”), was a stand … before he can convince.” tive procedures are not always appro- great influence on me. He served in (My emphasis) priate for public diplomacy field work. Paris, Brussels, Rome and Mexico My father was against the war in Moreover, I sensed that my profound City as cultural attaché and counselor Vietnam long before I ever was as a interest in culture, a crucial element in in the 1950s and 1960s. A poet and college student. As I look back on my public diplomacy, was not a priority at literary critic, he was a fiercely inde- decision to leave the Foreign Service the State Department, although State

16 FOREIGN SERVICE J OURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 S PEAKING O UT MARKETPLACE Web access to major advertisers. Go to www.afsa.org Click on Marketplace tab on the marquee officers often show a great personal master, priest or senator, and remain interest in the arts. fit for anything else. All the dogmatic stations in life have the effect of fixing Speculation About Motives a certain stiffness of attitude forever.” I received about 250 e-mails in • You didn’t resign, you retired. I Bukkehave response to my resignation from checked on this with my federal retire- www.bukkehave.com friends, colleagues and unknown per- ment benefits specialist, and he con- sons throughout the world. Only a firmed that per my letter of March 10, Charles Smith Corp. Living handful were negative, but those did I had, in fact, resigned — and that I www.smithliving.com raise, explicitly or implicitly, some reser- was entitled, much to my relief, to my Clements International vations that I sense some of my col- annuity. In all honesty, when I drafted www.clements.com leagues harbor about the motivations my letter of resignation, I simply Diplomatic Auto Sales behind my resignation. So I would like thought I was quitting and at that time www.diplosales.com to end by responding to the following did not make fine distinctions assumptions about my motives: between retirement and resignation. Executive Club Suites • You quit because you didn’t have Blame my USIA background for this www.execlubdc.com a job (at the State Department). After bureaucratic insouciance! Georgetown Suites my Georgetown assignment I was slat- • You just wanted to make a splash. www.georgetownsuites.com ed to work for the Historian’s Office as There is a strong element of truth in an editor of a joint U.S.-Russian publi- this. My resignation was essentially a Intelsat cation of historical documents pertain- political statement, for I thought it was www.intelsat.com ing to the détente period. This project important that the media, both at Harry Jannette International was an exciting one for me, as I home and abroad, publicize my deci- www.jannetteintl.com received my Ph.D. in Russian history sion. In this way, I believed, my fellow Hirshorn Company, The and (before joining the Foreign Americans and the rest of the world — www.hirshorn.com Service) worked as an editor on a U.S.- so critical of the United States for its Soviet documentary volume, The war plans against Iraq — would Laughlin Management Establishment of Russian-American become aware that at least one more www.century21laughlin.com Relations, 1765-1815. U.S. diplomat was against a senseless Long & Foster • You quit because you had a job military adventure that elicited the www.simunek.com lined up (outside the State Depart- condemnation of many countries. ment). No, I did not have anything in One final comment: I am still con- Oakwood www.oakwood.com the works at the time, but I recently vinced that our invasion of Iraq was found part-time work on a project per- unjustified, despite premature claims Remington taining to my interest in Russia and that it was a “victory,” but I do hope www.remington-dc.com cultural exchanges that I had heard that the U.S. will make the best of a SDFCU about before I announced my resigna- bad situation. ■ www.sdfcu.org tion. • You quit because you were John Brown, a former public diploma- State Plaza already on your way out of the cy Foreign Service officer, served in www.stateplaza.com Service. True, as an FE-OC, I was London, Prague, Krakow, Kiev, WJDManagement near the end of my time-in-grade and Belgrade, Moscow and Washington, www.wjdpm.com thus near retirement (assuming that I D.C., between 1981 and 2003. would not be promoted), but in other Currently a non-resident associate at circumstances I would have been glad the Institute for the Study of to continue at the department for as Diplomacy at Georgetown University, long as possible, if only for financial he is working (under contract with For more information reasons. Still, now that I have entered Praeger Publishers) on a book on pro- about advertisers in the Journal go to: a new phase of life, I recall the words paganda and U.S. foreign policy. www.afsa.org/marketplace of Henry Adams: “No man, however An earlier version of this article strong, can serve 10 years as school- appeared in The Moscow Times.

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE J OURNAL 17 S PEAKING O UT

Continued from page 15 respect and admiration for the val- lessen my disagreement. However, ues you’ve articulated and the the channel served its purpose in I would encourage those courage you’ve displayed. As princi- allowing me to offer my comments pal officer in [XX] , I find that what and suggestions and to get an who have serious has traditionally been a strongly pro- acknowledgement of my concerns American community is now over- from the senior levels of the depart- disagreements with any whelmingly alienated and enraged ment. I would certainly encourage by our foreign policy. Your example those who have serious disagree- specific U.S. foreign is a sign of principled opposition and ments with any specific U.S. foreign is in the finest tradition of the policy to let our senior policy- policy to use the Dissent Foreign Service.” makers know through this appar- • “Resignation in the face of poli- ently infrequently used channel, Channel, as I did. cies with which we disagree is a if necessary. proud tradition in the Foreign Following my dissent cable, I Service. Although I’m very sorry the continued to hope that the adminis- Service will lose you, I want to thank tration would not take military you for carrying on that tradition.” action against Baghdad without • “I just heard about your resig- explicit U.N. Security Council sons who also had grave misgivings nation and want to applaud you for authorization. But once President about the war in Iraq asked me if I your principles and courage to stand Bush gave Saddam Hussein “48 felt they should also resign. I’ve told up for your beliefs. I share your hours to get out of Iraq,” it was obvi- each of them that everyone has her views on the Iraq war. I have great ous the administration had no inten- or his own comfort level of accom- concerns about America’s image and tion of working further within the modation to policies in each admin- Americans’ future ability to work international community — includ- istration. There have been policies safely in development and humani- ing with many of our traditional over which others in the Foreign tarian assistance.” allies — to address their legitimate Service wrote dissent cables and • “I, and many of my peers, share concerns and broaden the base of ultimately resigned — and I did not. your position re: our country’s for- support for our actions in Iraq. On the issue of the timing of military eign policy. What is frightening to Once that realization sank in, I knew action in Iraq, I felt I had to resign. me is the utter fear of expressing a I could not defend or represent the My turn had come. dissenting opinion, for fear of losing administration’s order for immediate I have been heartened in my a much-needed job — especially in military action. decision by over 400 e-mails and light of the state of the economy.” telephone calls from those in the • “I read your resignation letter An Honorable Course Foreign Service, active-duty and and was much moved by all you said, When one disagrees so strongly retired, from employees of other but especially by what you’re doing. with an important policy of any U.S. and international agencies and The Service is the poorer for losing administration, in my view, resigna- many persons I’ve never met, from you, but you’re showing an example tion is an honorable action to take. America and other countries. I of putting your money, and your While I would not, of course, have believe the responses are useful in career, where others only put their undermined policy had I stayed in illuminating aspects of what is mouths.” the Foreign Service and “waited involved in dissenting from a partic- • “I’ve had numerous inquiries out” the administration, I felt it ular U.S. foreign policy and making from retired colleagues as well, who would have been unfair to my col- the choice to resign from the are in admiration of your courageous leagues and to the government I Foreign Service over it. (I have and moral stance, irrespective of have served for so long, both as a sol- omitted specific posts and other whether they agree with each ele- dier and a diplomat, to continue rep- information from these excerpts to ment of your letter. The tone and resenting my country while holding protect the identities of those who substance strike a positive and con- such opinions. wrote to me.) structive chord for the post-conflict Since my resignation, several per- • “Please know that you have my debate that is both needed and

18 FOREIGN SERVICE J OURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 S PEAKING O UT

inevitable and to which I believe you tiny of a nation — or perhaps two. War College and was a Pearson can make a significant contribution.” As I write, it’s been three months Fellow in the office of the governor of Notwithstanding these expres- since I resigned, and I do not regret Hawaii. She received the State sions of support, I am well aware my decision. However, while I have Department’s Award for Heroism for that there are some, not only outside now left the Foreign Service, I want her work as charge d’affaires for lead- the Foreign Service but even within to wish good luck to my former col- ing the evacuation of a large part of its ranks, who regard any disagree- leagues in representing America in the international community from ment or even a call for continued these challenging times! ■ Sierra Leone in 1997. discussion on policies to be insubor- Prior to joining the Foreign dinate, even unpatriotic. But to me, Ann Wright was an FSO from 1987 Service, Ms. Wright was in the U.S. our country is stronger precisely until 2003, when she resigned from Army/Army Reserves and partici- because it stands for free speech and the Service while serving as Deputy pated in civil reconstruction after dialogue and protection of the rights Chief of Mission in Ulaanbaatar. She military operations in Grenada and of all. America becomes weaker if was also DCM in Sierra Leone, Somalia. She attained the rank of we discourage a diversity of ideas Micronesia and (for a short time) colonel during 26 years of military and opinions, particularly when the Afghanistan, and had assignments in service. policies in question call for military Somalia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Ms. Wright now lives in Honolulu action that inherently results in loss Grenada, Nicaragua and Washington, and plans to remain active in inter- of life, and could determine the des- D.C. She also attended the Naval national affairs.

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE J OURNAL 19 F OCUS ON FS SPECIALISTS

FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALISTS: EDITOR’S INTRODUCTION

s some of you know, I was a Foreign Officers are “Public Diplomacy’s Secret Weapon” (p. 28), Service officer from 1985 to 1997. A and Diplomatic Courier Barbara Jacquin gives us an callow youth fresh out of graduate insider’s account of what it takes to keep those all-impor- school, I was never overly concerned tant pouches moving (“That’s Classified!” p. 31). with status. From my first post Then Shawn Dorman, our AFSA News editor, profiles (Mexico City) on, I tried to treat all my Regional Medical Officer Dr. Brooks Taylor (p. 32). Acolleagues, whatever their rank, cone or specialization, as Craig Cloud offers us “A Security Engineering Officer’s professionals worthy of respect and courtesy. Point of View” (p. 34), and veterinarian Karen Sliter But I also have to admit that during my 12-year FS recalls how she and her colleagues in the Animal and career, I never learned much about what Foreign Service Plant Health Inspection Service (the Department of specialists actually do, or even gave them much thought Agriculture’s quarantine agency) responded to an out- — except when I needed assistance, of course. And once break of foot-and-mouth disease in Great Britain two my voucher had been processed, my cable had gone out, years ago (p. 36). or my computer was fixed, I quickly returned to my com- Next, we feature three articles contributed by Office fortable cocoon of ignorance. Management Specialists. Linda O’Brien shows us Reading the responses of specialists to our call for con- “Office Management Specialists: On the Move” (p. 38); tributions to this issue leads me to conclude that I was far Llywelyn C. Graeme details “The Evolution of the OMS from unique in that regard. Indeed, it seems that many Function” (p. 40); and Linda Ingalls shares her enthusi- FSOs today could offer similar “true confessions” about asm for Foreign Service life (“Give Me Technicolor … their own relations with specialists (or FSNs or Civil Any Day!” p. 42). Service employees, for that matter). We then turn to a set of articles focusing on some of So perhaps it should not come as a surprise that, to the the many facets of Information Management work. Brian best of my knowledge, the Foreign Service Journal has Coen leads off with thoughts on “The Life of Foreign never before devoted an entire issue to consideration of Service Specialists” (p. 43), which Brian Chamberlain the wide-ranging professional and personal issues that describes as “Separate and Unequal” (p. 46). Ruth Mara, affect Foreign Service specialists. In fact, when I went Cynthia Borys and Marge Melun tell us what Information through the past decade’s worth of the Journal looking for Resource Officers do (p. 47). William Potter urges his fel- articles and columns by, or about, specialists as part of our low Information Management Specialists overseas to research for this issue, I was dismayed by how little I “Stand Up and Be Counted” (p. 49), and Joe Cole found. recounts an on-the-job adventure, “Assisting Anti- It is our hope, therefore, that this month’s FSJ will Poaching Efforts in Chad” (p. 53). shed light on the world of FS specialists and facilitate an Last, but certainly not least, we are pleased to present ongoing dialogue with generalists, both within these a roundup of vignettes and short commentaries (p. 55) pages and throughout the Foreign Service itself. contributed in response to our appeal for insights into the Bob Guldin (my predecessor as Journal editor) leads life of Foreign Service specialists. These run the gamut off our coverage with an overview of the main personal from positive and not-so-positive memories to lessons and professional issues FS specialists face, beginning on learned (and not) and proposals for change. In fact, we the facing page. We follow that with a set of articles high- received so many responses that we will run more next lighting some of the less well-known FS specializations. month. William Ancker tells us how Regional English Language — Steven Alan Honley, Editor

20 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 F OCUS ON FS SPECIALISTS

A TOUCH OF CLASS: THE WORLD OF FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALISTS Connie McClennans

THE STATE DEPARTMENT INSISTS FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALISTS ARE ON THE SAME TEAM AS ALL OTHER EMPLOYEES. BUT ARE THEY? “ BY BOB GULDIN

e enjoy the work, we love seeing the world, we’re proud to serve our country — but we hate getting treated like second-class citizens.” That’s the strong, consistent message that the Foreign Service Journal heard fromW FS specialists who responded to our call for input from specialists in the field. But before delving into the joys and sorrows of the life of Foreign Service specialists, let's get an overview of where they work and what they do. Foreign Service specialists work in U.S. government posts around the world. There are almost 4,500 specialists

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 21 F OCUS

in the employ of the Department of State, as well as written exam. Rather, their qualifications are scored by much smaller numbers in the U.S. Agency for an evaluation panel, and acceptable candidates are International Development and the Foreign brought in for an oral examination geared to the particu- Agricultural Service. lar specialization. Wherever they work, Foreign Service specialists do a The Foreign Service grades of entering specialists great variety of jobs — some highly professional, like doc- have steadily increased over the years. One IMS recalls tors and psychiatrists, and others more technical and that in 1990, IMSs generally entered the service at FP- administrative (like the many who keep computers and 8 or 9; now they enter at the 05 level, “a vast differ- communications equipment running). By far the largest ence.” Susan Struble, director of the assignments divi- categories of State Department specialists are sion at HR, says that HR’s analysis of the job content Diplomatic Security, Information Management, and “determines the maximum grade for a given skill code.” Office Management Specialists. (See the table on p. 26 Specialists are in most cases subject to the same prac- for a full count of State’s specialist categories and num- tices that govern Foreign Service officers. Specialists bers.) USAID Foreign Service specialists include econo- have rank in person, are subject to worldwide availability, mists, contracting officers and lawyers, while those and are governed by “up or out” rules. Each specializa- employed by the Foreign Agricultural Service are veteri- tion functions more or less as its own “cone.” After 20 narians. years of service, specialists age 50 or older may leave. As part of its Diplomatic Readiness Initiative, the “You can cash in and take your annuity,” says Gloria Junge State Department for the past two years has emphasized of State’s Human Resources Bureau, the career develop- recruiting, of both Foreign Service specialists and gener- ment chief for entry-level specialists. alists, above attrition levels to make up for severe hiring Time-in-class and time-in-service rules also apply, shortfalls in the 1990s. Thanks to the clout of Secretary though Junge says the TIC period is longer for specialists Colin Powell with the administration and Congress, the than for FSOs. Many specialists stay with State for 25 or number of new-hire FS specialists has increased by 30 years, or even longer. Specialists may join the Service around 600 since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2001, with from ages 21 to 59, and must retire at 65 (57 for DS more continuing to be hired. agents). Over the past three years, the retention rates for In earlier years, the department often suffered from both specialists and generalists have averaged 95 to 96 shortfalls in key personnel categories, but that’s no longer percent. The voluntary retirement rates for that period true. Director General Ruth Davis, who responded via averaged 2.9 percent for specialists and 2.1 percent for e-mail to questions from the Journal, said the department generalists. “had basically completed our specialist hiring for Fiscal While most specialists join and stay within a given Year 2003 by May, five months before the year ended.” specialization throughout their careers, the service also One Information Management Specialist who has provides several ways in which specialists can change been at State since 1990 says that information technolo- career paths. One is the Functional Specialist gy hiring has drastically improved, partially because of Program, which permits specialists within certain areas “very dynamic” leadership within the IT sector at State. to achieve upward mobility within the specialist ranks. “This is the first time the IMS group has been fully In this sought-after program, Office Management staffed,” he says. In the accounting field, the downturn Specialists, Information Management Specialists and in corporate America has helped State hire highly quali- Diplomatic Couriers train for one year and then move fied and experienced FMOs. into a new specialization such as Human Resources or Financial Management. Foreign Service Rules In addition, specialists may do excursion tours over- Unlike generalists, candidates seeking to join the seas in hard-to-fill FSO skill groups, which can be a step Foreign Service as specialists do not take a standardized toward specialist-to-generalist conversion. Moreover, since the early 1970s, the Mustang program has permit- Bob Guldin, a former Journal editor, is now a free-lance ted specialists to compete for appointments as junior writer and editor in the Washington, D.C. area. Foreign Service officer career candidates. Plus, as the

22 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 F OCUS

director general of the FS tells the Specialists are in most all these years, a soldier will finally Journal, many specialists have taken make it home and a family will have the Foreign Service exam “and are cases subject to the closure. It was a great experience,” he now serving as successful Foreign tells the Journal. Service officers at all grade levels and same practices that Specialists also seem to have most- in all cones.” ly — but not entirely — positive reac- Promotion possibilities for special- govern Foreign Service tions to the changes Secretary Powell ists vary a great deal from one special- has brought to the department. Says ization to the next. Office Manage- officers. Nanette Krieger, a 28-year veteran ment Specialists usually enter at grade with DS, “He’s gotten us resources, FP-6, while Financial Management upgraded the technology. It needed to Officers enter at FP-3. Twelve of the 20 specialist groups be done.” But some specialists noted that under Powell have the possibility of promotion to the Senior Foreign many military veterans have joined the service — and Service. those are people who are used to following orders, not A number of the specialists who spoke with or wrote asking questions. One FMO, whose job includes asking to the Foreign Service Journal for this article identified pointed questions about money matters, fears that the themselves as members of the Administrative and influx of ex-military employees may lead to a more com- Technical (commonly known as “A&T”) staff within the pliant service. Foreign Service. Similarly, an Office Management Whether they are specialists or generalists, Foreign Specialist wrote the Journal to say that “the department Service employees share a number of burdens and wor- refuses to delink the FS office managers from the Civil ries. One specialist writes that he spends too much time Service clerical field, which is the excuse they give us away from his family, and that the insecure international on why we cannot move up the promotion ladder.” But environment “weighs heavy on the minds of families.” career development officers at State assure us that no The hours can be very long, and specialists report that such categories exist — an indication of how the spe- their supervisors discourage them from filing for over- cialists’ view from the field often differs radically from time pay, even when they are legally entitled to it. (This the department’s official perspective. sometimes applies to generalists and FSNs as well.) “I don’t even want to waste my time figuring out how much Proud to Serve time I’m giving away,” writes one specialist. While FS specialists have plenty of gripes, many also In addition, the bureaucratic nature of State gets some feel very pleased with aspects of the job. In particular, specialists down. “The State Department is bureaucrat- several cite the opportunity to serve their country. ic, hierarchical and compartmentalized,” one FMO tells Many specialists also love living in other countries. the Journal. “In the private sector, there’s a fusion Others mentioned the extensive benefits of the Foreign between accounting and IT. But State forces a division. Service: no housing costs when overseas; college loans It needs to start thinking in 21st-century terms.” repaid; generous leave (including home leave); and, of course, a good retirement system. R-E-S-P-E-C-T Lisa Harshbarger, a Regional English Language The complaint specialists voice most prominently and Officer in Tashkent, says, “Overall, this position is ideally emphatically is a pervasive lack of respect — both from suited to my background.” (She’s taught abroad for individual FSOs and from the department as an organi- years.) “I’m having a great time, and look forward to zation. The phrase “second-class citizen” crops up time working all over the world in this type of job.” and again. While specialists were glad to acknowledge Other specialists write that their work can be very that some FSOs do relate to specialists as equals, many meaningful to them at times. David McCrane, a first- more felt that such treatment was the exception. tour IMS based in Ho Chi Minh City, recently helped a One IMS tells of joining State after serving as a team discover the remains of two U.S. airmen shot down major in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. There, he says, “I during the Vietnam War. “It’s hard to imagine that after was proud of the title ‘communicator,’ which the mili-

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 23 F OCUS

While FS specialists tary considers a distinguished profes- An example of how hard it is to talk sion. ... It quickly became obvious have plenty of gripes, about this topic appears in the director during my first tour that this was not general’s response to an FSJ question. the case in the State Department, many also feel very We asked what the Service could do where the title is viewed as some- about “perceptions of unequal treat- where equivalent to ‘janitorial staff.’” pleased with aspects of ment” by specialists, or about special- Another IMS believes that, “Until the ists’ sense of being second-class citi- ambassador/DCM/MGT change their the job. zens. perspectives (e.g., stop referring to us Director General Davis responded as knuckle-dragging communicators), by e-mail: “I cannot accept the premise nothing will change.” of your questions. How many visas could we issue if our A Financial Management Officer, who is also a CPA, computer systems were down? How many démarches remarks about FSO perceptions of specialists, “They see could we make if there were not adequate security at our you as clerks. It’s bizarre, like the 19th century.” embassies? Each of us, specialists no less than general- According to specialists’ accounts, these attitudes are ists, has a vital role to play in the development and exe- displayed both professionally and socially. One IMS — cution of U.S. foreign policy. We are all interdependent. who, by the way, says he has had great experiences in the We are all members of the Secretary’s ‘One Team; One Foreign Service — describes an incident at his first post. Mission.’” He was in line at the commissary, and was speaking with Nanette Krieger — who’s about to retire after 28 years an FSO, who asked him what he did. as a DS specialist and who therefore is quite willing to He said, “I’m an IMS.” “Oh, a specialist,” she speak her mind — laughed when asked whether there replied. “And then she wouldn’t talk to me anymore,” was a class system in the Foreign Service. “Of course the IMS says. (Like most of the specialists who spoke there is,” she said. “Political and econ officers are the top or wrote to the Journal, this person spoke on condition class, then consular and admin, then specialists, then of anonymity.) FSNs, then your household help at the bottom.” Another IMS tells the Journal, “I was never even for- The difference between the two responses — Davis’ mally introduced to our ambassador, although I have had and Krieger’s — is instructive. One is forced to ask how conversations with him, obviously. No courtesy for me or the State Department can work on remedying a problem my role.” if it is not willing to acknowledge its existence. One indication of how pervasive the bias is is that even An Unspoken Class Divide feminist activists — people working to change long- The more one listens to this category of complaints, standing and unfair State Department practices — forgot the clearer it becomes that the underlying issue is class. the specialists. Krieger recalls that when the Women’s Unfortunately, that’s a topic most Americans are still very Action Organization filed a class action suit over what uncomfortable discussing. We have learned how to talk were perceived to be sexist State Department practices, about race and gender and even sexual orientation, but they eventually won their case — but the class action class remains an extraordinarily difficult topic — most relief pertained only to FSOs. likely because it appears to contradict American ideals of Krieger asked one of the women who had initiated the democracy and equality. suit why the complaint had not covered female specialists This contradiction is especially sharp in the world of too. “We never thought of you,” she admitted. diplomacy, which until the mid-20th century was domi- At the same time, Gloria Junge of HR emphasizes that nated by the “upper crust,” and which still retains traces Secretary Powell feels strongly that all State Department of that social milieu. At the diplomatic receptions of employees are worthy of respect. She cites a recent inci- yore, the coachmen and couriers were not invited to dent in which the Secretary was scheduled to swear in a attend. But how does that play out in the 21st century, new cohort of specialists but was running late, so another when the modern-day messengers have master’s degrees official performed the ceremony. When Powell arrived, and expect to be treated equally? he insisted on personally swearing in the group a second

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time, as a way to show the value he The complaint specialists At the other end of the scale, placed on the new specialists. Office Management Specialists voice most prominently and Information Management A Bill of Particulars Specialists seem to feel the prob- The problem of lack of respect is and emphatically is a lem of disrespect particularly not felt uniformly across the spe- keenly, citing the continued use of cialist ranks. Two small specializa- pervasive lack of respect. outdated terms like “secretaries” tions — Information Resource and “communicators.” As first- Officers and Regional English tour IMS David McCrane writes, Language Officers — seem to feel that they are given “The term ‘communicators’ conjures up images of ‘bag- their due. That may well be because specialists in draggers’ and telegraph operators.” And OMSs who those two fields have an unusual degree of autonomy contacted the Journal described real dissatisfactions and have their own professional credentials. IROs are with low-graded positions and limited promotion generally trained librarians with master of library sci- opportunities. DG Davis, however, points out that a ence degrees, and RELOs are highly skilled teachers. number of OMS positions, including those for career In addition, long-time RSO Krieger points out that development officers and FSI instructors, have recent- attitudes toward Diplomatic Security agents have ly been upgraded from FP-4 to FP-3. changed substantially since Sept. 11, 2001. “Since Nevertheless, a clear majority of the specialists (rep- 9/11, nobody calls me paranoid. People tend to come resenting a variety of FS niches) who spoke with this to us now.” FSJ reporter or wrote to the Journal cited numerous

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work practices that made them feel that they were per- There are also economic ramifications. Specialists ceived as second-class members of the Foreign Service: not on the Dip List have to pay host-country taxes (like • Exclusion from the Diplomatic List for most value-added tax in the E.U.); are often unable to bring specialists at most overseas posts. The consequences in a nanny from a third country; are prohibited from of this lack of diplomatic status include: less clout in deal- bringing in a second car; and face greater restrictions in ing with host country officials; vulnerability to police importing and exporting consumer goods. This exclu- harassment and demands for bribes; and lack of immu- sion from economic benefits weighs particularly heavily nity in case of legal problems. One specialist who had on lower-paid specialists and their families. Adding to curtail early from a post for family reasons was sued insult to injury, some IMSs note that even though they for breach of contract by his landlord for $250,000. The are not on the Dip List, they typically are considered embassy told him they couldn’t help him with his legal essential personnel and are among the last to leave a problem, but “if you were an FSO we could help you.” post during an emergency. Back in Washington, State’s Office of the Legal Adviser • Lack of professional status at post. While told him the same thing. practice varies from post to post, few specialists (other than Regional Security Officers) are regularly invited to Foreign Service Specializations country team meetings. While ambassadors and other senior managers often hold meetings at post for junior Specialist Skill Group...... Total officers, such meetings are rarely, if ever, held for spe- Financial Management Officer ...... 170 cialists. Specialists are seldom invited to post functions Human Resources Officer ...... 84 and receptions (though as a couple of respondents General Services Officer...... 221 noted, those who ask to attend usually are permitted to Information Management Specialist ...... 791 do so). Cash awards for outstanding performance are Information Management Technical Specialist ...... 170 given less frequently to specialists than to officers and Information Technology Manager ...... 245 when they are conferred, the amounts are generally Diplomatic Courier ...... 94 smaller. Psychiatrist ...... 15 Veteran IM specialists observe that they are almost Diplomatic Security Special Agent ...... 1,215 never called upon to serve as acting admin officer, no Security Engineering Officer...... 189 matter how well-qualified they are to do so. Similarly, Security Technical Specialist ...... 54 even a very experienced FMO may be officially under Construction Engineer ...... 59 the supervision of a junior FSO, and may have a lesser Facilities Maintenance Specialist ...... 158 title (attaché vs. second secretary). Finally, FSOs have a English Language Officer ...... 22 commission from the president which is confirmed by Information Resource Officer...... 28 the Senate — specialists do not. One HR official tells Medical Officer ...... 37 the Journal, “It’s [just] a piece of paper you can hang on Medical Technologist ...... 9 your wall,” but some specialists still resent not having Health Practitioner ...... 64 one. Printing Specialist...... 7 • Specialists’ physical workspace and equipment Office Management Specialist ...... 816 is often substandard, especially when compared Miscellaneous ...... 25 with that of FSOs. This is especially irksome to IMS Total ...... 4,473 personnel, who sometimes have to share desks and even Note: The State Department employs 20 categories of specialists, computers. One IMS reports that his post is building a listed above. It only recruits for 19, however, because Information new consulate building, providing an individual office to Technology Managers are promoted from within the department. each FSO, including extra rooms for expansion. USAID and the Foreign Agricultural Service also employ a few Meanwhile, he reports, “there will be two desks for four Foreign Service specialists. full-time direct-hire Americans” in “two small offices.” — Bob Guldin • Training opportunities vary enormously. Some specialists are very pleased with the training they’ve

26 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 F OCUS

received at the National Foreign AFSA has worked hard Specialist. Both awards recognize Affairs Training Center and else- exemplary contributions to Foreign where, but others tell a different to overcome the Service effectiveness, professional- story. One long-time FMO says, ism and morale. “I’ve never had any language train- perception among In 2002, AFSA adopted as a goal ing, ever,” while noting that language expanding promotion opportunities skills can be very useful for FMOs specialists that it is for FS specialists. It also lobbied who need to check invoices and Secretary Powell successfully to use other host-country documents. An- mainly interested in his influence so that specialists are other FMO new to the service and now eligible to join the United going to his first post, Sanaa, had to FSOs’ issues. Services Automobile Association, fight fiercely to get even “the short which provides banking, insurance seven-week course in survival and other services. Arabic. And you really need Arabic here.” • Limited promotion opportunities. A highly Equal Rights for Specialists? competent specialist can hit the “glass ceiling” for his or Despite the impressive list of grievances, slights and her job skill, and may be stuck at FP-2 for 15 years. complaints, most Foreign Service specialists do enjoy • Certain specialists may be disliked for doing their work and value their careers and the accompanying their jobs. Until 9/11, DS agents and RSOs were often benefits. resented for enforcing intrusive security measures. And As one OMS wrote, “Where else but the Foreign FMOs, many of whom are CPAs with a strong sense of Service will computer and office management skills take professional responsibility, are resented for carefully you around the world?” In addition, specialists say that scrutinizing post finances — which is what they are paid they have encountered many supportive and respectful to do. As one experienced FMO says, “Any FMO who DCMs and admin officers who have been a pleasure to leaves a mess behind is never ‘dinged’ professionally — work with. The camaraderie that develops among spe- he still gets a glowing evaluation. Conversely, cleaning cialists is another important plus for the job. up a mess will annoy post management.” Regarding the question of status and respect, a num- ber of specialists, including several in Information AFSA and Specialists Resources Management, have come to the conclusion AFSA, of course, is the designated collective bargain- that it’s up to the specialists to raise their voices and ing agent for all Foreign Service employees, both spe- demand better treatment (for example, asking to come cialists and generalists. How well does it do in repre- to post events they want to attend). senting specialists? It may also mean education — to help FSOs and oth- The association has certainly been making an effort to ers understand better exactly what the specialists at their overcome the longstanding perception among specialists post do. As one IMS puts it, FSOs “adopt a standoffish (cited by several people who commented to the Journal approach to us because they really and truly don’t know for this article) that it is mainly interested in FSOs’ why we’re here.” This person suggests that “from A-100 issues. Nearly half of AFSA’s current active-duty FS to the Senior Seminar, specialist issues and activities members are specialists, and new hires join AFSA at should be discussed in fine detail so everyone has a clear about the same rate as generalists do. understanding of the contributions being made by all Substantively as well, AFSA has been increasing personnel at post.” efforts to recognize specialists’ accomplishments and act One experienced IMS says that he tells those new to on their behalf. Every June, AFSA’s Awards Committee the service, “Don’t let your dignity ever be disparaged. designates one or more specialists to receive its Tex You cannot take a back seat — you have to move for- Harris Award, given annually for constructive dissent by ward.” Or, as another IMS says, “Treat me as an equal an FS specialist, and the Delavan Award recognizes player on the team, because what I have to offer is of extraordinary performance by an Office Management value.” ■

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 27 F OCUS ON FS SPECIALISTS

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY’S “SECRET WEAPON”: RELOS

BY WILLIAM ANCKER

ho in the embassy trav- they plan and implement exchanges and other programs els most frequently, targeted to government officials, education administra- meets the most local tors, professors, teachers, and students from the public citizens, and has the and private sectors in the host country. Their Washington widest and deepest home is the Office of English Language Programs reach into local society? (ECA/A/L). Currently there are 24 RELOs: 15 overseas, You might be tempted four in Washington, three on excursion tours as cultural to answer “The ambas- affairs officers, and two in training at NFATC. sador, of course,” but in some countries it could be the As specialists, RELOs bring specific academic creden- WRegional English Language Officer. tials and professional experience to the department. RELOs comprise a small Minimum requirements include specialist corps who spend most an M.A. in language teaching, EGIONAL NGLISH ANGUAGE of their time outside the R E L linguistics, or a related discipline, embassy working on a regular OFFICERS CAN BUILD plus some international teaching basis with Ministry of Edu- COOPERATION WITH INFLUENTIAL and administrative experience. cation officials; university rec- FIGURES AND INSTITUTIONS Nine are former Fulbright schol- tors, deans, and professors; ars, seven are former Peace SOMETIMES INACCESSIBLE TO school board members; admin- Corps Volunteers, and of the last istrators, teachers, and others OTHER EMBASSY OFFICIALS. eight RELOs hired, six have involved in preparing future Ph.D.s. As a group they average generations of citizens in the eight years of international work national education system. experience before joining the Foreign Service. There are very few places in the world where English is not an obligatory subject from primary through secondary The RELO’s Work and Resources school, and the language of instruction in higher education. As the job title indicates, RELOs have regional respon- Even in countries hesitant to embrace American policies, sibilities and all 15 positions overseas require frequent and English language teaching is generally perceived as “policy- extended travel. The geographic coverage may be rela- neutral,” and an indispensable tool for greater economic tively small — such as Central America for the RELO and professional success. Marshaling embassy and based in San Jose and Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and the Washington resources for public diplomacy programming, Caucasus for the RELO in Kiev — or it can be enormous. RELOs can help build a foundation for long-term cooper- The RELO in Pretoria is responsible for 11 countries in ation with influential figures and institutions sometimes southern Africa, and the RELO in Budapest covers 16 inaccessible to other embassy officials. countries in central and eastern Europe. To carry out Regional English Language Officers are Foreign their work, RELOs are given a modest budget from ECA Service specialists in the Bureau of Educational and for their own travel and programs. Major program costs Cultural Affairs who work in the public affairs sections of are shared with posts and the public diplomacy offices of selected embassies around the world. In broad terms, the geographic bureaus. By necessity, RELOs become

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masterful at securing cost sharing from other sources, these RELO success stories is the fundamental premise of which is often in-kind support provided by local host insti- all our ECA work: face-to-face professional and personal tutions. contact between Americans and people from other coun- RELOs do not operate in isolation. They plan their tries contributes immeasurably to improving understand- work in close cooperation with the public affairs officers ing of our shared values and tolerance of our differences. and cultural affairs officers in their countries of responsi- Also, by targeting education from primary school to uni- bility, using most of the same tools and resources for edu- versity, they can reach a broad local audience during the cational programming that public diplomacy generalists most formative years of life in terms of shaping attitudes use, such as international visitors, Fulbright scholars, sum- and beliefs. Here are some highlights. mer institutes, and small grants. They also have other • Teachers from Islamic schools in Thailand and resources offered by ECA/A/L. The English Language Indonesia work with American colleagues to improve Specialist program sends approximately 90 American pro- their skills in language teaching. During the current aca- fessors from U.S. universities and colleges abroad for two- demic year, English teachers from 18 private Islamic to six-week visits every year to lead workshops, attend con- schools in southern Thailand attended a 10-week work- ferences, or participate in other special events co-spon- shop organized by the RELO in Bangkok and conducted sored by embassies. The English Language Fellow pro- by an English Language Fellow. This training is part of a gram places approximately 100 American teachers in local Thai Ministry of Education initiative to improve private host institutions on 10-month grants to teach English, education in the south and adopt the standardized nonre- develop curricula and materials, and do teacher training. ligious curriculum. During the 2003-2004 academic year ECA/A/L publishes a quarterly journal on foreign lan- in Indonesia, in a collaborative project created by the guage teaching, English Teaching Forum, which celebrat- RELO in Jakarta, seven English Language Fellows will ed its 40th anniversary in 2002. Embassies in 95 countries teach in state Islamic institutes, where future madrasa distribute 65,000 copies of each issue. The office also teachers receive their pedagogical training. offers close to 100 teacher reference books and student • The Summer English Teaching Institute in South textbooks in English teaching and American studies Africa was one of the few opportunities for professional through the department’s Regional Printing Center in interaction among teachers of different races and ethnic Manila, as well as electronic publications on the ECA/A/L backgrounds during the final years of apartheid. Still home page. going strong after 17 years, SETI has grown with the changing political-cultural landscape of southern Africa Supporting Mission Goals and remains a major annual project for the RELO in Perhaps the best way to reveal the scope of Regional Pretoria. During a six-week residential program at a uni- English Language Officers work is to cite a few of their versity in the U.S., between 25 and 30 teachers and past and present accomplishments. Implicit in each of teacher trainers have focused on topics such as civic edu- cation, HIV/AIDS prevention, and entrepreneurship, William Ancker is a Regional English Language Officer while getting to know each other as professional col- currently assigned to ECA/A/L as the editor of English leagues and fellow human beings. Teaching Forum. He has served in Central America and • Professional exchanges between Turkish and Greek Central Asia. He thanks his RELO colleagues, in partic- participants, sponsored by the American embassies in ular, Tom Miller (Ankara), George Scholz (Pretoria), Ankara and Athens, began some years ago with seminars George Wilcox (Bahrain), Kay Davis (Dakar), John Turek that were conceived and organized by the RELO in (Amman), Patricia Sullivan (Kiev), Robert Lindsey Ankara for English teachers from these two historically (Cairo), Lisa Harshbarger (Tashkent), Ruth Petzold antagonistic countries. Promoting conflict resolution was (Moscow), and Michael Rudder (San Jose), who con- the underlying goal, and English language teaching pro- tributed to this article. For more information about the vided an ideal content area because it was considered work of RELOs and the Office of English Language politically neutral by the participants. In the first Programs, visit ECA/A/L online at http://exchanges. exchange, Greek teachers were invited to a seminar in state.gov/education/engteaching/. Turkey that was taught by American academics.

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 29 F OCUS

Soon after, the Greek participants reciprocated by Post-9/11 Interest inviting their Turkish colleagues to Greece for more pro- Interest in all of ECA’s programs and exchanges fessional meetings and to continue the reconciliation has grown since the 9/11 attacks. RELOs, it was dis- process. Eventually, the American embassies were able to covered, had a product that even the most misin- conduct similar encounters for journalists and other pro- formed and hostile of foreign publics were eager to fessionals. “The thin edge of the wedge [of U.S. foreign accept. In testimony before the Senate Foreign policy]” is what a veteran RELO once called himself, refer- Relations Committee earlier this year, the under sec- ring to the occasions when his work opened doors for other retary of State for public diplomacy and public embassy colleagues that had previously been closed. affairs called English language programming a • Training in “workplace” English for Palestinian “secret weapon” of America’s public diplomacy over- refugees enrolled in technical schools in Amman was set seas. up by the RELO. Although graduates of the technical “Weapon” may not be the kindest or most appro- schools could read manuals written in English, they were priate way to characterize an educational effort, but in being rejected for work in the Persian Gulf countries the context of the war on terrorism it makes sense. because they lacked sufficient oral skills to communicate Given the breadth and variety of RELOs’ work, and with Indian, Pakistani, Philippine, and American super- their adroitness in finding ways to promote U.S. poli- visors. Technical and professional schools in Israel cy and support mission goals, let’s hope that English became interested in the training, and a digital video language programming, and other public diplomacy conference was held between Israeli and Palestinian strategies for education, won’t remain a secret to the curriculum developers. rest of the department. ■

30 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 F OCUS ON FS SPECIALISTS

THAT’S CLASSIFIED!

BY BARBARA JACQUIN

s a State Department diplomatic it, and the plane begins to settle — snap, crackle, and courier, it’s my job to make sure pop! Ah, the comforting sounds of home. America’s classified documents A few hours later, dawn comes and brings a gaggle of are shipped around the world uniformed guards: security, army, who knows? They safely. “Dip” couriers are some stamp all our passports and begin to search the entire of the world’s most frequent plane’s overhead bins, seat cushions, and pockets behind fliers, yet most people don’t even seat backs. I realize they are probably looking for drugs know we exist, let alone hear since many pass through this region. No one bothers me, about our adventures and challenges. Like the time I flew though I hear them whispering about “the diplomatic Ainto Uzbekistan … courier.” Eventually the crew arrives, followed by the Somewhere over the Caspian Sea, approaching well-rested and well-fed passengers, all inquiring into my Almaty, Kazakhstan. Dead of winter. It is 9:30 p.m. well-being after spending the night alone on the plane. local time. The purser announces that snow on the Finally, we are airborne for Almaty by 11 a.m. I have runway prevents us from landing. We must land in to admit that even though I’m hungry and need a shower, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and spend the night in a hotel. I it wasn’t such a bad experience after all. At least I wasn’t find the purser and inform him that my responsibility is sleeping on top of my pouches in some cold warehouse — to remain with my pouches, loaded in a giant container a pleasure a few of my fellow couriers have had. in the airplane’s belly. There are consultations with the Diplomatic couriers are no longer chained by the wrist pilot. to their pouches like Tyrone Power in the classic film In the meantime, Embassy Tashkent is informed “Diplomatic Courier,” but they are conscious every sec- that I’m here and may or may not need help. Imagine ond of the location of their loads. Whether containers in the embassy duty officer’s enthusiasm for coming out to the belly of an airplane, loose-loaded pieces in the bag- the airport and sitting all night in a car with me, staring gage compartment or simply a small piece in their brief- at the cargo door of an Airbus 340 in sub-zero weather! case, couriers know precisely where the diplomatic Someone performs a miracle and I am allowed to sleep pouches are at all times. alone in the plane with the small concession of having Have you noticed the passenger who always arrives last a security guard in and around the plane during the on the plane or the passenger who jumps out of his seat night. The pilot shows me how to open and close the like a jack-in-the-box the second the plane arrives at the big door leading out to the stairs and bids me farewell gate and the seat-belt sign goes off? If so, you’ve proba- ... for a time. I later agree with the guard that we don’t bly observed a courier in action. really need the humming auxiliary power on. He stops Couriers have an exciting, but sometimes lonely, job. We travel all the time, spending numerous hours waiting Barbara Jacquin has been posted to Belgrade, Suva, under planes for the loading to end or the unloading to Mbabane, Ouagadougou, Port-au-Prince, and the begin. In our time off, we find ourselves alone exploring Frankfurt Regional Courier Office. She dedicates this new and exotic cities. We are all incurable tourists. story to Seth Foti, a courier who perished in the line of So, if you ever find yourself sitting next to a dip couri- duty in August 2000. er on a plane, you have the opportunity of a lifetime to This account, along with numerous others, can be hear some great tales from a veteran traveler. But what- found in the 2003 edition of AFSA’s Inside a U.S. ever you do, don’t ask what’s inside the pouch — that’s Embassy: How the Foreign Service Works for America. classified! ■

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 31 F OCUS ON FS SPECIALISTS

SAY AH: REGIONAL MEDICAL OFFICERS IN ACTION

BY SHAWN DORMAN

rom a medical point of view, one psychiatrist, one medical technologist (who runs the as a family physician in the health unit laboratory), and one health practitioner. In Foreign Service, much of addition, the unit has three part-time nurses, a full-time what you see in the patient Foreign Service National pharmacist (the only one in the “ population is the same in Foreign Service), and four other FSN employees. New Delhi as it would be in Embassy and consulate health units vary from post to Des Moines,” says Dr. post, depending on the size of the mission, local medical Brooks Taylor, Regional capabilities, and the needs of the community. Many Medical Officer for Embassy New Delhi, “except that embassies have Foreign Service health practitioners prac- DelhiF is a very unhealthy place to live.” New Delhi is ticing solo. Smaller embassies have only a locally hired one of the most polluted cities in the world, and air pol- nurse in their health unit. A few embassies hire local lution causes respiratory problems for many resident physicians on contract to see patients in the health unit. Americans. Disabling diarrhea, also known as “Delhi The RMO supervises all the practitioners serving U.S. mis- belly,” is a constant threat. The Embassy New Delhi sions in the region and ensures the quality of care provid- health unit staff spend a lot of time teaching people ed. The RMO manages the entire medical program in his how to reduce health risks from local food and water, or her region, including efforts to maintain a healthy work- and how to avoid diseases common to the area, such as force by focusing on preventive health care through com- typhoid, dengue fever, salmonella, rabies, and malaria. munity education and periodic health screening exams. Providing primary health care overseas gives Foreign The RMO also facilitates and oversees the medical care Service medical practitioners — physicians, nurse practi- patients receive from local specialists and hospitals. When tioners and physician’s assistants, psychiatrists, and medical a patient faces a medical problem that cannot be handled technologists — unique challenges and opportunities, and locally, the RMO authorizes and facilitates a medical evac- affords their patients unique benefits. Brooks, 49, tells us uation to an appropriate health-care facility. There are that “the wonderful thing about practicing medicine in the regional medevac centers in Singapore, London, Pretoria, Foreign Service is that I don’t have to charge patients, I and Miami. can see them the day they call for an appointment or The Delhi health unit takes care of about 500 offi- immediately for an emergency, and I can spend as much cial U.S. government employees and family members, time as I need to with any patient. Those things are as well as 132 “unofficial” Americans — schoolteachers unheard of in the managed-care milieu of the States.” and USAID contractors. Embassy Delhi is staffed by There are about 29 Regional Medical Officers (called almost 1,000 Foreign Service Nationals, who also have RMOs) and about 54 Foreign Service health practitioners access to the health unit when they are injured or ill at and physician’s assistants posted overseas. In addition, work. The health unit not only covers the embassy there are 12 regional psychiatrists and nine regional med- community in New Delhi, but also the consulate com- ical technologists. At some large embassies, several practi- munities in Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta, and the tioners are co-located. Embassy New Delhi has one of the embassy community in Colombo (although there are largest health units in the Foreign Service, with five plans to staff Colombo with a Foreign Service medical Foreign Service medical personnel on staff: two RMOs, practitioner soon).

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Brooks travels to each of the posts he covers every three war in nearby Afghanistan; the threat of nuclear war months, and when emergencies arise. He is in almost daily between India and Pakistan, and the subsequent autho- contact with patients at the other posts, as well as the local rized departure of non-emergency personnel and depen- health care providers there. When he is in Delhi, Brooks dents; and management problems at post. Brooks has usually sees walk-in patients every morning, and then sees taught many emergency response courses at his posts for scheduled patients. While he does have regular office Americans and FSNs, as well as courses on chemical and hours, he is never truly off duty. He and all Foreign biological weapons. The 2001 anthrax scare hit his region Service medical practitioners must be available 24 hours a hard, as multiple envelopes containing white powder day for medical service or consultations, and to arrange arrived at mailrooms in Delhi and Colombo. Brooks played medevacs. a key role in the response to these threats, and held town Embassy New Delhi employees and family members meetings to discuss the situation with the community. suffered from high stress and poor morale in 2001 and Brooks grew up in India, where his parents were mis- 2002, due to a number of causes, including 9/11 and the sionaries. He now calls South Portland, Maine, home. He has a B.A. in Asian religions from Swarthmore College and Shawn Dorman is the Journal’s AFSA News editor. She an M.D. from Harvard Medical School. He joined the was a Foreign Service officer from 1993 to 2000, serving Foreign Service in 1992, following four years as a family in Bishkek, Jakarta and Washington, D.C. This account, physician in Eastport and then Bangor, Maine. Since join- along with numerous others, can be found in the 2003 ing the Foreign Service, he has served in Bridgetown, edition of AFSA’s Inside a U.S. Embassy: How the Nairobi and Islamabad. Brooks and his wife, Betsy Foreign Service Works for America, which she edited. Dorman, an artist, have two teen-age children. ■

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SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 33 F OCUS ON FS SPECIALISTS

A SECURITY ENGINEERING OFFICER’S POINT OF VIEW

BY CRAIG L. CLOUD

’m an electronics engineer who couldn’t Challenging Work, But … bear the thought of spending a lifetime Since I started with State, I’ve served in four over- tethered to a computer in a manufactur- seas posts and Washington, D.C. I’ve had a great ing facility, so I joined the Foreign time serving my country at home and overseas, but Service in 1992 as a Security Engineering there are clear signs that the department could do a Officer. During the past 11 years I’ve better job of retaining its employees. Of the 12 seen the inside of more airports and air- SEOs that started work together in 1992, only six of planes than I care to remember. I’ve us are left. The others resigned within the first three lived on four continents, battled rats in my hotel years, perhaps because of the constant travel, diffi- Iroom, had an AK-47 put in my face by a drunken sol- cult logistics, and temperamental people and equip- dier, spent several nights in an embassy under immi- ment. nent threat of a terrorist attack, and responded to Then, too, there is the personal side of the coin. countless calls from Marine security guards in the My life is a never-ending balancing act. I want to do middle of the night. a good job for my employer, My job is to ensure that the THE WORK IS CHALLENGING but I also want to be a physical and technical security good husband and father. I’ve infrastructure at our embassies AND REWARDING BUT THERE missed a great many school meets or exceeds department IS DEFINITELY ROOM FOR plays, holidays and other standards. I install, repair IMPROVEMENT, IN THIS important life events while ful- and maintain alarms, closed cir- SEO’S VIEW. filling my work obligations. As cuit television cameras, walk- a matter of fact, as I sit writing through metal detectors, vehicle this article in my Lagos hotel barriers, intercoms, emergency room, I’m missing my son’s notification systems, and access controls. When a preschool acting debut. Marine security guard pushes a button to unlock a When I evaluate all of the positive and negative door, it works because of someone like me. I also aspects of Foreign Service life, I know I made the search for clandestine listening devices, and make sure right decision when I joined, but there are several that computer systems and telephone switches are ways that the department could improve the securi- correctly configured so that they do not pose a securi- ty engineering skill code. ty risk. Consistent Hiring. In 1992, when I started with When the department builds a new embassy com- the department, there were approximately 143 plex, or embarks on a major physical or technical secu- direct-hire security engineers. By 1998, when the rity upgrade, I act as the eyes and ears for the Overseas bombs went off in Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam, our Building Office and Diplomatic Security Bureaus, numbers had dwindled to about 80. In the six years informing them of potential trouble spots and per- between 1992 and 1998 only five SEOs were hired forming acceptance testing of the security systems. against attrition, and our resources were stretched so

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When a Marine security guard pushes a button to unlock a door, it works because of someone like me. thin that we could not do our jobs. the FP-2 level with very little chance for promotion. The new embassy complexes being built around More excursion opportunities. The Foreign the world have integrated security infrastructures Service promotion panels have repeatedly stated that that far exceed those of the past. A typical complex employees who have served in excursion positions will have five or more vehicle barriers, X-ray have a promotional advantage as long as they do not machines and walk-through metal detectors at all of spend too much time outside of their primary skill the visitor entry points, and 40 or more cameras, just code. The personnel system, in theory, encourages to name a few of the systems we have to maintain. specialist employees to take assignments outside of All of these systems require maintenance and repair their area in order to develop a more versatile work if they are to be an effective deterrent against attack. force. Over the next five years, the department projects Yet in practice, it is very difficult to receive an that it will build between seven and 10 NECs each out-of-cone assignment, as no manager wants to year, adding tremendously to the security infrastruc- allow experienced employees to leave their area of ture and workload worldwide. If we go through specialization, and, without the consent and backing another hiring freeze similar to the one in the mid- of the employee’s home bureau, it is extremely diffi- 1990s, all of the security systems in these new facili- cult to secure an excursion assignment. The depart- ties will fall into disrepair until another tragedy ment would benefit by implementing a program that occurs and the cycle repeats itself. requires managers to allow employees to take excur- More senior-level promotions. In order to be sion assignments at the mid-level grades in order to hired as an SEO, applicants must hold a bachelor of better prepare them for leadership positions later in science degree in an engineering field or physics. their careers. The working level for most SEO positions is FP-2, and SEOs typically advance to this level within five Room for Improvement to eight years — then we hit a ceiling. During the The Foreign Service has provided me with great past two years, the promotion rate from FP-2 to FP- experiences and an amazing extended family, but I 1 for SEOs has been less than 2 percent per year, do see room for improvement. I have been and over the past eight years, it has averaged under impressed by the recent reforms under Secretary 4 percent per year. Powell’s leadership, and am gratified that Director It becomes very difficult to retain good employees General Ruth Davis and AFSA seem committed to when they are faced with the statistical likelihood of improving the working conditions of Foreign Service having to spend the last 15 years of their career at generalists and specialists. I hope the trend will con- tinue when our leadership changes. Craig Cloud has been a Security Engineering Officer By the way, I just spoke with my wife and she said since 1992, serving in Moscow, Buenos Aires, Abidjan that our son is a star. He delivered his one line flaw- and Washington, D.C. He is currently posted in lessly, and she captured most of the show on video — Harare. I can’t wait to fly back home and watch it! ■

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 35 F OCUS ON FS SPECIALISTS

RESPONDING TO A CRISIS

BY KAREN SLITER

ome would consider it an opportunity, split into three different teams. Earlier budget cuts and it was. Others, just as correctly, had led to decreased numbers of U.K. government vet- would call it a tragedy. erinarians, so the most critical need was for us to It was the spring of 2001, and the inspect animals for signs of the disease. Accordingly, United Kingdom had just diagnosed four colleagues and I traveled to the Worcester field an outbreak of foot-and-mouth dis- office to work alongside the English veterinarians who ease — an acute, contagious disease of were battling this horrible disease. After arriving at the cattle, sheep and deer that is also train station and renting a car, we drove off, gingerly, on transmissible to humans. Caused by a virus, FMD is the “wrong” side of the road to check the farms on our Scharacterized by fever and blisters in the mouth and list. around the hoofs and can be fatal. Within days of the initial diagnosis, the situation Helping Farmers Cope escalated into a crisis, severely straining the country’s At the very first farm we visited, we quickly diag- agricultural and regulatory infrastructure. In fact, the nosed FMD. Soon, I was arranging for the slaughter epidemic would ultimately cost the U.K. an estimated and burial of 4,000 sheep and 20 cattle. I helped the 8 billion pounds (approximate- family with special permits so ly $12 billion). they could drive to the store and A GROUP OF 15 FOREIGN As a veterinarian with the bring their children to school Animal and Plant Health SERVICE VETERINARIANS despite being effectively con- Inspection Service of the U.S. TRAVEL TO THE U.K. TO fined to home, and I advised Department of Agriculture, I HELP FIGHT AN OUTBREAK OF them on how to prevent spread- normally spend most of my FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. ing the disease. time resolving animal health The family was ostracized by trade issues in Central and some in their small rural com- Eastern Europe. But I also munity. The children were told monitor outbreaks of animal disease around the world at school that other children couldn’t play with them and help prevent their introduction to the United because their family’s farm had FMD. They all stayed States. So 14 other American vets and I were asked to in the house while the slaughtering was done, for there cross the Atlantic to help British officials. was nowhere else to go. The pubs were all closed, and The outbreak was less than a week old, and we had the social support structure of this and many other little idea what to expect. (For several of my col- small farming communities was unraveling under the leagues, this was their first trip overseas so they had to pressure of trying to prevent FMD from spreading scramble just to get passports.) FMD was eradicated even farther. from the U.S. in 1929, so most of us had never seen a The farmers told me that the worst part was the case of it outside a laboratory setting. But that was silence of isolation. What do you do with your time about to change in a big way. when you’ve spent the last 30 years of your life getting Upon arrival, we were given a short briefing and up and taking care of your animals, only to have every

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The British media were particularly interested in obtaining one of them destroyed? How do you an “irreparable loss” to the breed. All even consider starting over again? comments from us I could do was make sure the killing One family told me I was like their was humane, for there was no option: “funeral director.” They said I helped “foreign vets.” it was just us in the face of over- them through the grieving process whelming death and destruction. I that accompanies any death, even if it tried to help the farmer and his fam- is “just” the death of one’s animals. But then I had to ily through those long, hard days, and they helped me move on, for there were many more farms to visit and as well. more cases of FMD to diagnose. I was happy on the The days and weeks quickly became a blur. In all, rare occasions when I could say the animals did not over eight million animals were destroyed during the look like they had FMD — yet. FMD outbreak. A third of these animals were killed for welfare reasons. Funeral pyres dotted the country- No Options side. On the more typical farms, where the news was not so good, I sat long hours with weatherbeaten farmers Looking for Scapegoats over a cup of coffee or tea while they contemplated Naturally, everyone we met wanted to know what how and if their farm was going to survive and what was was going on, and whether we would be successful in going to happen next. When a farmer seemed particu- eradicating the disease. Interestingly, they all assumed larly distraught, I called family members to try to that someone had done something wrong, or failed to arrange for someone to stay with him. I gave everyone do something, and was therefore to blame for the epi- the number of the local suicide prevention hotline and demic. my cell phone number, and told them to call me any- The media were particularly interested in obtaining time. comments from the “foreign vets.” I was suddenly a Some did. They called me when they couldn’t take minor media star, interviewed by numerous news pro- their cattle and sheep from winter to summer pasture grams. I even appeared on the CBS national news! I because of the movement bans, and they pleaded with often had to fend off leading questions from the British me to arrange for the slaughter of their prize breeding press, which would typically request an interview right stock because they were calving in flooded fields and before a high government official was scheduled to give the newborn calves and lambs were drowning and a press conference on FMD. “And Dr. Sliter, what there was nothing they could do about it. These ani- would you do differently than the English have done in mals, like many others, were not sick. But the move- trying to eradicate FMD?” ment restrictions so essential to stopping the spread of Finally, it was time to leave and let the next group of the disease meant that some animals could no longer American veterinarians take our places. In all, over 200 be cared for in a humane fashion. So we began killing U.S. vets would travel to the U.K. during 2001 to help animals for welfare reasons. their British colleagues eradicate FMD, a tangible indi- At one farm, I oversaw the slaughter of an entire cation of the support the United States gave the U.K. flock of purebred sheep, each worth thousands of dol- during this national crisis. lars, to which the appraiser could only say that this was We returned to our regular assignments at APHIS and elsewhere, but continued following the reports. Karen Sliter is a Foreign Service specialist with the We celebrated the U.K.’s success when FMD was offi- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the cially eradicated from the United Kingdom on Sept. 30, Department of Agriculture’s quarantine agency. 2001. ■

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 37 F OCUS ON FS SPECIALISTS

OFFICE MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS: ON THE MOVE

BY LINDA O’BRIEN

ffice Management Specialists ing family members. Working through sister-city organi- are a restless crew, always looking zations, she arranged for one of the sons to bring some of for ways to increase their respon- his award-winning photographs to the U.S. for an exhibi- sibilities, always trying to make tion. This experience brought the diplomatic work we do their assignments meaningful every day down to a very personal level. and always interested in profes- Who would have thought OMSs would be interior sional development and cultural designers? Yet they refurbish, redecorate and remodel experiences. As of this writing offices, redefining individual workspaces, selecting there are 858 OMSs, thanks to the success of the ergonomic office furniture, deciding on effective window ODiplomatic Readiness Initiative that brought in 58 new treatments, choosing the color of carpets and picking out recruits in 2002 and 80 in 2003. They have been assigned appropriate artwork. This helps to improve the quality of to such diverse and exciting places as Islamabad, Seoul, Tel the work environment, and thus boosts employee produc- Aviv, Moscow, Riyadh, Kathmandu, Buenos Aires, Cairo, tivity and morale. Abu Dhabi, Nairobi, Jakarta, Shenyang, Dubai, Pretoria, Speechwriting is also something OMSs may find them- Warsaw and Tokyo. selves doing. One OMS drafted the speech for her ambas- In the past year, 227 of them have taken Office sador to give at the annual Marine Corps ball. Another Management Training at FSI. Many have also attended drafted the commencement address for her ambassador to training in the Schools of Language Studies, Leadership give at the graduation exercises of his alma mater, where and Management, Professional and Area Studies and he would be receiving an honorary degree. The universi- Applied Information Technology. They have served out- ty had stressed the theme of “service.” She emphasized side their skill code as staff assistants, public diplomacy that service is not only confined to one’s own country, but officers, consular officers, GSOs, information manage- applies to other countries as well. ment specialists and personnel officers. One ambassador’s OMS in a small African post coordi- nated everything for the Fourth of July celebration to Experiencing the Unexpected which 600 persons were invited. She discussed the menu With training and new challenges come professional with the ambassador’s cook, worked with the Recreation and personal experiences never expected. This has been Association to order all the food and drinks, arranged for a the case with many Office Management Specialists who band and slide show with Public Affairs, enlisted the help have made the Foreign Service not only their career, but of the GSO to design a podium, developed the program of also their life. events and basically ran the whole show! At another small One OMS was assigned to Tokyo 35 years after her African post, the OMS (who had a 4/4 in French) was the father had been part of the first corps of occupation sol- post biographic reporting officer, responsible for scanning diers at the end of World War II. He gave her an aged all of the French-language newspapers daily, clipping scrap of paper with a name and city written on it, and asked pertinent information, and drafting cables. her to try and locate a family he had met there as a young When a severe earthquake rocked El Salvador and GI. She couldn’t believe it when she actually found them, most of Central America in January 2001, OMSs helped and arranged a reunion between her father and the surviv- set up an emergency control room at the embassy. Dog

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teams were sent into the cities that had the most damage. they begged, borrowed and commandeered everything Relief supplies and personnel arrived in a couple of days. from desks and chairs to computers, cell phones and Another earthquake struck in February. They worked wastebaskets to achieve a degree of normalcy in chaotic long hours while living with what felt like constant dan- surroundings. ger from literally hundreds of aftershocks around the OMSs have shaken hands not only with many U.S. clock for a couple of months. presidents, but also many foreign presidents and other dignitaries. One even has a picture of herself with Kevin Meeting Danger and Dignitaries Costner, taken when he visited the White House! In the first few hours after the August 1998 bombing Another OMS expressed her love for the color, history of our embassy in Nairobi, OMSs maintained a log of and tradition of Guatemalan culture through her painting wounded embassy personnel and the hospital to which and by participating in weekly classes with local artists. each had been rushed. They started lists of those These activities culminated in a show of their work at the accounted for and those still missing. Two OMSs were home of a prominent Guatemalan family. the first embassy staff to head to the USAID building OMSs have participated in USAID-sponsored trips to across town to set up 24-hour contact with the State remote parts of Bolivia to bring potable water, supplies Department Operations Center. In the ensuing weeks and health aids, mentored Peace Corps volunteers and visited their sites, and watched dust storms in Africa erase Linda O’Brien was OMS Coordinator for the Bureau the road they were on in a matter of seconds. of Human Resources from 2002 to 2003. She thanks Yes, Office Management Specialists are on the her OMS colleagues who contributed to this article. move… ■

eldercare

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 39 F OCUS ON FS SPECIALISTS

THE EVOLUTION OF THE OMS FUNCTION

BY LLYWELYN C. GRAEME

he position description of the spent typing, until recently it wasn’t unusual for a politi- Office Management Specialist cal or economic section at even a medium-size embassy (known in the private sector as an to have as many as eight secretaries. By contrast, today administrative assistant, and for- even a section in a huge Western European embassy merly known in the Foreign might have just two or three OMSs, as FSOs are now Service as a secretary) is on the accustomed to doing most of their own drafting. verge of a major shift that will Now Office Management Specialists spend that time shape how OMS personnel are on other duties, such as coordinating the annual Mission utilized — and treated — for decades to come. That pre- Program Plan process, tracking reporting and demarche Tdiction should not be surprising for, with the exception of requests, and organizing the Fourth of July guest list. the Information Management specialty, the OMS func- They also have more time to step back and look at how tion has already changed more than any other Foreign their office functions. Where can efficiencies be gained? Service track over the past 20 years. Do we need to keep the same procedures in place we have To be sure, some things remain basically the same. used since the Truman administration? (Surprisingly, Office Management Specialists often we do.) In short, liberated still make copies, send faxes, from the tyranny of the typewriter, pick up the mail, answer the LIBERATED FROM THE Office Management Specialists phones, handle correspon- TYRANNY OF THE TYPEWRITER, can make a real institutional dif- dence, make appointments, OMSS CAN MAKE A REAL ference. meet and escort visitors, run INSTITUTIONAL DIFFERENCE. errands, and do pretty much Yet More Specialization anything else needed to keep In the future I see the possi- their section running smoothly. bility of the Office Management But as with their IM colleagues, the ubiquitous desktop Specialty splitting into two distinct parts: computer has transformed OMS work in a crucial One, the Office Manager, will be the section expert on respect. computer applications such as Excel, Access, Outlook, Until well into the 1980s — and even today at some FrontPage, tags and terms, CableXpress and SIPRnet, posts — most officers hand-wrote cables, memcons and Intranet and — perhaps most of all — the Internet. airgrams, which a secretary then typed and sent out on (While the IM staff may be expert on programming and any of many different forms which, every few years, were network administration, other personnel still need to be modified or changed completely. (Senior-level officers expert in the use of the office software currently avail- sometimes dictated their letters and other documents for able.) One of the most important skills is online research a secretary to type.) If the secretary was lucky, she had a — whether to compile media reports, U.N. “white self-correcting typewriter to minimize the drudgery; oth- papers,” congressional biographies or contact informa- erwise, she had to use correction tape or whiteout. tion for host country officials — and information man- Given how much time Foreign Service secretaries agement. More than anything else, an OMS needs to be

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a skillful Internet “research librarian,” The ubiquitous desktop fill up his or her schedule, there is no someone who keeps up-to-date with time left for independent thought, search engines and Web sites that computer has but if you guard the COM’s time too compile other sites. jealously, you risk being perceived as The second direction I see is that of transformed OMS an impediment to real office success. the Administrative Assistant. A high- He or she — incoming OMSs have caliber OMS would easily be able to fill work in a crucial not achieved gender parity, but sever- any staff assistant position (and some al of the most recent training classes have done so in the past with great suc- respect. had 10 percent to 20 percent male cess). Regardless of the amount of membership — will also see to it that automation added to a post, the chief there is paper in the fax, printer, of mission will always need an assis- copier and bathroom. Such Adminis- tant, in one form or another. So do many other officers trative Assistants might supervise FSNs and even in large sections. This is not so much to run errands as to American staff, coordinate special projects and do con- keep tabs on how the COM’s time is parceled out. If you siderably more “programmatic” tasks that are currently shared among many. A recent entrant to the Foreign Service, Llywelyn C. Although some may say the time is coming when the Graeme has served as an Office Management Specialist OMS function will cease to exist due to automation, I in Abuja for the past two years. His second tour starts believe that, in some combination of the jobs outlined in Beijing this fall. above, there will always be a place for us. ■

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SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 41 F OCUS ON FS SPECIALISTS

GIVE ME TECHNICOLOR … ANY DAY!

BY LINDA INGALLS

fter 14 years as a Foreign their language) — I have been thankful they live in Service Office Management countries where this is permitted. Their chants and Specialist, I’m happy to say drum-banging are the sounds of freedom, and that ain’t that I still get a thrill from liv- a bad thing. ing overseas and experiencing I know from listening to water-cooler talk that my a life “different” from what I love for this lifestyle is not necessarily shared by all could expect in the United members of the Foreign Service (or maybe it is, and States. Better? Yes, in some what I hear is recreational complaining). There are ways. Worse? Yes, in some ways. Life in the Foreign certain hardships and risks we experience that friends AService is Technicolor — and sometimes even neon. and family in the States don’t. And this is where we I have been lucky enough to visit Red Square and venture into the neon! the Hermitage, see the pyramids and a number of exot- Over the years, I’ve felt the earth quiver from earth- ic souks, explore the Holy Land, and collect enough quakes and bombs, felt despair and helplessness over carpets and copper to gobble up my allotted household filthy living conditions in Third World countries, spent effects weight limit. I have painful sessions on the toilet, been privileged to ride a camel, distilled my drinking water, ride a bike alongside canals, and been treated for skin fungus, WHERE ELSE BUT THE ride a bright red double-decker and endured disconcertingly bus to work. FOREIGN SERVICE WILL thorough physical exams to I’ve eaten my way through COMPUTER AND OFFICE ensure there weren’t other most regional foods, enjoyed MANAGEMENT SKILLS TAKE embarrassing health problems warm Belgian waffles, scraped YOU AROUND THE WORLD? to be addressed. snails from their shells with a Yes, along with the perks, safety pin, eaten cheeses so Foreign Service members also unique that the smell alone run into amoebas, bombings, could drive a grown man to his knees, downed uniden- cholera, dysentery, evacuations, and a whole alphabet tifiable grilled meats off a wooden stick, and tasted of nasty stuff that you wouldn’t find at a typical U.S. desserts I could happily die for. But I still need to sam- shopping mall. ple what South America has to offer, and I look forward But if I wanted a shopping-mall life, saturated with to every single calorie. fast food and films, I wouldn’t have joined the Foreign I’ve seen demonstrators waving posters in front of Service. When I consider that I could be sitting at the the American embassy in a half-dozen different coun- same dull desk, in the same building, with the same tries, and — whether I agreed with what the demon- colleagues, living in the same city for years and years … strators had to say or not (assuming I could understand well, that feels just a little gray to me. Where else but the Foreign Service will computer and office manage- Linda Ingalls is senior OMS in the Political Section, ment skills take you around the world? Give me Embassy London. Technicolor — and even neon — any day. ■

42 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 F OCUS ON FS SPECIALISTS

THE LIFE OF FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALISTS

BY BRIAN COEN

hen I ask friends what officer is the ticket to the top. And it is true that spe- the State Department cialists do not get to pull off major policy coups like does, some respond, concluding a trade agreement or helping two warring “what state?” Many factions come to terms. But that doesn’t mean that people know some- we are any less committed to serving our country thing about the cur- overseas. rent Secretary of State We see the Foreign Service as a natural progres- but not much about sion in a long and varied professional career, not just his agency. Even some who are reasonably well- a job. Many of us have higher levels of education than Winformed tend to think that State is either like a lower- our generalist colleagues; in fact, unlike FSOs, we are grade CIA where everything is “top secret, James Bond required to have advanced levels of education and stuff,” or just another government bureaucracy that training just to get into the Foreign Service. pushes paper but never accomplishes anything. Part of the problem may be the fact that even If I then ask them what they though what specialists do is think the Foreign Service does, central to the very functioning of their answers usually demon- any overseas mission, we are strate similar confusion. Some IT ISN’T ONLY OUTSIDERS generally noticed only when people give answers like “it WHO DON’T KNOW WHAT there is a problem with the com- makes foreign policy,” “it negoti- FS SPECIALISTS DO — puters or phones. Otherwise, ates treaties,” and so forth, MANY FSOS ARE EQUALLY except for interacting with post which is true as far as it goes, of managers to obtain financial UNINFORMED. course. But few, if any, members resources, we operate fairly of the general public have any autonomously. That is even idea that Foreign Service spe- more true back in Washington, cialists exist at all, let alone know where we run our own pro- anything about the many, varied and indispensable grams, manage multimillion-dollar projects, engineer jobs we do. systems for worldwide installation, plan and design Sadly, I suspect few Foreign Service officers are security requirements for emergency communication much better informed about their specialist col- and interagency operability issues, teach and train at leagues, or have much interest in them at all. Just as FSI, and much more. Foreign Service generalists are relegated to the bow- What do I like about what I do? As with many gen- els of the foreign policy machinery in the public’s per- eralists, travel is one of the things I enjoy the most ception, specialists are equally shadowy figures in the about being in the Foreign Service. (Some might call minds of most FSOs. me an “adventure junkie,” but I prefer to think of it as After all, for those seeking prestige, and impressed living life to the fullest.) And it’s a good thing I do by the mystique and sophistication traditionally asso- enjoy it, because I spend a lot of time on the road! ciated with diplomacy, a position as a Foreign Service In conjunction with the Frankfurt Regional

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Even though what specialists do is central to the very functioning of any overseas mission, we are generally noticed only when there

Informational Management is a problem. also a very real sense of isolation Center, RIMC Cairo, where I — even, at times, a loneliness am based, covers 125 missions that can creep into one’s throughout Europe, North and West Africa, Central thoughts. So they really appreciate having a colleague Asia, and the Middle East — about half of all overseas from the outside to talk to, whether to get advice on posts. Even our smallest consulates get periodic visits what assignments to bid on or how to deal with a by someone in our office, enabling us to support them supervisor, or just to vent their frustration. These per- all effectively. sonal relationships are very important in the work I do We usually travel alone and so rely on the local staff and they can contribute to better operations at the for support. In some areas, this can be a faith-stretch- posts I visit. I feel honored to listen to my colleagues’ ing experience because hardware stores are few and concerns and either address them or suggest other far between. But it does provide us with an unusual people to consult. look at the world of the Foreign Service. We get to What do I dislike about my job? Paradoxically, see some of the internal politics and the quality of ser- travel is also the hardest thing about my job, because vice a post receives (or doesn’t) from its various sec- I have to leave my family behind — sometimes for tions. So if you ever want to know what a post is real- weeks at a time. I also get concerned when I go to a ly like, ask the RIMC technicians. high-threat post and my wife reminds me to watch my Depending on where I’m going, I get to experience back because our insurance doesn’t cover terrorist temperatures ranging from minus 30 to 120 degrees F actions or riots, civil unrest, etc. We do have a tough in quick succession. That makes packing for a trip work environment at times, and with the current situ- tough, but I do enjoy the changes of scenery. I also ation in the Middle East, that weighs heavy on the like the fact that every day I do different things in dif- minds of families. I think back to the stories during ferent places: conduct a maintenance visit, plan a new World War II when the soldiers used to see the sign, engineering project, or provide communications sup- “Kilroy was here.” Perhaps Kilroy was a member of port for a trip by the Secretary of State or other VIPs the Foreign Service? to somewhere in our region. Often I have to work well over the standard eight- When I go to a post, I not only install, repair, or do hour day while traveling, and because of the Fair preventive maintenance on communications equip- Labor Standards Act exemption — thank you very ment, but sometimes I also counsel people. Even in much — even authorized overtime is compensated at large embassies, most of my colleagues work long less than my base salary. Compensatory time is, of hours in a small box with no windows and heavy doors. course, easier to claim, but it is often hard to use, (I can relate to that because I work in a basement given our tight schedules. (Besides, our family mem- office.) For communicators at a small post there is bers work or are in school during that time, anyway.) Sometimes I spend 18 to 30 hours of travel time in Brian Coen is an Information Management Technical order to catch the one flight into (or out of) a country Specialist–Radio. He currently works in the Regional for the week. Even the more regular flights still Informational Management Center in Cairo. sometimes require leaving on a weekend in the mid-

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I suspect most specialists and generalists would agree that State needs to do a better job of handling personnel issues. dle of the night in order to make In addition, I understand that a connection. If we had an actu- staff members are developing al time clock to punch, I am sure we would accrue a plans to improve the department’s internal processes, week off for every three weeks traveled. exemplifying the “islands of excellence” theory often A related issue is Sunday differential. In Cairo, we cited as an example of a healthy organization. Already work Sunday through Thursday, while Frankfurt and the department has initiated controls to improve the department work the standard Monday through tracking processes and customer satisfaction (I’ve Friday schedule. We also have posts in our region recently been asked to fill out several questionnaires that work Saturday through Wednesday. So there are assessing the services I’ve received). Here’s hoping literally times when a person could work a month the department will take the feedback from those sur- straight going from one post to another without a veys seriously and use it to improve operations. weekend off. Otherwise, it will become more and more difficult to For all these reasons, it can be very difficult to recruit and retain skilled employees. apply the regulations to figure out whether one is I would also recommend the creation of a Chaplain entitled to overtime, differential, or per diem for all Corps to assist the regional psychiatrists in providing those extra hours in the air and on the job. Making counseling services. If resource constraints prevent matters worse, recent regulatory changes eliminating State from hiring such individuals, perhaps military “protracted” travel compensation — analogous to the chaplains could be detailed to selected posts with sea duty pay, family separation pay, danger pay and Marine detachments for the benefit of the entire combat pay that members of the military receive dur- embassy community. These chaplains could have ing deployments — have also made it harder to obtain regional responsibilities, as do Foreign Service psy- any compensation at all for extended travel. chiatrists. By improving employee morale through spiritual On the Same Team and family counseling, the chaplains would enhance One thing I suspect specialists and generalists alike the efficiency of the missions they serve. As a bonus, agree on is the fact that State needs to do a better job they could also cultivate local religious contacts and of handling personnel issues. There is nothing more provide the department with insights into issues relat- frustrating and aggravating for employees than to see ed to religion. Especially since 9/11, these issues are the agency that is supposed to improve their working more vital than ever to safeguarding the well-being of conditions and make their careers more satisfying our people overseas. instead mess with their money, their travel, and their Let me close by emphasizing how much I enjoy my transportation. Even after problems are brought to work and by urging Foreign Service generalists to managers’ attention, they typically take many months view specialists as skilled professional colleagues, not and even years to resolve. invisible support staff. After all, we may play differ- But to be fair, I do see signs that State is slowly ent positions, but we all are on the same team, serving starting to address these issues. It already requires our country while experiencing the adventure and management training courses at various pay grades. allure of different cultures. ■

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SEPARATE AND UNEQUAL

BY HARRY CHAMBERLAIN

enjoy working for the Department of State, and military roadblocks, sometimes with little more than and if I had it to do all over again I would still our wits. There are many times when there would be has- join. That said, here is a summary of the sle and danger regardless of the type of ID one has, but problems that specialists encounter as seen isn’t it proper to provide the best protection possible? through my eyes over the past 13 years. While on the Information Management VIP program, In my new-hire class in the hot summer of I had occasion to visit a post that had a supervisory 1990 there were no punches pulled: we were General Services Officer and three assistant GSOs. Two being hired as specialists, not officers; and in of the A/GSOs were officers and one was a specialist; many cases our privileges would be different. Officers, guess which one wasn’t on the Dip List! All the officers Iwe were told, have contacts with their counterparts in the were on the Dip List, while all the specialists, including host governments, and thus the Regional Security Officer — need to be on the diplomatic list THE VAGARIES OF THE DIP who probably had more contact and have appropriate titles. LIST CAN CREATE SERIOUS with the host government than I have been in countries many of the officers — were PROBLEMS FOR SPECIALISTS where this was indeed true, but . excluded. So much for the crite- it is the exceptions I have rion of host government contact. encountered that make me In Ouagadougou everyone wonder if that is, in fact, the only reason, or if there is was on the Dip List, so there were no issues there. In another, unspoken reason lurking in the background. Mexico City, only the Information Management Officer was on the Dip List, while all the other IM employees The Dip List Issue were on the A&T list. Fortunately, in Mexico the list you My first assignment was as a Regional Information were on determined only which parties you were invited Management Center Communications Electronics to. Officer based in Abidjan. The RIMC director was on the But there can be severe financial penalties if you are Dip List, while the rest of us were on the administrative not on the Dip List; often the reimbursement for the and technical staff. I didn’t give any thought to this until value-added tax, for instance, is wholly dependent on one night the vehicle in which I was riding was stopped which list you are on. by the local police. I showed the officer my A&T ID cards, whereupon he loudly commented that I wasn’t a A Zero-Sum Proposition? diplomat and I had better pay his “fine.” Many people perceive the officer-specialist equation In Africa, as in many other areas of the world I am sure, as a zero-sum affair: anything given to the specialist must the A&T staff are the ones who are called into the office come from the officers. It is my understanding that com- in the middle of the night during civil unrest to receive position of the Dip List is a reciprocity issue stemming NIACT Immediate (top priority) cables from the depart- from a desire by Congress to limit the number of foreign ment. We are the ones who have to get through the police diplomats on the diplomatic list in the United States. Nonetheless, I believe all our people deserve the max- Harry Chamberlain has been a Foreign Service spe- imum protection and benefits in these perilous times. cialist since 1990. He is currently the Information We are in the trenches and in many cases face genuine Programs Officer in Minsk. peril in our day-to-day encounters overseas. ■

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IROS: INTO THE CYBER AGE

BY RUTH MARA AND CYNTHIA BORYS

nformation Resource Officers work with visit, the IRO works with the public affairs section to create the public affairs sections at U.S. missions to an annual IRC work plan. Subsequently, the IRO reviews develop the best possible mix of information progress and drafts recommendations for furthering the services for the Information Resource work. Recommendations might include: developing a new Centers, whose goal is to advance U.S. inter- outreach product for getting information to a particular seg- ests by increasing understanding of its policies ment of the host country public; acquiring a new desktop among influential foreign nationals. publishing application for “just-in-time” publishing of key In some countries, information delivery via policy documents in the host country language; or improv- the Internet is more prevalent than in the U.S.; in others, ing the post’s contact management system. Iprinted materials or resources on CD-ROM may be the IRC staff training is a major component of every IRO most appropriate mechanism for disseminating informa- visit. One facet of training involves information technolo- tion. Regardless of the environment, IROs know the poli- gy, whether in the form of new databases, new applica- cy issues from the U.S. point of view and have the techni- tions, or development of new Web-based products and cal tools to help the IRC staff develop timely information services, such as e-mail subscription services, chat rooms, products and services. or delivery of information to handheld wireless devices. The most important assistance IROs provide to IRC per- A Regional Base sonnel, however, is “contextual information.” For example, The typical IRO travels about 60 percent of the time, most countries have a highly codified and centralized legal visiting the posts in his or her region. During an initial post system, so that finding all relevant legislation on a particu-

A Day in the Life of an IRO… By Marge Melun I am the IRO based in Rome, covering 12 southern Europe mean teaching them how to use U.S. government Web sites for posts from Lisbon to Ankara. As an information professional research purposes or speaking on the role U.S. public libraries — a librarian in the cyber age — I bring the unique disciplines and other institutions play in supporting our civil society. of library and information science to the support that I provide. • Support and advise posts seeking to develop an During a post visit I might do any or all of the following: “American Corner” or other information outreach efforts. • Introduce IRC staff to new electronic resources and data- As an IRO I feel that my most important contribution is to bases that can be used for both outreach and research pur- work with the dedicated FSNs who staff our IRCs, making sure poses. IRC staff will use these resources to keep the embassy they have the training and resources necessary to support U.S. and audience members such as journalists, academics and public diplomacy objectives. government officials informed on important policy issues. I have been an IRO specialist in the Foreign Service since • Review the embassy Web site to make sure it is current, 1994. Moving from the traditional libraries of the past to user-friendly, and makes optimal use of International today’s electronic information environment has presented Information Programs products. many challenges, but I appreciate the fact that the IROs and our • Advise IRC staff on ways to respond to reference requests, IIP colleagues are helping lead our embassies into the cyber such as those dealing with congressional legislation. Some information age. host country legislatures request this type of material as mod- els for their own laws. Marge Melun’s previous postings include assignments in • Promote contacts with host country librarians. This could Washington and as regional IRO in Islamabad and Vienna.

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lar issue is rather straightforward. In the United States, by vide feedback from the posts’ use of IIP products, and contrast, an issue may involve the federal government; or proffer suggestions for new materials or services. Because it may be a state, county, or municipal matter. IROs pro- IRCs provide cutting-edge information services to foreign vide training to IRC staff on this aspect of U.S. law. IROs publics as well as to U.S. mission personnel, professional also hold training seminars on U.S. statistical information, development is essential for IROs. IIP supports profes- another difficult terrain. sional training through courses at FSI, individual training programs, and attendance at professional conferences. In the Service of Public Diplomacy New initiatives are bringing further evolution to the IROs are part of the Bureau of International IRO position. Many are now involved with posts to devel- Information Programs. IIP produces the Washington File, op “American Corners” in areas of host countries geo- regional and thematic Web pages, electronic journals, and graphically distant from embassies and consulates. Under print publications, and also arranges speaker programs. As the American Corners project, posts can purchase and the most regular IIP visitors to posts, IROs are able to pro- donate to local universities and other institutions small col- lections of books and other information resources that Ruth Mara served as IRO in Africa, the NIS, Canada and highlight the United States. In return, the recipient insti- the Caribbean; she now collaborates with IIP in producing tution agrees to serve as a host venue for speakers and electronic information resources. Cynthia Borys is director other post programs. Although the form may be different, of the Bureau of International Information Programs’ the involvement of the IROs in the American Corners Office of Information Resources. She has served as a efforts is simply another manifestation of the furtherance regional officer in Abidjan, Bangkok, Rome, and Vienna. of public diplomacy through information. ■

48 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 F OCUS ON FS SPECIALISTS

THE IMS OVERSEAS: STAND UP AND BE COUNTED

BY WILLIAM POTTER

t has now been nearly five years since I began And, because the Post Communications Center where my career with the Foreign Service as an the IMS generally works is off-limits to local FSN staff, Information Management Specialist. This including the FSNs that would otherwise provide support job has certainly transformed my life in ways services, an IMS will also be responsible for keeping these that I had never imagined. I have tremen- facilities clean and habitable. So, in addition to all their dously enjoyed the opportunity to live over- other technical and administrative responsibilities, IM seas and explore new cultures. However, the specialists routinely empty the trash, change the light actual experience of working in an embassy or bulbs, and vacuum the floor. consulate is not always as satisfying as it could be. This can be a shock to professional self-esteem. These IBecoming proficient with all days even many first-tour IMS that is expected of the IMS over- personnel join the Foreign seas can take years of on-the-job AS FULFILLING AS THE Service with several years of man- training and experience, in addi- FOREIGN SERVICE IS, agement experience in addition tion to the many hours of class- THE ACTUAL EXPERIENCE to advanced technical certifica- room instruction that are tions and graduate degrees, never required. A typical IMS will OF WORKING OVERSEAS IS anticipating having to perform possess a broad range of techni- NOT ALWAYS AS SATISFYING such tasks. This is perhaps one of cal knowledge in several vital AS IT COULD BE, THIS the biggest reasons why the attri- areas — namely, communica- IMS EXPLAINS. tion rate is rather high for IMS tions and information manage- personnel after only their first or ment systems hardware, soft- second tour overseas. ware, and end-user training and The thoughtful IMS may support. come to accept such conditions of work on security grounds. But even the most resilient new hire will be test- What We Do ed by another feature of the real working conditions: the There are 68 items on my short list of programs and disparity between IMS personnel and Foreign Service systems that an IMS serving overseas may be responsible officers serving overseas. It isn’t just the fact that we are for — from toner cartridges and copier and printer repair issued different diplomatic license plates and identity to satellite communications, mail screening for chemical cards, but the feelings of lowliness and frustration that or biological contaminants, and post Web site develop- come with being treated as second-class citizens. ment. This list does not include personnel and administrative The Pecking Order at Post responsibilities. Even first- and second-tour IMS person- Once one has worked in a few communications centers nel will often supervise some of the Foreign Service and seen the office space, furnishings, and equipment National staff members. In general, more experience assigned to Information Resources Management person- brings more administrative responsibility for the manage- nel overseas, one learns quickly where an IRM specialist ment of projects and personnel. stands in the pecking order of an embassy or consulate —

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near the bottom. On arrival at my On arrival at my first tor” — on call in case an urgent first overseas post, I was dumb- telegram needs to be sent or founded to find how little office overseas post, I was received, another IMS responsibility space and equipment we had to per- — I had to stick around home every form our duties. There were a total dumbfounded to find how night and all weekend just in case the of three direct-hire State Marine guard needed to contact me. Department IRM employees, and little office space and My request to the GSO for an all three of us shared a single desk upgraded cell phone was denied and a single unclassified (ALMA) equipment we had to because my position, I was told, did workstation. not warrant this expense. In other One would think that Informa- perform our duties. words, our GSO was entitled to a tion Management personnel over- dependable cell phone just in case he seas might actually get to use needed to respond to an emergency the unclassified Local Area Network once or twice a day. maintenance call to come unclog an officer’s bathroom No such luck. Even if we had had another PC to connect toilet, but I could not get a cell-phone call from the to the LAN, there would have been nowhere to put it, Marine guard at Post One regarding a top-priority cable since there was no room in our office for a second desk. that required immediate attention! Yet every other American working at post and 90 percent Clearly, the disparity between IM specialists and of the FSNs had their own offices and unclassified LAN Foreign Service officers is not going away anytime soon. PCs. So why is it that the IRM personnel assigned with Any change to this corporate culture must start from the the responsibility for maintaining and supporting these top, back in Washington. But IRM specialists can accel- resources could not use them? Strange! erate the process by standing up and letting their voices I know of one post, and I am sure there are others, be heard. where a new mission office building is being constructed. I have seen the floor plans, which allocate two small No Recognition Without Representation offices for an IRM section with four Americans. In other The annual or semi-annual awards ceremonies at post words, there will be just two desks for four full-time, can be morale-killers for IRM personnel, Americans and direct-hire American IRM personnel. By contrast, all the FSNs alike. While Foreign Service officers can reason- direct-hire FSOs will have individual offices. And many ably expect to at least be nominated for some awards dur- sections, such as political, consular and public affairs, have ing the course of their tour, IMS personnel should not several extra offices for future personnel that have yet to expect to get anything. At first I thought this was because be assigned to post. our supervisors were not nominating us. But that assump- At that same post, all State Department direct-hire tion was proven incorrect when I began managing IRM Americans, including IM personnel, were issued cell personnel and submitted four nominations for FSNs in phones. But we did not receive the same cell-phone ser- our section. I was surprised that one of the nominations vice: the Foreign Service officers and many of their spous- was turned down and two others had their cash award es got GSM cell phones, which have the widest reach amounts reduced from $250 to $50. There was not internationally and are the standard in international cellu- enough money in the budget, I was told. I decided to lar communications, while specialists like myself received withdraw the two nominations whose amounts had been a local cell phone to go with the cheapest cell-phone plan reduced, and defer them until a more opportune time. that was available. In fact, the cell-phone service I used On the day of the awards ceremony, nearly 70 percent was so poor that I could not reliably make or receive calls. of the GSO staff received awards. I believe I saw the As a result, when it was my week to be “duty communica- entire FSN staff from the public affairs office come for- ward. With loud applause, numerous personnel from William Potter joined the Foreign Service in 1999 as an other sections paraded up to be recognized. Only one Information Management Specialist. He has served in member of our staff, an FSN, received an award. Sofia, and is currently an IMS in Sao Paulo. Needless to say, I felt embarrassed for our entire IRM

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section. supervisor is unwilling to attend these meetings, then by From that experience and others, it appears to me that all means, offer to represent your section. Be prepared to IRM personnel are not fairly represented on most awards provide detailed input, reminding colleagues that, after committees (or on post housing boards, for that matter). all, having functional telephone, e-mail and cable systems, All award nominations should be given equal weight, no and keeping the mail moving are vital to the mission. matter what section they come from and irrespective of When it comes to EERs, I don’t know which is worse: who is on the awards committee. But I believe the cor- being reviewed by an admin officer who knows nothing rect approach to resolving this problem would be to about what you really do with your time; or by a supervi- require the manager of the IRM section (and every other sor who does not know how to write an EER. As an IMS, section at post) to be a member of the awards committee. our promotions depend on our evaluations, so it’s often best to write them yourself. Let Your Voice Be Heard A larger post with an Information Management Officer One characteristic I found in many IRM supervisors overseeing personnel and administrative functions, I have overseas, is a lack of desire to attend the administrative noticed, tends to offer more to the IM specialist as far as staff and country team meetings. The usual reason given recognition is concerned. The IMO position at larger is that “meetings are just a waste of time.” No wonder posts is at a higher grade level because the job requires IMS personnel overseas are so frequently overlooked at more managerial skill and talent. By contrast, many small- post — the admin officer doesn’t hear our needs and con- er posts with only two or three IRM personnel would like- cerns! If you are an IMS working overseas and your ly only have an Information Programs Officer, who not

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only has less time available for per- The opportunity for and mentoring will pave the way for sonnel matters such as EERs and junior personnel to acquire the skills award nominations, but would likely training is one of the needed to advance in their careers, have less managerial talent and expe- benefitting the entire Foreign rience. major benefits of a Service. One more observation: Many of the current FP-3–level IPOs and Foreign Service The Value of Conferences IMOs need to focus on improving and Training Sessions their managerial skills. But it is also specialist career. Opportunities for training are cer- the State Department’s responsibility tainly made available to IMS person- to properly train its mid-level man- nel; in fact, that is one of the major agers. The head of the IRM section benefits of a Foreign Service special- at each post must be someone who knows how to super- ist career. Admittedly, it can be difficult at times to sched- vise, manage and direct subordinates. Proper training ule training, but if you really want it, you can usually get it. One of the most important aspects of the 10 months I spent in orientation and initial training at FSI and Climbing the IMS Ladder: Basic Principles Warrenton was the network of comrades that I developed there. These friends, acquaintances and contacts have From the day I began my Foreign Service career, I have always proven vitally important over the years, for exchanging heard that one must go back to Washington to get ahead. Is this advice on onward assignments and sharing answers to really true? I would love to see statistics published every year on technical questions, tips on equipment upgrades, and how many of those promoted work overseas and how many are other professional information. working in Washington. If IRM personnel in Washington do A highlight of my career has been the IRM confer- indeed have an advantage when it comes to promotions, then I ences and training classes that I have attended overseas. guess that means it’s not how well you perform, but whom you These regional gatherings have proven to be an important know, that matters. venue for networking with IRM personnel from other In any case, I think it is fair to say that anyone who wants to get posts and from Washington. It’s difficult to maintain a promoted has to be aggressive in pursuing opportunities for corporate focus and vision with all that is required of the recognition. Toward that end, I’d like to offer my colleagues the IMS at post. These forums are valuable methods for following basic principles: maintaining the necessary overview and disseminating • Be aggressive in pursuing changes to your work area. It’s the future goals and plans of the IRM Bureau. your responsibility; don’t expect someone to do it for you. Unfortunately, however, they are not frequent • Put things in order (even though they probably haven’t been enough for all IRM personnel to attend. Regional con- in order in years). ferences are currently held just once every two to three • Learn how to work without a desk, an office or a PC! years, and are only open to one individual per post. In • Pick your battles wisely. effect, only the senior IRM manager at post gets to go, • Support your fellow IMS personnel at post and nominate and junior IMS personnel are deprived of a valuable each other for awards. Don’t count on other parts of the embassy experience. Requiring all IMS personnel to attend a to do it for you. conference or training session once per tour, or every • Don’t complain if you find yourself in a difficult situation; work two years, would drastically improve morale for junior with what you have and move forward! IMSers overseas. • Participate in the community. In closing, I want to emphasize that I totally enjoy • Network with your comrades. Stay in touch! working in the Foreign Service. There’s nothing quite like • Have your own agenda and goals, and work toward them! it in the world. The unique culture and the challenging • Learn how to write an EER! opportunities that are available to me are enough to stim- — William Potter ulate my ambitions and keep me professionally chal- lenged for a long time to come. ■

52 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 F OCUS ON FS SPECIALISTS

ASSISTING ANTI-POACHING EFFORTS IN CHAD

BY JOE COLE

he Zakouma National Park is 1998. Democracy and Development Officer Les one of Africa’s great wildlife McBride contacted the U.S. Department of Interior’s reserves. Little known and sel- Fish and Wildlife Service, and within a year the FSW dom visited, it covers an area of signed an interagency agreement to provide financial 1,200 square miles in remote, support for the anti-poaching effort. The most pressing southeastern Chad. The park is need was to procure a new radio system and equip it with well managed, due in large part an autonomous power source, as electricity is in short to project assistance provided by supply in Zakouma. A previous radio system had been the European Union since 1989, which has strength- damaged by lightning, and park guards were unable to Tened the park’s management capacity and improved its communicate with their base and each other. infrastructure. The embassy facilitated a Chad’s national parks direc- SPECIALISTS CAN GET INVOLVED series of consultations with the tor approached U.S. embassy E.U.-funded technical assis- IN DIVERSE AND SUBSTANTIVE personnel concerning assis- tance team’s project logistician tance for the park’s anti-poach- WORK, AS THIS IRM EMPLOYEE’S and representatives of ing teams following an EXPERIENCE DEMONSTRATES. Motorola to establish technical embassy visit to the park in specifications for the radio sys- tem and choose the compo- nents. An order was placed for a base station and repeater, five mobile units, and 20 hand- held units with 40 batteries. Solar panels and accessories were ordered separately from a local firm.

A New Radio System The radio components arrived in June 2000, and the E.U. project logistician, accom- panied by embassy personnel, inspected the shipment and certified that the order was The morning after their first night in the desert camp en route to Zakouma Park, complete. By the time the with soldiers who accompanied them to provide protection. Carl Paschall is at left, solar panels arrived in Defense Attaché Maj. Chris Brown at right, and Joe Cole is kneeling down in front. November, however, the E.U.

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 53 F OCUS

representative who had devel- oped the system’s technical specifications had departed Chad and was not available to oversee radio installation at the Zakouma Park. With no firm date of arrival for his replacement, I, as the embassy’s Information Program Officer, volunteered to install the radio Right: A Zakouma Guard captain system and connect the solar talking to a village elder 70 kilo- panels. meters away on the new radio In February 2001, another system. Left: Carl Paschall and embassy officer, Carl Paschall, Joe Cole installing the cabling for and I traveled through the the radio system antenna. desert for two days, sleeping under the stars. After arriving in Zakouma, we set up a sporadic poaching that occurs on the game reserve. solar power system to power the network. Then we Giraffes and antelope are killed for their meat, and ele- installed the base station, repeater and antenna. We phants are poached for their ivory. Following success- demonstrated to park personnel how to mount the ful activation of the radio system, however, not one mobile radios into vehicles and how to convert a mobile incident of poaching has been reported. unit into a base station in the field. Once the system was operational, I gave an introductory course to a It Made a Difference handful of park guards on the correct use of the hand- The Zakouma Park personnel were pleased with the held units, and a more detailed explanation on base sta- performance of the radios and delighted by the dissuasive tion operations to local park personnel. effect the system had on potential poachers. They point- The new radio system provides two-way communica- ed out that use of the radios became a well-known fact tion across a distance of 130 kilometers, and allows the among the surrounding villages as soon as they were put park’s 81 guards assigned to Zakouma and five other sites into operation, and that the absence of poaching inci- to communicate with each other as they move around in dents, which followed installation of the radio system, was the reserve. Now, when the park’s roving trackers, who no coincidence. go out on horseback for weeks at a time, sight poachers, Indeed, months later, when the radio system stopped they can call in to have an armed team sent to the spot via functioning due to a technical problem, poaching the park’s only jeep. resumed within days. Over the next several months seven Two days prior to installation of the radios, a giraffe elephants and as many giraffes were killed before the sys- had been killed by poachers less than 10 kilometers (six tem was repaired and operating again. miles) from Zakouma. The incident was typical of the Despite recurrent problems with poachers, Zakouma National Park has been able to gradually Joe Cole is an Information Programs Officer at the replenish previously declining wildlife populations, Consulate General in Istanbul. He was previously including that of the African elephant. The elephant posted to N’Djamena, where he was involved in the population is currently estimated at between 1,500 to Zakouma National Park project. 2,000 individuals. ■

54 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 F OCUS ON FS SPECIALISTS

FOREIGN SERVICE SPECIALISTS SPEAK OUT SPECIALISTS SHARE DETAILS OF THEIR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVES IN THE FOREIGN SERVICE.

Editor’s Note: A few months ago, we sent an e-mail via AFSANet inviting specialists to contribute articles or Too Little Progress share vignettes describing their personal and profes- The life of the specialist, across the board, has not sig- sional experiences. We heard from dozens of special- nificantly improved over my past 18 years with the possi- ists, active-duty and retired, who shared the good, the ble exception of my own group: Information Resource bad and the ugly aspects of life in the Foreign Service. Management Specialists. Among the many topics they covered: relations with While each individual group of specialists can advocate generalist colleagues and host country counterparts; their own issues best, it is the generalization and use of the the role of State and other foreign affairs agencies in term “specialist,” that continue to haunt us even today. facilitating the ability to hone current skills and acquire The division between the “Foreign Service officer” and new ones; the difficulties of functioning without full the “Foreign Service specialist” is as real now as it has ever diplomatic status overseas; and issues relating to been. Possibly the simple conversion from “support com- recruitment and retention. munications officers” to “specialists” was a subtle move Our thanks to all who shared their experiences. In toward continued segregation — even if the thought was fact, we received so many responses that we will run a good one (changing “communications” to “information more next month. management”). — Steven Alan Honley, Editor At many posts, senior management holds regular meetings and social events for junior officers to maintain JO morale and keep their careers on track. There is no similar outreach for those designated as “specialists.” The Specialists Need Language Training, Too only explanation that comes to mind is the fact that those My one major observation as a new specialist is the in senior management now were JOs at one point in their short shrift specialists get when it comes to language career, as is the case with a significant portion of the senior training. For example, my position as Financial staff in Washington. While I am not positive that the spe- Management Officer is designated “language-pre- cialists would even be interested in such a meeting, as it ferred,” which usually means no language training in may well be viewed as a pacification tool more than an practice. In fact, I had to fight just to get seven weeks honest effort to reach out, it is the overt delineation of the 44-week basic Arabic course. between those who are important and those who are not, Now that I am here, it is often difficult to deal with that matters. vendors without one of my FSNs present to act as The disparity between the officer and specialist is so translator. For that reason, when my post recently deeply ingrained as part of the Foreign Service’s makeup compiled a revised list of positions requiring language as to appear in its mandatory training. capability, I asked that the Financial Management Example: The Office of Civil Rights released a new Officer position be included. My request was denied. video training program to explain federal law and State Christian Charette Department policy in regard to sexual harassment. One Financial Management Officer of the first slides is, I believe, entitled “Primary and Embassy Sanaa Secondary Aspects of Diversity,” and features a circular

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 55 F OCUS

diagram or pie chart. Although it went by fairly quickly, knew why one of the interviewers at my oral assessment one part I could not help but notice was the separation had said, “This is not just another job.” between “Foreign Service Generalists” and “Foreign These sobering thoughts disappeared as the orienta- Service Specialists.” The concern here is, of course, that tion began, however. There was the delightful feel of the somehow we are actually different, when in fact this could early carefree days of college, complete with genial, witty not be further from the truth. If discrimination is defined Foreign Service representatives, like pleasant, very wise as the picking out, and treating differently, of people of college deans. Throughout our three-week orientation, different class groups, then I would label this as a perfect the overall quality of the training and skills development example of class discrimination. was of a very high caliber. Later in the video there is some reference to the per- But there was more than intellectual stimulation and son with the “XYZ certifications,” and later still a refer- skill development. I became deeply impressed with the ence to “communicators.” Both of these references may Foreign Service’s family-friendly spirit. Not only were have been meant to be funny but the audience, not the spouses and children welcomed at the various presenta- performer, determines “funny” and none of us were tions, but we learned about the support available from amused at the session I attended. It may be helpful for State’s Family Liaison Office. And it did not take long to the Office of Civil Rights to know that the term “commu- appreciate just why so many speakers referred to the nicators” ceased to exist with the establishment of the “Foreign Service family” — albeit, a family with attitude, Information Management Specialist position, or at least it ready for all the challenges ahead in the post-9/11 inter- should have. One of the reasons for the change in job national environment. titles was to rid ourselves of the stereotype associated with Soon our class of 141 specialists — the largest in the communicators, that of “bag-draggers” and “C&R clerks.” history of the Foreign Service — was bonding. A varied The fact that the term remains indicates that the stereo- group of all ages with widely divergent skills, experiences types do as well, another example of discrimination. and personalities, hailing from many states and even Let me say that this is not intended as a dig at the countries, we gathered on Feb. 14, in the Dean Acheson Office of Civil Rights; overall, I think the presentation was Auditorium to take our Foreign Service oath of office. a good one. It highlighted some serious issues in a man- Representing the United States abroad and at home, we ner designed to make them less uncomfortable to address. had become united by our sense of common destiny. It However, the fact remains that the examples I’ve cited was a Valentine’s Day to remember, as we proudly here are typical, not isolated instances, and they reflect a declared our endearments to our new Foreign Service mentality of “them and us” instead of a team approach. family. Even among specialists there are signs of ingrained dis- Thomas White crimination. One can often find general services, facilities Human Resources Officer maintenance, financial, and human resource specialists on Embassy New Delhi the diplomatic list. But when you want to include the information management specialist, there seems to be a concerted lack of interest in changing the system or Trial by Fire rather, adapting it to modern times and realities. My fourth tour placed me in the position of the Richard E. McCormick Information Management Officer, the head of the Information Management Officer Information Resource Management section at post. After Embassy Seoul six months or so, I felt that the section had become very effective in its role for the mission. It helped that I had an administrative officer who backed me up and was willing Joining the Foreign Service Family to give me the resources to accomplish our objectives. As I walked to Building F of the George P. Shultz Other than the usual difficult customers, everything was Foreign Service Training Center on Jan. 27, 2003, for the great. I loved my job and I loved being in Colombo. opening of the 70th Foreign Service Specialist class, the Then, on April 29, 2003, the ambassador informed the gravity of my new career truly dawned on me. Now I entire mission that our admin officer was suspected of

56 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 F OCUS

major malfeasance, and would soon afterward be arrested normal. We now have a WAE admin officer filling in until (along with her husband, who had been the consular asso- the replacement admin officer arrives. I must say that, ciate) for visa fraud. overall, the various admin sub-sections did a good job of For the next two weeks, I assisted the investigators in surviving this crisis. I was extremely impressed with the their collection of information (for example, by checking teamwork the entire mission displayed while dealing with the hard drives of every computer). I also received the the increased workloads for all. “third degree” myself due to my close personal and work- I just hope in the future that nothing like this occurs to ing relationship with the accused. During this period, anyone. It’s a disaster for post performance and staff everyone at post was under immense strain, of course: for morale. No one deserves to endure the hardship that we example, while the consular section was closed and did. cleaned out, we had to rebuild most of the section’s client Bruce Begnell workstations in time for the reopening. Information Management Officer On top of all that, I was asked to act as the admin offi- Embassy Colombo cer, supervising a new General Services Officer and Financial Management Officer. As one can imagine, the GSO section was jumping through hoops to keep things Needed: Upward Mobility going while also packing out the ex-admin officer’s house. As much as I enjoy being an Office Management And as if all that weren’t enough, we hosted visits by Specialist in the U.S. Foreign Service, I absolutely deplore Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs the archaic state of the OMS career path. Specifically, a Christine Rocca and various other VIPs. newly-hired OMS today can reasonably expect only two I’m glad to report that things are slowly getting back to competitive promotions in the course of an entire career.

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I can’t tell you how many senior OMSs I know with the to specialist issues, I may consider rejoining. word “retirement” on their lips, and I’m convinced the I do not consider a lot of issues raised by my IRM col- state of the OMS promotion system is a big part of the leagues to be very significant. There are many who want reason. It got this way incrementally, and there may even diplomatic status so they can have “CD” license plates, be some movement to correct it in Washington to which, diplomatic titles, freer access to work-related locations being so far from the source, I am not privy. One can only within the country where they work (airport tarmacs), hope. diplomatic immunity, tax advantages, more lenient import The history is that, in recognition of how significantly restrictions (or total lack thereof) and other similar “perks” our responsibilities have changed over the past couple of that come with diplomatic status. decades, the department did away with the lower grades. Perhaps the department should strive to better inform Newly-hired OMSs are currently brought in at the FP-7 all prospective and active-duty specialists of the nature of level. They are administratively promoted to FP-6 after being a member of the administrative and technical staff about 18 months and then compete for promotion to FP- at posts overseas. I never realized there was actually a dif- 5, FP-4, and FP-3 (where we are capped). There are only ference between specialists and officers (and had never 23 FP-3 OMSs out of the entire corps of 816, so you can even heard the term “A & T Staff”) until after I had served see the chances of making it to the top are quite slim. Last almost six years in the Foreign Service and was assigned year’s promotion statistics showed 6 OMSs promoted to to Guangzhou, China. FP-3. Their average length of service was 24.2 years and Guangzhou was a consumables post then. My wife and average time-in-class was nine years. How many officers I had planned to “split” our consumables shipment into would stick around if faced with these statistics? In fact, two shipments a year apart to better manage how much whenever I explain the limitations on the OMS career we bought and minimize waste. It wasn’t until we had path to officers, they are unanimously appalled — as well bought, paid for, and were ready to ship our second ship- they should be. ment that we were told specialists were only authorized We have argued that since the department has recog- one consumables shipment, and only immediately after nized the substantive changes in our work responsibilities arrival at post. That was when I began to learn of the true by abolishing the lower grades, they should take the next gulf that separates “us” from “them.” steps to upgrade other positions (and promote into them It is my belief that a lot of the perceived and real down- accordingly) as well as opening to us the FP-2 level. I trodding of the specialist corps can probably be primarily believe that unless this is done soon, we will see a steady attributed to one issue: The overwhelming majority of loss in our most experienced OMSs that can only result in FSOs do not seem to have a clear idea exactly what many less efficient operations for the Foreign Service as a specialists’ responsibilities are, where they start and end, whole. and how they all fit into the overall personnel structure at Carol Scannell post. This is particularly true for Information Office Manager Management Specialists, who are generally looked upon Embassy Asuncion more as a “necessary evil” than genuine contributors to the mission’s activities. I have experienced examples of this dynamic so many How to Bring the Walls Down times it would be impossible for me to outline them all. I quit AFSA about five years ago when I grew weary Even a fellow specialist at my current post seems to have of never seeing any references to specialists in the no idea why IRM is a necessity here at the largest con- Foreign Service Journal or other periodic dispatches by sulate in Africa, despite my repeated attempts to provide the association such as the presidential update mes- him with detailed information regarding our functions sages. It appeared to me AFSA did not realize there and activities. Not once has the Information were specialists among their membership, or they just Management Officer — who is the highest-graded, plain didn’t care. To me this was a perfect example of longest-in-service specialist at post — been asked to serve the attitude that is endemic throughout the Foreign as the Acting Management Officer. No IRM representa- Service. Should AFSA take a more proactive approach tive is ever invited to attend country team meetings (a sit-

58 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 F OCUS

uation which has been true at sever- Once everyone becomes everyone has a clear understanding al other posts where I’ve served), of the contributions being made by nor is there an IRM representative more familiar with where all personnel at post and how they on our Emergency Action perform important functions in Committee. everyone else fits into the their capacity of being significantly I believe this situation persists as valuable members of the mission’s a result of the vacuum of knowledge grand scheme of things, team. among this post’s senior manage- If something of this nature is ment team. They are simply the walls will come down. currently being attempted, it’s obvi- unaware of the activities at post ous the approach is failing miser- which require IRM attendance. I ably. All initial training courses do not believe it is because the FSOs themselves have should be specifically geared to insuring all students are been too lazy or aloof to seek out exactly what it is their fully prepared to perform the full range of their duties IRM staffers are supposed to be doing. The information upon arrival at post. I am currently unaware of a State- has simply never been provided to them. This is where I specific profession where it can be said this is being believe a significant portion of resolving the issue lies. accomplished. For example, junior officers should arrive Information regarding post personnel structure and at post with the ability to draft telegrams from scratch responsibilities should be provided to all Foreign Service without having to use a template or macro. They should employees at every stage of their career in formal training know exactly how the management team is structured, activities. From A-100 to the Senior Seminar, specialist and whom to approach on a given issue — whether it’s issues and activities should be discussed in fine detail so reserving a vehicle for official transportation, requesting

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assistance with a software program, or scheduling repairs for the plumbing in their house. Not Quite God’s Chosen Because this is not the case, virtually every first-tour By the time these submissions are reduced to print for officer and specialist has to spend an inordinate amount of the September issue of the Foreign Service Journal, I will time learning how to navigate through all the support and have been retired for over three months. I am, however, substantive activities at a given post. Posts are similar writing this within three weeks of my retirement date. enough in how they work that a quality “generic” Post I have been a GSO specialist for the past 13 years, serv- Familiarization Course could be created by FSI to ensure ing in five posts as either the assistant GSO or the senior everyone arrives at post ready to go directly to work GSO. While the stigma of being “not quite God’s chosen” instead of having to roam the halls trying to learn how to has hung over my head and the heads of all other special- get even the smallest problem solved. ists, the lines of demarcation have become a little more Once everyone, specialist and generalist alike, blurred as time has passed. becomes more familiar with where everyone else fits into As far as my colleagues at my five posts were con- the grand scheme of things, the walls will come down. cerned, there was no obvious distinction nor discrimina- Everyone will be looked upon as respected and valued tion between the specialists and the generalists. On occa- teammates striving to further U.S. interests abroad sion, junior officers, not yet skilled in the art of personal instead of as co-workers of questionable utility making diplomacy and not quite aware of the fact that they would dubious contributions to getting the job done. have to depend on specialists to get their job done Mark S. Butchart throughout their career, would take “holier than thou” Information Management Specialist positions in demanding immediate attention to their real Consulate General Lagos or perceived needs. Most generally, this only happened

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once, more often than not being “handled” by one or sev- diplomatic plates (often zero for specialists), the number eral members of the FSN staff who have an uncanny way of cars that could be imported, exported or sold at post, of “leveling the playing field.” and the status of the employee and dependents in relation I only wish that the folks in the Human Resources to the laws of the host country. While many of the differ- Bureau back in Washington could learn this same ences were of little or no consequence to many of the spe- approach. Time and time again, in communications to or cialists, from time to time, the differences did create bar- from HR, the distinction between the generalists and spe- riers to the enjoyment of overseas life. cialists is highlighted by virtue of divergent benefits and There is no question that these differences, when a gen- opportunities afforded the former and not the latter. eralist could do something a specialist could not, caused As a General Services Officer, and often the only one at disharmony, jealousy and ill feeling toward the department. post, I was granted “diplomatic status” at every post in For no matter what face State puts on the real and per- which I served. GSOs are required to sign mountains of ceived differences, the specter of “God’s chosen” versus “legal documents” for the host government and, thus, “not quite God’s chosen” cannot be hidden or ignored. It require diplomatic titles and status. Most of my specialist will remain a fact of life until the department makes the colleagues, however, did not have diplomatic status. And necessary changes in tradition, law and practice. The first yes, there were many instances where this created a con- two categories may prove difficult to tackle but the last, siderable difference in the diplomatic benefits they practice, is almost totally within the control of the depart- received. ment and its employees — starting with HR. Generally, this included looser restrictions on general- Roger L. Street ists importing consumables after three to six months at Retired GSO post, the number of cars that could be registered with Bethany Beach, Del. ■

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SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 61 FOR PROF. GINGRICH, A LITTLE HISTORY LESSON

NEWT GINGRICH CLAIMS THE FOREIGN SERVICE HAS SYSTEMATICALLY WORKED TO THWART BUSH ADMINISTRATION POLICY AND TO UNDERMINE U.S. INTERESTS. HERE’S WHY HE’S WRONG.

BY STEPHEN R. DUJACK

ormer Speaker of the House Newt Foreign Service, he concludes, must adopt President Gingrich unleashed two shotgun blasts Bush’s “vision,” which means, “We can no longer accept a at the State Department in recent culture that props up dictators, coddles the corrupt, and months, with a talk at the American ignores secret police forces.” Enterprise Institute in April and a piece Unfortunately, this attack is neither unprecedented in in Foreign Policy magazine in July. The its message nor in its viciousness. It is just the latest ver- speech blamed the difficulties President sion of nearly identical charges that, depressingly, have Bush had with Turkey over military access, and with our been a staple of conservative Republicans ever since Fallies on the U.N. Security Council leading up to the war America became a superpower. When our foreign policy in Iraq, not on differences over diplomacy and strategy, fails, someone must be at fault, so why not the diplomatic but on Foggy Bottom’s propensity to play a “murky game corps, since they are supposed to be the foreign policy in which the players were deceptive and the rules were professionals? Curiously, Mr. Gingrich, who was an assis- stacked against the United States.” He purported to tant professor of history at Western Georgia College from describe the heretofore unknown behind-the-scenes role 1970 to 1978, seems to be ignorant of his subject, for he is the department had played to thwart U.S. interests last fall repeating it. Almost word for word. And with an equal even before the U.N. resolution authorized inspections, lack of accuracy. and to outline how State is now “back at work pursuing The classic example, of course, is when the department policies that will clearly throw away all the fruits of hard- was purged of its “China hands” after that country’s “loss” won victory.” to communism in 1949, part of the fallout from Wisconsin The article expanded on these statements and claimed Republican Senator Joe McCarthy’s famous claim that that “anti-American sentiment is rising unabated around over 200 “active members of the Communist Party” the globe because the U.S. State Department has abdicat- worked in the department, undermining American securi- ed values and principles in favor of accommodation and ty from within. That huge political and social forces passivity.” Mr. Gingrich outlined a reform program that involving hundreds of millions of people, in a far-off would shift the department’s role from traditional diplo- country as large as the United States, may have been macy to communication (mostly) of the president’s views beyond the ability of the department to affect, did not fig- and “American values” to other countries. At root, how- ure in the calculation. ever, he seems to think that the nation’s problems in inter- national relations are not a matter of addressing foreign Foreign Policy System — Or Cabal? societies but the social milieu at Foggy Bottom. The But it was during the Reagan administration that the strongest parallel to Mr. Gingrich’s curious comments can Stephen R. Dujack was editor of the Foreign Service be found — that somehow or other a foreign policy artic- Journal from 1981 to 1988. He now edits a magazine on ulated by the president is not really his responsibility, that environmental policy, The Environmental Forum. it has been warped by others behind the scenes, and that

62 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 the True Right must look out for the president’s interests. 1981 to 1985. “The State Department has not effectively The most famous of these sentinels was Sen. Jesse Helms, implemented the president’s stated foreign policy goals” R-N.C., first elected to his post in 1972, when he became of liberation for the peoples of Eastern Europe, he said. a member of the Foreign Relations Committee. Helms Rather, “it has undermined them at every turn.” Charles took it upon himself to form a “shadow State Department” Lichenstein, who had been Amb. Jeanne Kirkpatrick’s within his staff, who became “country desk officers” for deputy at the United Nations from 1981 to 1984, said that the senator to ensure that his policies were followed. He State ensures that those who favor the president’s policies also exacted favors by holding up the appointments of do not get promoted. “The system first, the system last, ambassadors whom he claimed President Reagan could the system always.” The third panelist, Curtin Winsor Jr, not possibly have really wanted to who served in Costa Rica from appoint, lacking the time to ensure 1981 to 1983, where he used his their anti-communist credentials. diplomatic status to avoid having Helms’ banner year was 1985. For someone who was an notice of a legal action served on When he finally freed the “State him, was relatively silent. Department 29,” he took the oppor- assistant professor of As an example of one of their tunity to publicly lecture the Senate falsehoods, Lichenstein told of an on the evils of a nominating system history before entering officer who had done very well for that puts forth candidates not suffi- four years under Kirkpatrick at the ciently in tune with his conservative political life, Mr. Gingrich U.N. Then the new assistant sec- president, although he had appoint- retary of the Bureau of Inter- ed them. The reason, he said, is that seems woefully ignorant national Organization Affairs the president relies on the Secretary “wanted this highly trained, highly of State, who in turn relies on “the of his subject. skilled, and by this time highly foreign policy system. ... And that is experienced FSO to be his princi- where the problem is.” On top of pal deputy here in Washington. that, he said, there is the “absolute The system decided, however, that necessity of doing something about the functionaries in he was urgently required in Nigeria.” Lichenstein the State Department who are elected by no one, whose declared the appointment “retribution” for the officer’s activities are not even monitored, and whose activities having so faithfully served the conservative Kirkpatrick. have so often led to distressing circumstances in various However, upon investigation, it turned out that the officer parts of the world.” Of the 29 now-freed appointees, the in question had been assigned to Lagos before the incom- Associated Press reported that one was held up for advo- ing assistant secretary requested him. cating observance of the SALT II treaty — a policy Ironically, another conservative, a member of adhered to by President Reagan himself — and another Congress, found it convenient to insulate Sec. Shultz from for ejecting from her Eastern Bloc embassy a supposed criticism the same month over a minor matter in the news asylum seeker who, in fact, was threatening to kill himself — because it was all the Foreign Service’s fault. “When while wielding surgical scissors. the Secretary of State is the person in the headlines it is The same month, three former political ambassadors not his fault. He is surrounded by, guided by, and advised who had served Reagan held a symposium at the conserv- by a professional bureaucracy which is weak and ineffec- ative Heritage Foundation, where they charged that a tive. The State Department has been weak under Shultz “network” of anti-Reaganites in the State Department was as it was weak under Haig as it was weak under Muskie as undermining the president’s foreign policy objectives in it was weak under Vance. ... The State Department view several critical regions. They painted a picture of an influ- of legalism, of conflict avoidance, of negotiating to get a ential cabal that was advancing an “internationalist” ideol- ‘yes’ at virtually any cost, that view is fundamentally ogy and was avoiding confronting adversaries in areas wrong.” That member of Congress was Rep. Newt where Reagan was trying to stop communism or Third Gingrich, R-Ga. World anti-Americanism. The three demanded Secretary Finally, there was the charge of Evan Galbraith, George P. Shultz’s resignation as the official responsible. Reagan’s businessman-turned-ambassador to France, who The Foreign Service “network works frantically to den- in leaving his post told the New York Times that “foreign igrate the latest information from the field regarding policy is too important to be left up to Foreign Service human rights violations and technology transfers,” officers. ... There is something about the Foreign Service charged David Funderburk, ambassador to Romania from that takes the guts out of people. The tendency is to avoid

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 63 confronting an issue.” But a profes- and influential than ambassadors, sional diplomat probably wouldn’t often assuming their roles. have been telling the French that It was during the Reagan For its part, as Mr. Gingrich the U.S. planned to retain its nuclear knows, the Defense Department counterstrike force under a Star administration that the basically ran the show on diplomacy Wars system at the same time that in the runup to war, when Secretary President Reagan was saying just strongest parallels to Donald Rumsfeld made insulting the opposite, which Galbraith did to “Old Europe” allies Germany and Secretary Shultz’s and the White Mr. Gingrich’s France a daily sport at his televised House’s dismay. Galbraith spent the press conferences. Yet Mr. Gingrich next week trying to retract his curious comments charged in his speech that it was remarks about FSOs. Some guts. State that had “a pattern of commu- can be found. nications failures as a result of A Failure to Communicate? which ... a vast majority of French Today, the “Bush administration’s and German citizens favored poli- war on terrorism has led to a signifi- cies that opposed the United cant militarization of U.S. foreign pol- States.” He also blames State for the icy that has become the dominant George W. Bush’s Washington.” The vote of the Turkish parliament to force in world affairs,” columnist Jim Defense Department now runs for- deny U.S. troops transit rights — a Hoagland wrote in the Washington eign policy, according to Hoagland. remarkable claim, considering that Post in June. “A cliche that once In Dana Priest’s book The Mission: Newt couldn’t get most of his described this capital preparing for Waging War and Keeping Peace with “Contract with America” through crisis abroad — ‘the lights are burning America’s Military, she describes how the 104th Congress. late tonight at the State Department’ the military’s regional commanders- Be that as it may, in his Foreign — has become an anachronism in in-chief have become more powerful Policy article, Mr. Gingrich declares

64 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 that “we must have effective and reliable policy instruments beyond the Defense Department, and that can only occur with a serious and long overdue transformation of the State Department. Without bold and dramatic changes at the State Department, the United States will soon find itself on the defensive everywhere, except militarily.” Before getting to his solutions, how- ever, there is the matter of his evi- dence. In both the speech and the article, his charges seem to have fallen like rotten apples into his hands, rather than having been cul- tivated by research. For instance, he says that France’s “campaign seeking to defeat U.S. foreign policy objectives articulated by Bush” was, somehow or other, the direct result of an “accommodation worldview” that reacted to Libya’s winning the vote as chair of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights and the U.S. being voted off the commission. But the United States was voted off the commission in May 2001 and Libya became chair this spring, whereas U.S. difficulties with France didn’t begin till the fall of 2002 and by this spring we were in Baghdad. Contrary to good scholarly princi- ples, he also fails to mention the inconvenient fact that the U.S. came back on the panel in April — whereupon it sought to block debate on the human rights situa- tion in Iraq under American occu- pation. The article reflects fundamental misunderstandings of how foreign policy is made and conducted. For instance, he is angry that a classified Bureau of Intelligence and Research report last March warning that “democracy would be difficult to achieve [in Iraq]” conflicts with the “vision” of President Bush, who said at the same time that “the Iraqi people can flourish in democracy.”

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 65 Mr. Gingrich seems to think that been starved of funds, and morale intelligence should be tailored to Mr. Gingrich cites his problems have worsened, further ideology, not reality. How appropri- damaging the department’s ability to ate, then, that INR intelligence was service as a member function. vindicated in July when the adminis- The commission then sets out a tration declassified part of a of the Hart-Rudman program for reform and restructur- National Intelligence Estimate ing, designed to support State’s which showed that the bureau was Commission, reestablishment as the president’s “highly dubious” about allegations principal foreign policy-making and that Iraq had sought uranium but he completely implementing institution. (Mr. from African countries — a caveat Gingrich suggests many of these that the president’s speechwriters misrepresents same reforms in his speech and arti- ignored in preparing this year’s State cle, but, as noted, for a different of the Union address. that body’s institutional mandate.) The com- Worse, Mr. Gingrich’s solution, is mission does not view the era of not better facts, nor better diploma- recommendations. state-to-state diplomacy as over: cy, but better communications. “As “U.S. ambassadors and embassies the world’s only superpower, largest play critical roles in promoting U.S. economy, and most aggressive cul- national security goals overseas,” it ture, the United States inevitably says, and it wants the authority of infringes on the attention and inter- ambassadors to be strengthened. ests of other peoples and nations. A The report concludes: “We cannot country this large and powerful Anything less is a disservice to this emphasize strongly enough how crit- must work every day to communi- nation.” He derives his authority to ical it is to change the Department cate what it is doing. The world does prescribe this medicine from the of State from the demoralized and not have to love us, but it must be fact that he served as a member of relatively ineffective body it has able to predict us.” In his view, that the U.S. Commission on National become into the president’s critical means keeping track of “global anti- Security/21st Century, chaired by foreign policy-making instrument.” American sentiment,” which means former Senators Gary Hart and An instrument, not a loudspeaker. “left-wing nongovernmental organi- Warren Rudman. This is the panel I am reminded of a column that zations, elite media, and most of the whose February 2001 report called Art Buchwald wrote when a similar elite academics around the world for the formation of a Department reform effort was suggested, during (including the United States).” The of Homeland Security and predict- the Reagan administration, in which BBC is as suspect as Al-Jazeera, he ed a major terrorist attack on U.S. he said, “If they got control of Foggy says. He doesn’t use the word pro- soil. It also called for significant Bottom, they could force diplomatic paganda, or agitprop, but that is reforms in the State Department, solutions to military problems.” what he means. “The state-to-state he points out. diplomatic system of the past simply But he completely misrepresents Patriotism and will not survive,” he concluded. the findings of the commission in Professionalism this regard, for it calls for a stronger Four years after Evan Galbraith Culture Shock and Awe State Department, with a greater left Paris to resume a comfortable To adapt the Foreign Service to role in the formulation and execu- business career, the Berlin Wall fell. this new reality, Mr. Gingrich tion of foreign policy. It views “with But while the China hands 40 years asserts, “the State Department alarm” the consolidation of foreign earlier were blamed for the faults of needs to experience culture shock, a policy-making in the National Nationalist General Chiang Kai-shek top-to-bottom transformation that Security Council (noting that the and the erection of the Bamboo will make it a more effective com- national security adviser position Curtain, those who staffed the municator of U.S. values around the was not created by the National embassies and consulates behind the world, place it more directly under Security Act of 1947) and a power Iron Curtain under incredibly trying the control of the president of the shift from State to the NSC and circumstances were never credited United States, and enable it to pro- other bodies, such as the Defense for their role in containing commu- mote freedom and combat tyranny. Department. As a result, State has nism — a policy that was the idea of

66 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 a career officer, George F. Kennan, incidentally. Democracy has spread throughout Latin America too, thanks in no small measure to Foreign Service personnel who kept the beacon burning in our missions in Pinochet’s Chile, the Sandinistas’ Nicaragua, El Salvador amid the death squads, and Argentina under the generals. In time, as a peace settlement is worked out between the Palestinians and the Israelis and the democrati- cization of Iraq and the rest of the Middle East proceeds, diplomacy’s star will surely rise again. When peace is the desired outcome, it always has. As to Galbraith’s assertion that the Foreign Service lacks “guts,” it is worth recalling that during the time he was in Paris, the U.S. embassy in Beirut was truck- bombed twice and U.S. diplomats were assassinated at several other posts by other means. So many Foreign Service employees died in the line of duty that AFSA had to add extra panels for the first time to its memorial plaque in the State Department lobby. Since then, all too many other Foreign Service members have given their lives for their country, as when Osama bin Laden’s followers blew up our embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998 and attacked our personnel in Pakistan last year. Far from showing a lack of guts, State has rebuilt and reopened those posts. How could it be, Mr. Gingrich, that these men and women are engaged in a “deliberate and sys- tematic effort to undermine the president’s policies” when they are so willing to give their lives to pro- mote and defend those policies? Perhaps, like their fellow profes- sionals in the military, they should be given equal recognition for their patriotism. ■

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 67 CHILE’S OWN SEPT. 11

ALLEGATIONS OF AMERICAN INVOLVEMENT IN THE SEPT. 11, 1973, COUP IN CHILE WERE RECENTLY REVIVED BY AN UNEXPECTED SOURCE: SECRETARY OF STATE COLIN POWELL.

BY GEORGE GEDDA

s in the U.S., Sept. 11 is remembered Chileans were exiled or imprisoned and tortured. in Chile for politically-motivated vio- In Washington, the Nixon administration did not exactly lence. For it was on that date in 1973 mourn Allende’s demise. That attitude was not surprising, that Chileans saw their democracy given the countries’ cool relations over the previous three disappear for 17 years, overturned by years. Soon after Allende took office, Washington slashed the country’s military. bilateral assistance to a tiny fraction of what it was under the Military coups in Latin America previous Chilean government, headed by President Eduardo were not uncommon 30 to 40 years ago. Indeed, there were Frei. Instead, American largesse was directed at anti- Afive in 1963 alone. But Chile was a special case. For the pre- Allende labor unions and independent newspapers. vious 150 years, the country had prided itself in peaceful In his memoirs, Henry A. Kissinger, who was Nixon’s transfers of power from one elected government to another. national security adviser at the time (he did not become That all ended when Gen. Augusto Pinochet, chief of the Secretary of State until 11 days after the Chile coup), Army, deposed Chilean President Salvador Allende, an elect- acknowledged that he welcomed Allende’s ouster. “Though ed Marxist who had been in office just under three years. we had no hand in the military coup,” he said, “we thought it In their book, A Nation of Enemies, Pamela Constable saved Chile from totalitarianism and the Southern Cone and Arturo Valenzuela, describe what happened on Chile’s from collapse into radicalism.” As for the many abuses com- day of trauma: “Two Hawker Hunter fighter jets streaked mitted by the Chilean Army following the coup, Kissinger across the late-winter sky over Santiago. ... The jets dipped said he expressed concern to Chile’s foreign minister about and fired a round of rockets into La Moneda Palace. As they them. He added that the United States helped bring about banked gently away in tandem and returned for six more safe passage for thousands of individuals who had sought asy- passes, windows shattered and curtains ignited in the pris- lum in various embassies. tine, sand-colored colonial mansion, which had stood for 130 years as a symbol of Chilean democracy.” No More Castros Tanks and infantry troops advanced toward the building, The Nixon administration’s concerns about Allende actu- exchanging gunfire with security guards. Soon Pinochet’s ally dated back to well before he took office in 1970. As command post received a curt message: “Mission accom- Kissinger puts it, Pres. Nixon was so “passionately opposed” plished. Moneda taken. President found dead.” He is to the emergence of another “Castroite” regime in the hemi- believed to have died by his own hand. sphere that when Allende gained only 36 percent of the pop- The events of that 9/11, coupled with the grim aftermath ular vote in the first round of balloting, the CIA tried to per- as Pinochet’s forces launched one of the most brutal waves of suade the Chilean Congress to order a runoff between the repression in Latin American history, led to some 3,000 two leading candidates. deaths — about the same tally as the more recent Sept. 11, When that didn’t work, the administration briefly pursued when terrorists attacked on U.S. soil. Thousands more a second option, the so-called “Track II,” but called it off in mid-October 1970. Kissinger gives few details about that George Gedda is the State Department correspondent for scheme in his memoirs, but a 2000 report issued by the U.S. the Associated Press. intelligence community at the request of Rep. Maurice

68 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 Hinchey, D-N.Y., says that plan involved the kidnapping of William D. Rogers, who served under Kissinger as assis- Gen. Rene Schneider, the Chilean Army commander. A tant secretary of State for Latin America in 1975-76 and strong supporter of the Chilean Constitution, Schneider was maintains a professional relationship with him, heard the seen as a major stumbling block for military officers seeking to broadcast of the Feb. 19 taping and was troubled by it. He carry out a coup to prevent Allende from being inaugurated. was concerned that the remark was reinforcing what he calls Kissinger notes that even though the CIA withdrew from “the legend” that the Chile coup was a creation of a the plot, the Chilean military proceeded anyway. But it Kissinger-led cabal working in league with Chilean military botched the kidnapping, and Schneider was killed. The officers opposed to Allende. Chilean Congress ratified Allende’s election days later, and Even before the State Department prepared its state- he was inaugurated on Nov. 3, 1970. ment contradicting Powell, Rogers said he called the depart- A year later, events in neighboring Uruguay provided ment’s legal office to point out that there was a pending Latin American radicals additional cause for encouragement. Chile-related lawsuit against the U.S. government and that There a leftist candidate, Liber Seregni, appeared to be pos- Powell’s comment could help the plaintiffs. Rogers said he ing a strong challenge in the Nov. 28, 1971, presidential elec- also talked to Kissinger. “I wouldn’t say he was upset. ... I told tions, but finished a distant third. It was not until years later Henry I think this is bad stuff. It doesn’t help the U.S. legal that the fairness of the election was called into question. position,” Rogers said. According to documents released in May 2002 by the But more important to Rogers was Powell’s perhaps National Archive, Pres. Nixon credited Brazil’s military gov- unwitting role in keeping the Kissinger-as-coup-chieftain ernment with Seregni’s defeat. “The Brazilians helped rig notion alive. “Allende’s policies,” Rogers contends, “were the Uruguayan election,” Nixon exulted on Dec. 23, 1971, quite sufficient to explain the economic decline in the coun- apparently pleased that the possibility of “another Chile” in try during his reign, and his administration was not without the region had been averted. responsibility in the deterioration of civil society which occurred in Chile in 1972 and 1973. He did not exactly pro- Second Thoughts? mote democratic institutions and practices, nor was he much Perhaps inevitably, when the coup in Chile took place of a defender of human rights. But in any event, whatever almost two years later, suspicions of American involvement the U.S. responsibility for the near-chaos in Chile in that fate- were rampant. Those allegations were revived recently by an ful year, this is scarcely the same as actually inciting the unexpected source. On Feb. 19, 2003, a month before the Chilean military to unlimber their weapons and attack La Iraq war, Secretary of State Colin Powell went to the studios Moneda.” of Black Entertainment Television in Washington to address a gathering of young people. He was asked whether the Examining the Record United States had the moral authority to attack Iraq given the One problem with the State Department’s response to U.S. role in “staging a coup” in Chile in 1971. Powell’s Powell’s Feb. 19 remarks is that it does not seem to square answer was surprising. “It is not a part of American history with a Clinton-era statement, issued on Nov. 13, 2000, after that we’re proud of,” he said, seeming to lend credence to the Chile documents were declassified. That statement said, the questioner’s premise. He said reforms instituted since “Actions approved by the U.S. government aggravated polit- then make it unlikely that the policies of that era will be ical polarization and affected Chile’s long tradition of demo- repeated. cratic elections and respect for constitutional order and the In a highly unusual move, the State Department quickly rule of law.” This seems more consistent with Powell’s Feb. issued a statement that put distance between the department 19 remarks than with the State Department’s attempt after- and its top official. The statement asserted that the U.S. gov- ward to absolve the United States of responsibility. Efforts to ernment “did not instigate the coup that ended Allende’s obtain an explanation for the differences between the two government in 1973.” The bases for that conclusion, it said, statements were unsuccessful. were a 1975 Senate Foreign Relations Committee report Despite the release of State’s records, some researchers overseen by Chairman Frank Church, D-Idaho, and the remain convinced that the true U.S. role in the events of 30 2000 Hinchey Report. years ago has never been fully exposed. Peter Kornbluh, a The State Department statement added that the U.S. student of Latin American issues whose book, The Pinochet government has been “proactive in making documents avail- File, is being released in September, says, “The U.S. govern- able to the public so that it might judge for itself the extent ment carried out a clear effort to undermine and destabilize of U.S. historical actions toward Chile.” It noted that the Allende’s ability to govern, creating the climate necessary for declassification project has led to the release of 23,000 docu- a coup to take place.” ments covering relations with Chile between 1968 and 1991. He insists that the U.S. role did not stop there. The U.S.

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 69 The Nixon administration did not exactly mourn Allende’s demise, but denied U.S. involvement in his overthrow.

government, he says, “helped this regime consolidate its power through every mechanism, overt and covert, of support despite full knowledge of its atrocities.” And he contends that emergency U.S. assistance was expe- dited to Chile immediately after the coup. The administration turned on “all faucets of support” that had been turned off during the early Allende presidency, he says. But the Hinchey Report does not support these allegations, insofar as the CIA is concerned. The agency concedes only that, “Many of Pinochet’s officers were involved in systematic and widespread human rights abuses following Allende’s ouster,” and it acknowledges that “some of these were contacts or agents of the CIA or U.S. military.” But it insists that, “The intelligence community followed then-current guidance for reporting such abuses and admonished its Chilean agents against such behavior.” Nonetheless, one declassified State Department document indi- cates U.S. intelligence may have played a role in the death of American free-lance journalist Charles Horman at the hands of Chilean security forces in the days after the coup. (A 1982 movie, “Missing,” strongly suggested American complicity in Horman’s murder.) The document, made pub- lic in 1999, says Horman was appre-

70 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 hended and transported to a stadium where suspected leftists were de- tained by Chile’s military. The death toll of Chile’s “U.S. intelligence may have played an unfortunate part in Horman’s own Sept. 11, 30 years death,” the document said. At best, it said, the U.S. intelligence communi- ago, was about 3,000 — ty’s role “was limited to providing or confirming information that helped nearly identical to motivate his murder by the govern- ment of Chile. At worst, it said, U.S. America’s tally two intelligence was aware the govern- ment of Chile saw Horman in a rather years ago. serious light and American officials did nothing to discourage the logical outcome of the government of Chile’s paranoia.” A CIA spokesman main- crimes against humanity,” among tained that the agency had no role in other violations. The plaintiffs are Horman’s death. seeking compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $33 million. Going to Court William Rogers, the Kissinger aide, The bloodshed that followed believes it is almost certain the com- Allende’s ouster triggered a complaint plaint will be thrown out because of sov- last November that was filed in U.S. ereign immunity. “It is a first principle District Court in Washington, D.C., by of international and U.S. law that 11 residents of Chile. The suit names nations are immune from suit in their Kissinger, the U.S. government and own courts,” he says. He also believes Michael Townley, an American-born that Kissinger has nothing to worry former Chilean intelligence officer. about because the United States is auto- “This action seeks relief for the matically substituted as the defendant harm suffered by Chilean victims and in place of any individual official named, their families following the coup that under the theory that the official was brought Pinochet to power in Chile on not acting on his own but rather as an www.stayatresidenceinn.com/ Sept. 11, 1973,” the complaint says. agent of government policy. embassyevacuees “The defendants knowingly provided Still, Rogers says, the conse- practical assistance and encourage- quences would be mind-boggling if ment to the Chilean repressive regime the plaintiffs in the case were to suc- with reckless disregard for the lives and ceed in overriding the principle of sov- well-being of the plaintiffs and their ereign immunity and recover a judg- families.” ment against the United States. If that It adds that the declassified U.S. happens, he says, a host of other plain- government documents and congres- tiffs will quickly come forward to chal- sional reports “show that with the lenge the international legality of practical assistance and encourage- Washington’s foreign interventions in ment of the United States and the offi- recent years, which are “considerably cial ... acts of Henry Kissinger, the more robust and forceful than any- Chilean terror apparatus conducted thing the United States did in Chile a systematic torture, cruel, inhumane or third of a century ago.” degrading treatment, false imprison- As of this writing, no suits have ment, arbitrary detention, wrongful been filed in the U.S. against death, summary execution, assault and President Bush and other architects of battery, false disappearance, and the Iraq war. But in Belgium, seven

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 71 In a highly unusual move, the State Department quickly issued a statement that put distance between the department and its top official.

Iraqi victims of the 1991 Gulf War used a recent law allowing such charges to lodge a war crimes com- plaint in March against former President George H. W. Bush and Secretary Powell, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during that conflict. At this writing, the Belgian government is taking steps to narrow the law’s scope. But until that is done, sources close to Powell say the suit will keep him from visiting NATO headquarters, located in Brussels.

Returning to Normal Pinochet remained in charge in Chile for almost 17 years following his coup. He was the last of South America’s military dictators to surren- der power to an elected successor, a process that had begun in Ecuador in 1979. The stage for Pinochet’s depar- ture was set when he gambled on a yes vs. no referendum on his rule in Pet-friendly October 1988. He lost by 55 percent to 43 percent; perhaps his only con- solation was that, in defeat, his share of the vote was 7 percent higher than Allende received in his victorious 1970 campaign against two oppo- nents. In December 1989, Chileans elected veteran political leader Patricio Aylwin to succeed Pinochet.

72 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 The transfer of power took place in SEVEN MINUTES TO STATE DEPARTMENT March 1990. Some 4,000 guests attended an evening reception in the vast courtyard at La Moneda, includ- ing some who had been dragged from the building on Sept. 11, 1973. columbia plaza Nowadays, Pinochet, 87, suffers apartments from mild dementia, arthritis and dia- betes. He has had several minor Capital Living strokes since 1988. In 1999, the With Comfort and Convenience Chilean Supreme Court ruled that he Beautiful, Spacious Efficiencies, 1 and 2 Bedrooms was too infirm to stand trial to fight SHORT TERM FURNISHED APARTMENTS AVAILABLE the scores of lawsuits filed against him both in Chile and in Europe for the Utilities Included 24 Hour Front Desk Complimentary Voice Mail Garage Parking Available human rights violations committed Courtyard Style Plaza Shopping on Site during his rule. Polished Hardwood Floors Cardkey Entry/Access Chile’s economy under Pinochet Private Balconies River Views had a roller-coaster quality until the Huge Walk-In Closets Minutes to Fine Dining mid-1980s, then performed surpris- Walk to the Kennedy Center and Georgetown ingly well during his last few years. Minutes to Foggy Bottom Metro Inflation plummeted and key export earnings nearly doubled. The robust (202) 293-2000 economic performance persisted well 2400 Virginia Ave., N.W. after Pinochet stepped down. Washington, D.C., 20037 In their book, A Nation of Managed by Polinger, Shannon & Luchs Co. Enemies, Constable and Valenzuela say it was not clear until the two elec- tions of the late 1980s whether Chile’s democratic culture would survive the long years of often harsh and arbitrary dictatorship. “The peaceful outcome of both elections — and the triumph of civic maturity over threats, uncer- tainty and alarmist propaganda — suggested that two decades of fear and alienation had implanted lessons different from those that Chile’s mili- tary tutors wish to impart,” the authors said. They note that, “In some respects, Chilean society had evolved enor- mously since 1973; it was more world- ly, more skeptical of the state and more aggressive in pursuing ambi- tions. In other respects, though, the old democratic culture had reasserted itself. There was a new appreciation for the values of moderation and com- promise that once had been bitterly discarded — and a firm rejection of the utopian visions that had scarred a generation.” ■

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 73 BOOKS

Point-Counterpoint authors have since written books to America and the flesh out their initial historical theses.) In addition, as these essayists would America and The World: World is useful for be the first to concede, the real world Debating the New Shape of the student trying is more complex and subtle than each International Politics picture painted here. Even so, each James F. Hoge Jr. and Gideon Rose, to understand sketch is part of an overall canvas, and editors; Council on Foreign underlying gives a useful perspective that, in the Relations, 2003, $19.95, paperback, collective, educates and informs the 389 pages. motivations shaping reader in ways no one author could. current events. Not only is America and the World REVIEWED BY THOMAS MCNAMARA a good book for policy wonks, but it is also helpful for the student trying to America and The World: Debating understand the main historical cur- the New Shape of International rents and underlying motivations Politics is a gem of a collection for shaping current events. It is undeni- busy readers who either missed or Civilizations?”) is rebuked by Fouad able, for example, that Huntington wish to reread many of the last Ajami (“The Summoning”), while G. was on to something in 1992 when he decade’s attempts to define the cen- John Ikenberry (“The Myth of Post- described the “clash of civilizations.” tral issues of post-Cold War interna- Cold War Chaos”) clashes with The heartlands of Islam and the West tional politics. Given that many of Robert D. Kaplan (“The Coming are engaged in a struggle to advance these essays are now available on the Anarchy”). Then Fareed Zakaria and different philosophical, institutional, Internet, the book is a bit pricey. But Marc F. Plattner mix it up over liberal and social objectives. Yet it is more the advantage of having a good cross- vs. illiberal democracy, and Robert clear than ever, as Ajami writes, that section of this ongoing debate in one Kagan (“Power and Weakness”) faces civilizations are not unitary forces, and volume is worth the expense. a contrary thesis by Stephen G. are not even actors in history. The The book rightly begins with an Brooks and William C. Wohlforth diversity of objectives and tendencies essay published during the first flush (“American Primacy in Perspective”). on all sides is too great to be fitted into of Cold War victory, Francis Fukuy- The most striking of the book’s many Huntington’s small frame. So perhaps ama’s “The End of History?” — writ- “point-counterpoint” pairings is the the greatest benefit of reading these ten as the Berlin Wall fell, but before final one: President Bush’s 2002 West essays is to understand the complexity the Soviet Union did. The trouble Point commencement speech declar- of events and to appreciate how hard it with firing the first shot, even a good ing his pre-emption doctrine, and G. is for historians to make sense of histo- one, is that everyone else gets to John Ikenberry’s refutation, “Amer- ry’s contradictory themes. ■ return fire — an activity at which aca- ica’s Imperial Ambition.” demics are particularly fierce. Neither These efforts to highlight and During his Foreign Service career, those salvos nor the events of the past define the main themes facing the Thomas McNamara was assistant sec- decade have been kind to Fukuyama international community are all well- retary of State for political-military and his victory proclamation. written and well-reasoned. Yet each affairs, ambassador to Colombia, and The debate is lively, and some- inevitably comes up short, for no ambassador-at-large for counterter- times personal, as the 19 theoreticians essay can present a meaningful thesis rorism, among many other positions. presented try to intellectually order about the complex challenges the He now teaches at The George the new international disorder. U.S. faces, and deal with counter- Washington University’s Elliott School Samuel P. Huntington (“The Clash of arguments. (Indeed, several of these of International Affairs.

74 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 IN MEMORY

John Robert Diggins, Jr., 81, Gisela Sperling Diggins, his wife of Mr. Johnston spent more than 30 retired FSO, died March 24 at his 43 years and the mother of his years in the Foreign Service. He home in Austin, Texas, after a long ill- younger children: Paul, Christina and retired in 1973 as Director of the ness of renal cell cancer and Lewy Elizabeth. All his children and their Agency for International Develop- body dementia. spouses, 15 grandchildren and five ment’s Office of Personnel and Mr. Diggins, an only child, was great-grandchildren survive him. Manpower, and received USAID’s born in Boston, Mass. His father Distinguished Honor Award in recog- raised him; Washington, D.C. was his nition of a distinguished career in gov- hometown. During World War II he ernment service. He served as was in the Navy, and served his coun- Mary Nell Harris, 78, retired USAID mission director in several try for two years in the Atlantic FSO, died suddenly at her home in Latin American countries and deputy theater and two years in the Pacific. Athens, Ga., on May 9. assistant administrator of two staff He attended George Washington Born in Dothan, Ala., Ms. Harris offices in Washington. University. was a graduate of Peace College in In 1943, Mr. Johnston launched his In 1947, Mr. Diggins began his 32- Raleigh, N.C. She worked in Japan foreign aid career as an agriculture year-long career with the State and Germany for the American Red officer in Brazil. After service in the Department. His first post was Puerto Cross before joining the State Navy in World War II, he was an agri- la Cruz, Venezuela, followed by Department. Ms. Harris served in culture officer in Guatemala, and then Caracas, Reykjavik, Antwerp, Nice, Brussels, Vienna, Florence, Moscow, director of the International Coopera- Paris and Toronto. He was consul Monrovia, and Malawi, and retired tion Administration missions in Ha- general in Windsor, Santo Domingo, from the Foreign Service in 1988. vana and Colombia. He returned to London and Toronto. From 1972 to After retirement, she made her Washington to attend the National 1974 Mr. Diggins was the director of home in Athens, where she was a War College course for senior officers the Visa Office. He received the State member of Emmanuel Church, and a before going back overseas to serve as Department Superior Honor Award at volunteer at Our Daily Bread, the USAID director in Mexico. Later, he the end of his tour in Santo Domingo Emmanuel Thrift House and the East was appointed deputy assistant admin- in 1972. Mr. Diggins retired in 1979. Georgia Chapter of the American Red istrator for material resources. Mr. Diggins enjoyed retirement in Cross. Ms. Harris was a member of Johnston also served as special assis- Austin, Texas. For many years he was the American Red Cross Overseas tant to the deputy U.S. coordinator for a tireless and dedicated volunteer Association and the American Foreign the Alliance for Progress, advisor to worker for the St. Vincent de Paul Service Association. Governor Nelson Rockefeller’s Presi- Society. He and his wife traveled Ms. Harris is survived by one dential Mission in Latin America, and extensively. Before his debilitating ill- brother, Charles Julian Harris of associate assistant administrator for ness, Mr. Diggins wrote a detailed and Athens, cousins, many nieces and administration in USAID’s Bureau for extensive autobiography, recounting nephews, her devoted friend Vietnam. his adventurous and full life. This Charlotte Leedy and a host of other Survivors include his wife of 26 book will now be even more treasured friends. years, Sandra Padilla-Johnston; two by his family. sons, John Scott Johnston of Panama His first wife, Harriet Cotter and recently retired USAID FSO Diggins, the mother of his older chil- Gerald Reed (wife Leticia) Johnston dren: John, Andrew, Mary-Alice, John “Johnnie” W. Johnston, 86, of Arlington, Va.; four grandchildren, Therese, Thomas and Ann, preceded retired FSO, died April 28 in Port Scott Adam and Eric William of Mr. Diggins in death. He leaves Charlotte, Fla. Miami, Fla., and Steven Christopher

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 75 I N M EMORY

and Nicole Theresa of Arlington, Va. change in the post-Stalinist U.S.S.R. retirement from the government and His first wife, Virginia Foley, preceded — despite the pressure of Sen. Joseph moved to New York, where he him in death. R. McCarthy, R-Wis., to insist on a helped Philippine statesman Rafael Memorial contributions may be monolithic and unchanging Russian M. Salas found the United Nations made to the American Cancer Society, enemy. He was also a political officer Fund for Population Activities, now 22107 Elmira Blvd., Port Charlotte, in Seoul during the Korean War. At the United Nations Population FL 33952, and/or the Movement the 1954 Geneva Conference, he was Fund. He was chief of operations Disorders Society of Southwest an adviser and translator for General staff (1969-72), assistant executive Florida, 126 E. Olympia Ave., Suite Walter Bedell Smith. director (1972-74), and an advocate 200, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. As first secretary of the political sec- of U.S. support for the organization Condolences to the family may be sent tion in Rome (1955-57), Mr. Keppel and its holistic approach to popula- to Mrs. Sandra Johnston, 1301 Osprey analyzed the Italian Communist Party. tion. Drive, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. In 1958 he returned to Washington, In October 1974, he retired from where he was deputy director of the the United Nations and moved to Office of Research and Analysis of the Essex, Conn., where he lived until Sino-Soviet Bloc in the State 2001. John Keppel, 86, a career diplo- Department’s Bureau of Intelligence Mr. Keppel’s most independent mat and international public servant and Research. He was a member and controversial initiative began in who in retirement challenged the gov- of the escort party for Nikita 1983, when he challenged the U.S. ernment’s account of a national securi- Khrushchev’s 1959 U.S. visit and an government’s account of the Korean ty crisis, died in Bloomington, Ind., on adviser at the 1960 Kennedy- Airlines Flight 007 disaster. Re- June 23. The cause of death was a Khrushchev Paris summit. membering that in 1960 he had been heart attack. After a year at Harvard’s Center part of the government working Born Aug. 21, 1917, in Quogue, for International Affairs (1961-62), group that put out the cover story N.Y., Mr. Keppel was the son of David Mr. Keppel went to Rio de Janeiro as that the downed U-2 spy plane was Keppel and Dorothy Vickery of New political counselor. In that position, he just a weather plane, he was skeptical York City. His grandfather Frederick was involved in an internal debate in that the Korean airliner had flown far Keppel (1844-1912) was the first deal- the U.S. government over how to off course, straying over Soviet mili- er in fine etchings and engravings in regard the leftist administration of tary facilities on the Kamchatka North America, and David Keppel Brazilian President Joao Goulart. Peninsula and Sakhalin Island, acci- (1877-1956) developed the firm. When conservatives in the Brazilian dentally. Educated at Saint Bernard’s School in military launched a coup in 1964, Mr. As project director of the Fund New York, Milton Academy, and Keppel was instrumental in persuad- for Constitutional Government’s Harvard University (B.A. cum laude, ing President Lyndon Johnson to give investigation of the incident, Mr. fine arts, 1940), John Keppel expected Marshal Humberto Castello Branco Keppel demanded a congressional to carry on the family art business. early recognition. investigation of contradictions in the But his experience in World War II, The Brazilian experience left him official account. He assisted French where he was a division commander’s questioning the Cold War framework aviation expert Michel Brun, whose aide in the Normandy campaign, pro- with which he had approached the cri- book Incident at Sakhalin argues pelled him into foreign affairs. sis. After two years at the Foreign that U.S. military aircraft crossed In 1947, Mr. Keppel entered the Service Institute (1965-67), where he Sakhalin on the same occasion and Foreign Service. He was a noted ana- was chairman of political studies, he were shot down there by the lyst of political developments in the spent a year at Johns Hopkins Soviets. (Brun and Keppel believe Soviet Union. He served twice University as a special student in pop- the passenger-filled civilian airliner in Moscow (1948-50 and 1953-55). ulation studies. Mr. Keppel then perished later than generally report- On the second occasion, under returned for a year to the Population ed, over international airspace, of Ambassador Charles Bohlen, he Office of the State Department. unexplained causes.) helped draft analyses of political In 1969, Mr. Keppel took early Ever courteous, Mr. Keppel

76 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 I N M EMORY

insisted that lying corrupts govern- he became assistant artistic director practiced this — that his job was to ment and distorts its policies. He at the McCarter Theatre in encourage the most out of the people firmly believed in personal responsi- Princeton. A lifelong public ser- who worked for him.” His many bility and never lost faith that people vant, he worked for eight years for friends and colleagues throughout the of whatever background or view the Wage Hour Division of the U.S. world will remember Richard might change their minds. He Department of Labor in Lankford that way, as a warm and car- showed a lifelong preference for Philadelphia before joining the ing man who loved his family, his playing a vital role in helping others Foreign Service. There he volun- friends, and his work. make accomplishments. teered his time teaching English in Because the study and love of In 2001, he moved to Bloom- a local prison and working with languages was such a central part of ington, Ind., where he was a resident young people interested in the the- his life — he attained fluency in of Meadowood Retirement Comm- ater. Russian, Slovak, French and unity. Richard Lankford entered the Spanish, and enjoyed applying his Mr. Keppel is survived by his wife Foreign Service in 1984. Public language skills to make lifelong Grace Marjorie Wood Keppel, whom affairs assignments with the former friends in his different postings — he married in 1952, and his son U.S. Information Agency took him to his family wanted to make a memor- David, also of Bloomington. David is Kinshasa, Algiers, Maseru, Tel Aviv, ial that would directly relate to this working to complete a book, begun Quito, Almaty and Bratislava, where aspect of his work. During their time jointly with his father, on “creative he was also acting DCM. After the in Kazakhstan his son James devel- uncertainty” as the difference bet- consolidation of USIA with the State oped a love of Russian that led him to ween life and machines, and its polit- Department, he was posted to Oberlin College, where he majored ical implications. France, the country to which he had in Russian and Eastern European The family asks that contributions already planned to retire. Studies. It seemed fitting to create be made to the American Friends An active Episcopalian, Mr. something in Richard Lankford’s Service Committee (1501 Cherry Lankford was a member of the name that would help students Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102; American Cathedral in Paris, serving studying Russian. http://www.afsc.org) or Oxfam- on the vestry, as lector, and as chair- A memorial fund is being estab- America (P.O. Box 1745, Boston, MA man of the education committee. lished at Oberlin that will provide 02105; http://www.oxfamamerica.org). Several friends spoke at his funeral at for an annual Russian prize and an the cathedral, including Canon annual stipend for study abroad. Sharon Gracen and FSO Tania Contributions may be made to the Chomiak-Salvi. Canon Gracen said, Richard O. Lankford Memorial Fund Richard Lankford, 55, beloved “Richard’s work was revelation — he at Oberlin College and forwarded to husband, father, and career Foreign strove to communicate the ideals of Patricia Joan Maurer, Director of Service officer died suddenly on America wherever he was, through Stewardship, Oberlin College, Good Friday, April 18. At the time of his words and his presence. He was Bosworth Hall 108, 50 West Lorain his death he was the spokesperson a man of deep faith and patriotism in Street, Oberlin, OH 44074-1089. and director of press and information the best sense.” Mr. Lankford is survived by his for Embassy Paris. He was also the Ms. Chomiak-Salvi spoke of wife Barbara, a Foreign Service offi- ambassador’s speechwriter. “Richard’s extraordinary quality … his cer posted in Paris, and their two Born in Shreveport, La., Mr. deep conviction that it is more impor- children, Gillian and James. Lankford received his bachelor’s tant to support, teach and encourage degree from Louisiana State your staff than to advance your own University in Baton Rouge. After interests. He genuinely loved the military service with the U.S Army in Foreign Service. But unlike so many Kenneth W. Linde, 80, retired Korea, he received a Master of Fine of us, he was under no illusion that the FSO, died on March 24 in Helsinki, Arts degree from Temple University job was about his own personal Finland. He is survived by his wife in Philadelphia. After leaving Temple advancement. He knew — and he of 53 years, Inga-Lill of Helsinki.

SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 77 I N M EMORY

John W. Mowinckel, 82, retired the Nazis and drank Taittinger left Belgium and Turkey, before return- FSO, died on May 7 in West Palm behind by the Germans as his prize. ing to Washington, D.C. While in Beach, Fla. After the war, Mr. Mowinckel Russia, she was promoted, and served A soldier, journalist, diplomat, worked as the regional editor for U.S. the rest of her Foreign Service career businessman and raconteur, Mr. News and World Report in Rome and as a personnel officer. Mowinckel was born in Genoa, Italy, Paris. In 1979, Ms. Terranova retired where his father represented the Esso In 1950 he joined the Foreign from the Foreign Service and moved Petroleum Company. When his Service, moving from the to Winter Park. She was active in the father was appointed the European Educational and Cultural Affairs Winter Park Women’s Club and the representative of Esso, the family Bureau to the USIA in 1953. He Winter Park University Club. moved to Paris. Mr. Mowinckel served in Rome, Paris, Kinshasa, Rio Pat Terranova never met a attended St. Paul’s School in Concord, de Janeiro and Washington, D.C., stranger. She stood by her friends in N.H., and the Le Rosey School in and retired in 1975 as minister and times of trouble and in return they Rolle, Switzerland, and graduated deputy chief of mission in Vienna. supported her. She thought it was from Princeton University in 1943. Mr. Mowinckel will be remem- her job to help people. Her generos- During World War II, Mr. bered as a consummate diplomat ity knew no bounds: If you asked her Mowinckel served as a lieutenant in who took his firm belief in U.S. for- for something, she would do every- the U.S. Marine Corps assigned to eign policy to his postings around the thing in her power to make it happen. the Office of Strategic Services. A world. Through his experiences as a Ms. Terranova loved her family day before General de Gaulle and his diplomat, he enjoyed great success in and brought everyone together: Free French entered Paris on Aug. his later business career. This took cousins know cousins and will all be 25, 1944, Mowinckel and Lt. Col. him back to Paris and, later, Monte connected because of her. She is sur- Ken Downes drove to Paris, and, as Carlo. He retired in West Palm vived by nieces Pam Chavez of Larry Collins and Dominique Beach, Fla. Virginia and Angela Chavez of Lapierre describe in their book Is Mr. Mowinckel is survived by his California; nephews Tom and Robert Paris Burning?, the two American wife Letizia (nee Crostarosa) of West Chavez of California; stepdaughters soldiers “liberated” the Hotel de Palm Beach; a sister Augusta; a son Jaime Duffy of Arizona and Elisa Crillon. John, and grandchildren John and Domzalski of California; and great- The Collins-Lapierre book Hedy, of London, England. Mr. nieces Jessica and Jennifer Chavez of describes the event vividly. When the Mowinckel was interred in Monte California. ■ two American officers walked into Carlo. Memorial donations may be the Crillon, they found 176 German made to the Hospice of Palm Beach officers and men who obviously had County Inc., 5300 East Ave., West failed to connect with the general Palm Beach, FL 33407. German withdrawal. Lt. Col. Please send your Downes asked Lt. Mowinckel to dis- arm the Germans, who preferred to In Memory item to: surrender to Americans than to the Pat Kilarny Terranova, 74, French resistance that had taken over retired FSO, died in Winter Park, Fl., FSJ, 2101 E Street, N.W., Paris prior to the arrival of French on April 2. forces. Born in Wilmington, Del., Ms. Washington, DC 20037, Though Mr. Mowinckel was the Terranova moved with her family to first U.S. officer to enter Paris during California after high school, and went or e-mail to the liberation, and was decorated on to business school. She loved [email protected], or with the Silver and Bronze Stars as working for the State Department, as well as France’s Croix de Guerre, he a secretary in the Foreign Service. fax to (202) 338-8244. is best remembered by friends as the She served abroad in Greece, man who took back the Crillon from Thailand, Iran, Germany, Russia,

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SEPTEMBER 2003/FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL 83 REFLECTIONS The Perfect Day

BY MIKKELA THOMPSON

It was a perfect day. One of those zipping through the air. At the rare Washington days when the prospect of a fourth plane coming humidity is low and the 70-degree I looked up at the down the Potomac, did we want to weather makes everything seem pos- azure sky and in risk crossing the Key Bridge? We sible. It was AFSA’s first Day on the could go upriver and cross at a nar- Hill — a major endeavor. About 80 the distance, rower point. I commented that it Foreign Service retirees had come I could see the was a crystal-clear day. Wouldn’t we from all across the country to lobby black smoke from notice a plane falling from the sky? for increased funding for diplomacy. So we crossed the bridge. As soon as My father Ward, a retired FSO the Pentagon we made it to the car, we got gas and and AFSA staffer, and I were with hanging in the drove home. We spent the rest of our group in the Russell Senate the day recouping and returning all Office Building when the briefer air like a the concerned messages. The phone interrupted the orientation session to dragon’s tail. lines to England were blocked for tell us that a plane had crashed into hours so when I finally got through, the World Trade Towers. We contin- my mom’s voice was audibly relieved, ued our meeting. We all thought it especially as she had been fielding was a small plane — an accident, no calls from my relatives in Denmark. doubt. Ten minutes later the group tance, I could see the black smoke After that day, I took stock. One split up and proceeded to meet legis- from the Pentagon hanging in the air of my friends had died. He was in lators, according to plan. like a dragon’s tail. the World Trade Center, at his dream When the second tower was hit, We joined the river of people, try- job, trading in futures. An accoun- we knew this was an act of war. My ing to reach our families. The cell- tant, he had always known exactly boss’s husband, a police officer, phone circuits were jammed. We what he wanted in life and all had called and told us to get out. The found a pay phone. There was a line. gone according to plan. I remember Pentagon had been hit! There could As we waited, lost to the world, in a him at dinner one January night in be more planes! In the evacuation, sea of people, wondering if things college. He laughed at the rest of us my father and I got separated. would start blowing up, I scanned because he had already landed a job My colleague, Marc, and I tried to the crowds for my dad. In the mass- starting at $50,000, even before we use our cell phones as we walked. es of black suits, I recognized a graduated! On schedule, he got mar- We discussed where to go. Not the canary-colored suit. It was my boss. ried three years ago, moved to Mall — it contained the most likely I called to her. She yelled down the Connecticut, fathered one son and targets. We headed northwest. It block. I turned. There was my dad, was expecting the next. So far, his was surreal that Armageddon should some distance away in his seven- life had been perfect. He had it all come on such a perfect day. I looked league boots, determined to find me. planned out. up at the azure sky and in the dis- To do as all fathers do — even those Later I learned he had managed who are not former Marines or to make one call from his office in Mikkela Thompson is the Journal’s retired FSOs — to gather his flock to the tower. He called his 2-year-old Business Manager. The stamp is him and find safety. son to tell him that he was now the courtesy of the AAFSW Bookfair My dad and I walked to Virginia. man of the house — as daddy wasn’t “Stamp Corner.” There were rumors and fighter jets coming home. ■

84 FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL/SEPTEMBER 2003 AFSAAmerican Foreign ServiceNEWS Association • September 2003

2003 AFSA AWARDS CEREMONY Honoring Dissenters This Issue in Brief:

and Top Performers NEWS BRIEFS...... 2 BY ASTER GRAHN, EDITORIAL INTERN RETIREE SERVICE WINNERS...... 3 GLIFAA AWARD...... 4 SAME OLE, SAME OLE...... 5 FSA’s annual award WIN SOME, LOSE SOME...... 6 ceremony honoring LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ...... 7 Athose who have WHERE TO RETIRE?...... 9 shown the courage to chal- Q&A: RETIREES...... 9 lenge the system and those AFSA AUDIT...... 11 who have exhibited exem- plary performance was held STANDING UP FOR on June 26 in the Ben THE FOREIGN SERVICE Franklin Reception Room at the State Department. Outgoing AFSA President AFSA and Others John Naland opened and

JAY MALLIN Respond to Latest closed the ceremony, which was co-sponsored by out- Secretary of State Colin Powell presents the lifetime achievement Gingrich Blasts award to former Secretary of State George Shultz. going Director General he July/August issue of Foreign Ruth A. Davis. Secretary of Continued on page 3 Policy magazine features a cover Tstory by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, “Rogue State NEW AFSA GOVERNING BOARD FSA held a transition lunch at head- Department,” which is a follow-on to a quarters on July 11 to say goodbye speech on the same topic given by Passing the Torch A to the 2001-2003 AFSA Governing Gingrich at the American Enterprise Board and to welcome the members of the Institute in April. In his surprisingly poor- new board. Outgoing AFSA President ly-argued assault, Gingrich blames the John Naland gave a heartfelt speech State Department for rising anti-American about the four years he served on the sentiment around the globe, “because the Governing Board, two as State vice pres- U.S. State Department has abdicated val- ident and two as AFSA president. “It has ues and principles in favor of accommo- been a great honor for me to work in this dation and passivity.” Without present- organization that so vigilantly defends and ing any clear evidence, he accuses the promotes the interests of the Foreign Foreign Service of subverting the admin- Service,” he said. istration’s foreign policy. In a farewell message to AFSA mem- Since the publication of the Gingrich

MARC GOLDBERG bers, Naland had this to say about AFSA: article, AFSA officials and others have Outgoing AFSA President John Naland presents “Before I joined the AFSA Governing stood up to defend the Foreign Service. the AFSA gavel to Acting President Louise Crane. Continued on page 6 Continued on page 4 AFSANEWSBRIEFS

AFSA Membership at Record High For the first time in AFSA’s history, membership has risen above the 12,000-member mark. Some 577 new hires joined AFSA during the first six months of 2003, representing an 83 percent join rate. In addition, many long-time employees are joining or rejoining AFSA. Currently, 73 percent of active-duty Foreign Service employees belong to AFSA. More members means more clout on the Hill and with management officials.

AFSA-PAC Going Strong The second annual fund-raising drive for the AFSA-PAC has raised over $34,000. Foreign Service retirees have again been the strongest supporters. The PAC has begun to evaluate how this year’s money will be distributed to promote AFSA’s legislative agenda.

Life in the Foreign Service In Recognition ■ BY BRIAN AGGELER, FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER & CARTOONIST We are proud to report that the Foreign Service Journal has won a 2003 Award for - - Publication Excellence in the four-color magazines and journals category, and AFSA News received a 2003 APEX award in the one to two person-produced annual report category. BOOKFAIR The 43rd annual BOOKFAIR of the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide will open on the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 17, and continue through Sunday, Oct. 26. It will be held in the Diplomatic Exhibit Hall on the first floor close to the cafeteria.

BRIEFS continued on page 5

AFSA HEADQUARTERS: Staff: Governing Board: (202) 338-4045; Fax: (202) 338-6820 Executive Director Susan Reardon: [email protected] STATE DEPARTMENT AFSA OFFICE: Business Department PRESIDENT: John W. Limbert Controller Kalpna Srimal: [email protected] STATE VICE PRESIDENT: Louise K. Crane (202) 647-8160; Fax: (202) 647-0265 Accounting Assistant Steven Tipton: [email protected] USAID AFSA OFFICE: USAID VICE PRESIDENT: Bill Carter Labor Management FCS VICE PRESIDENT: Charles A. Ford (202) 712-1941; Fax: (202) 216-3710 General Counsel Sharon Papp: [email protected] FAS VICE PRESIDENT: Vacant Labor Management Attorney Zlatana Badrich: [email protected] AFSA Internet and E-mail addresses: Labor Management Specialist James Yorke: [email protected] RETIREE VICE PRESIDENT: George F. Jones AFSA WEB SITE: www.afsa.org USAID Senior Labor Management Advisor Douglas Broome: [email protected] SECRETARY: F.A. "Tex" Harris AFSA E-MAIL: [email protected] USAID Office Manager Asgeir Sigfusson: [email protected] TREASURER: Danny Hall Grievance Attorneys Harry Sizer: [email protected], and Neera Parikh: [email protected] AFSA NEWS: [email protected] STATE REPRESENTATIVES: Office Manager Christine Warren: [email protected] Pamela Bates, FSJ: [email protected] Cynthia G. Efird, Scot L. Folensbee, PRESIDENT: [email protected] Member Services Raymond D. Maxwell, John C. Sullivan, STATE VP: [email protected] Director Janet Hedrick: [email protected] RETIREE VP: [email protected] Representative Lindsay Peyton: [email protected] Jim Wagner USAID VP:[email protected] Administrative Assistant Ana Lopez: [email protected] USAID REPRESENTATIVE: Thomas Olson FCS VP: [email protected] FCS REPRESENTATIVE: William Crawford Outreach Programs Retiree Liaison Bonnie Brown: [email protected] RETIREE REPRESENTATIVES: Gilbert Sheinbaum, AFSA News Director of Communications Thomas Switzer: [email protected] David E. Reuther, Theodore S. Wilkinson, III, Editor Shawn Dorman: [email protected] Congressional Affairs Director Ken Nakamura: [email protected] Stanley A. Zuckerman

How to Contact Us: to Contact How (202) 338-4045 x 503; Fax: (202) 338-8244 Corporate Relations/Executive Assistant: Vacant Scholarship Director Lori Dec: [email protected] IBB REPRESENTATIVE: Alex Belida On the Web: www.afsa.org/news Professional Issues Coordinator Barbara Berger: [email protected] FAS REPRESENTATIVE: Vacant

2 AFSA NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2003 NATIONAL ALUMNI SERVICE AWARDS retirees in New England into an organiza- munities to promote understanding of the tion. Later that year, FARNE was estab- Foreign Service and international affairs. AFSA Honors lished. Stone was the first president, serv- CHARLES A. GENDREAU, in recognition ing from 1983 to 1985. Bruce became the of his leadership role in organizing Foreign More Retirees first secretary-treasurer, and later served as Service retirees in the Minnesota and for Outstanding vice president from 2000 to 2001 and pres- Wisconsin area into an association. ident from 2001 to 2003. McCarty served Beginning in the late 1980s, he arranged Service as vice president from 1999 to 2000 and as biannual luncheons during which promi- president in 2000-2001. Together, the three nent local and national politicians, educa- FSA is pleased to announce the sec- have given the organization its direction. tors, foreign and American diplomats and ond group of National Alumni members of the news media were AService Award winners, retirees rec- invited to address members of the ognized by AFSA for their achievements in group and guests. These events have helping build public support for American provided close contact between opin- diplomacy and the Foreign Service. AFSA ion-makers and Foreign Service salutes these men and women who con- retirees. In 1995, Gendreau oversaw tinue to serve well past the time they offi- the transformation of this group into cially leave the Service. AFSA Upper Midwest, an indepen- dent association of former officials of WINNERS U.S. foreign affairs agencies. The asso- ROBERTA “BOBBIE” M. S. BRUCE, AMB-- ciation’s purpose is to support the ASSADOR GALEN L. STONE, and PAUL B. integrity and effectiveness of those MCCARTY, in recognition of their leadership Former Retiree Liaison Ward Thompson presents the agencies in the wise formulation and roles in founding and sustaining the National Alumni Service Award to Roberta “Bobbie” implementation of the nation’s for- Foreign Affairs Retirees of New England Bruce at a May 30 FARNE meeting. eign policy. Members, who are affil- organization. Following preliminary dis- iated individually with AFSA, are cussions with fellow New England Foreign Members of the group meet regularly to drawn from several states in the area. The Service retirees during Foreign Service Day share Foreign Service experiences and hear association, which Gendreau headed until in 1983, the three initiated efforts to bring foreign affairs speakers, and members are 2000, remains actively involved in pro- the growing number of Foreign Service encouraged to take active roles in their com- Continued on page 8

Award Winners • Continued from page 1 Award, and Dick Thompson for the AFSA State Colin Powell presented former Achievement Award. Secretary of State George Shultz with the After Mette Beecroft received a special 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award. achievement award for years of advocacy James Warlick and Kim Marie Sonn on behalf of Foreign Service families, only accepted the Christian A. Herter Award on the lifetime achievement award remained. behalf of all four officers from Embassy Naland found himself in the somewhat Moscow’s consular section who were rec- awkward position of having to ask the sev- ognized for their courageous stance on a eral hundred people in attendance to wait visa case. (June Kunsman and Natasha 10 minutes for the scheduled arrival of JAY MALLIN Franceschi were unable to attend.) The W. Secretary Powell congratulates James Warlick Secretary Powell, who was to present the Averell Harriman Award was presented by and other AFSA award winners. award to George Shultz. Naland explained Katherine Fisk Carroll, great-grand- that the presenters and awardees had been daughter of Averell Harriman. The win- from Jakarta in order to be there. The too gracious in keeping their remarks brief ner, Dean Kaplan, was needed on the visa recipient of the Tex Harris Award, Charles — they had followed his instructions too line in Kathmandu, so a friend accepted O’Malley, recalled his 14 years in the Navy well. The pause turned out to be extreme- the award on his behalf. AFSA when describing to the appreciative audi- ly brief as Secretary Powell arrived almost Achievement Award winner Cecile Shea ence his view on dissent: “If the boat’s not as soon as his absence was announced. was the only other awardee unable to rocking, it’s not going anywhere.” Other “This is the Bush administration,” he said, attend the ceremony. Joy Bacik, recipient honorees were Laura Baer for the Delavan “and we have learned to always try to be of the M. Juanita Guess Award, flew in Award, Bonnie Miller for the Avis Bohlen Continued on page 10

SEPTEMBER 2003 • AFSA NEWS 3 JOHN NALAND HONORED BY GLIFAA Gingrich • Continued from page 1 no longer accept a culture that props up Here are some excerpts from the dictators, coddles the corrupt, and ignores AFSA Advocacy debate that the article has spurred: secret police forces.’ Ambassador Thomas Boyatt, National “If one accepts Gingrich’s central argu- Praised at Public Radio Morning Edition, June 27: ment, his real target should be the Open Forum “Former House Speaker Newt White House, even the president, for Gingrich does not seem to understand the being unable to make State and Defense ohn Naland, president of AFSA for foreign policy-making process. U.S. work from a single script, especially in the 2001-2003 term, was presented diplomats are responsible for reporting public. Jwith the second annual Gays and to Washington developments in the “While Gingrich refuses to offer any Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies countries to which they are assigned. praise to the Foreign Service, a higher per- Award during a June 16 Secretary’s Open They recommend policies they believe will centage of career Foreign Service officers Forum event in serve the national interests of the U.S. have died in the service of their country the Dean Acheson Washington decision-makers, includ- since the end of the Vietnam War than Auditorium at the ing the president and the Secretary of of military personnel. Where Gingrich State Department. State, must synthesize that input with sees State Department insubordination, The award, given other information at their disposal and I see a dedicated group of men and to Amb. James then determine how best to proceed. women serving their nation. Gingrich’s Hormel last year, Instructions go to posts, policy is imple- key recommendation is to make State ‘a From left: John Naland, is intended to rec- mented, feedback is again reported and more effective communicator of U.S. val- Former GLIFAA President ognize individuals the policy process continues. Key to the ues around the world, place it more Bryan Dalton and “who through entire undertaking is honest, unvarnished directly under the control of the president, current GLIFAA President their actions have advice. Unfortunately, Mr. Gingrich and enable it to promote freedom and Robert Gilchrist. most helped the appears to view foreign policy assessment combat tyranny.’ The great majority of cause of equality by U.S. diplomats as disloyalty to the pres- FSOs would like nothing better than to for gay and lesbian foreign affairs person- ident when those assessments differ be able to do just that — but they need nel and their families.” from Mr. Gingrich’s own views.” better training, a better personnel system Naland was chosen for his role “as a Under Secretary for Management and far more resources. strong and principled advocate for equal Grant Green, “Transforming the “When Gingrich calls for a 40 percent treatment,” according to GLIFAA Department of State,” Washington funding increase for the Foreign Service, President Robert Gilchrist. On behalf of Times, July 6: he is on firm ground. But instead of the organization, both Gilchrist and for- “I have no idea what prompts those blaming State, he should join forces with mer GLIFAA President Bryan Dalton such as former Rep. Newt Gingrich to go Powell to demand of the White House expressed their appreciation for Naland’s after the people at State; maybe the pres- and Congress more funds for the non- efforts. Dalton noted that the consistent ident and Secretary of State proved too military portions of our national securi- advocacy by Naland and AFSA had mea- difficult as targets. I know our people well, ty budget. Bringing Gingrich into this surably “improved the lives of gay and les- both Foreign and Civil Service. But I never-ending struggle would be valuable, bian employees.” Naland responded don’t recognize the people portrayed in although as speaker (and before), he reg- that he was proud to have played a role in Mr. Gingrich’s attacks on State. In fact, ularly supported the deep cuts Congress moving the department toward equal treat- his remarks are an insult to the thousands made in the State Department’s budget. ment of all employees, but added, “You’re of brave Americans serving their coun- “I would say to Newt: Welcome to the rewarding me for doing my job. It’s try in very dangerous places, and to the right side of this long-running battle. But AFSA’s job to stand up for the rights of its memory of the hundreds of our diplo- if you want to make a serious contribu- members.” mats who have given their lives in the ser- tion, be prepared to take on some of your The keynote speaker at the event was vice of America — and those who, God friends in the White House and Congress Judy Shepard, executive director of the forbid, will give them in the future. to help get the funding and reforms you Matthew Shepard Foundation, who began They’re some of the finest people I’ve ever advocate, instead of inventing enemies in speaking out against hate after her son known.” the State Department.” Matthew was murdered in an anti-gay hate Richard C. Holbrooke, “State Holbrooke, appearing with Gingrich crime at the age of 21. Matthew had lived Department Scapegoats,” Washington on Fox News Sunday, July 6: and studied overseas, was fluent in Arabic Post, July 1: “Newt has said very clearly in his arti- and German, and had long dreamed of “Gingrich takes an astonishing swing cles that the State Department is unwill- joining the U.S. Foreign Service. ▫ at the State Department, writing: ‘We can Continued on page 10

4 AFSA NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2003 AFSANEWSBRIEFS V.P. VOICE: USAID ■ BY BILL CARTER Continued from page 3 Same Ole, Same Ole AFSA Members Save on Subscriptions to The Economist am sure that many employees may be saying “same ole, AFSA is proud to announce the addi- same ole” after reading a few sentences of this column. tion of The Economist to our Magazine INevertheless, I am going to persist. Annual evaluation form Discount Program. AFSA members issues consume considerable AFSA time, so I want to do a may now order this popular foreign little preventive maintenance here with my first column as affairs journal at a 45-percent discount your new VP. I know, some old-timers are saying: “Can’t these off the regular subscription rate, a sav- incoming AFSA VPs ever come up with anything new?” Please ings of $44.00. To subscribe, please contact AFSA’s Member Services to bear with me, and keep in mind that officers who entered via request an order form: (202) 338-4045, the New Entry Professional program now represent 20 per- ext 525 or [email protected]. cent of USAID’s Foreign Service work force and it is clear from the last performance For more information about AFSA’s board debriefs that it is not “same ole, same ole” for many of them. Magazine Discount Program, please AFSA believes it would be useful to pass on some generic observations gleaned from visit our Web site at http://www.afsa. this year’s performance boards that we hope will be helpful to both employees and org/mbr/magaz.cfm. raters in the preparation of next year’s evaluations. WORK OBJECTIVES: Weak, non-substantive AFSA Staff Changes and process-oriented work objectives disadvan- In July, Asgeir Sigfusson replaced tage employees for promotion. Boards are often Suzie Reager as the office manager Employees should not be turned off by the repetition of work objectives and assistant to the USAID AFSA complicit; they need to be year after year, but are impressed with narratives vice president. Asgeir recently that focus on what the results were and how they received his master’s degree from proactive in seeing that were achieved. Narratives that answer the “so Georgetown University’s School of what?” question can be enormously helpful. work objectives are in Foreign Service and previously SKILLS MATRIX: All of the skill areas need to interned at AFSA headquarters. place and midcycle be discussed in the narrative; surprisingly, raters In August, Charles Henderson are not always disciplined about doing this. In joined the AFSA staff as a grievance reviews are conducted at addition, boards are usually very scrupulous about attorney, replacing Neera Parikh, making sure there is a match between the skill who is moving with her husband to the appropriate time. level and grade level. Unfortunately, this is an Chicago. In September, retired area where raters are frequently sloppy and do USAID FSO attorney Harry Wilkinson joins the AFSA staff as a not write the skill narrative to be consistent with part-time grievance attorney. the appropriate grade level in the matrix. Executive Assistant Marc Goldberg EMPLOYEE STATEMENT: Failure to make a comment can be perceived as disinter- moved on in August to join the est and thus can be taken negatively, whether intended or not. Employees can also Peace Corps. He and his wife will be severely handicap their chances for promotion with excessive hubris, incomplete sen- serving in Moldova. tences and fuzzy-headed, slapdash thinking. This is why the Employee Statement is aptly called the “suicide box.” This year proved to be no exception. Employees need CORRECTION: to proofread their statements carefully. In addition, it might be wise to run them by Due to a production a colleague for reaction. error, an illustration on The timing of this topic is not only appropriate for AEF season. Summer transi- page 3 of the June tions to new posts should now be completed and the rating cycle is now at its mid- AFSA News was omit- point. Everyone should have work objectives in place and in most cases midcycle reviews ted. It was designed should be occurring. If this is not the case, I hope this column will be the catalyst for to go with the note JOSH some to make the system work as it was designed to work. applauding the suc- Many complaints are heard about the AEF system not working as it should. Yet cess of AFSA in convincing State to I am always amazed at how many managers give AEFs short shrift and do noth- reverse a negative decision on reim- ing until almost the end of the rating period. Employees should not be complic- bursement for laundry and dry cleaning it; they need to be proactive in seeing that work objectives are in place and mid- expenses for FSI students. cycle reviews are conducted at the appropriate time. Otherwise, it will forever be: BRIEFS continued on page 6 “same ole, same ole.” ▫

SEPTEMBER 2003 • AFSA NEWS 5 V.P. VOICE: STATE ■ BY LOUISE CRANE Board • Continued from page 1 Board, I did not fully appreciate just how You Win Some; You Lose Some great a force for good AFSA is. But now I do. Day in and day out, AFSA’s profes- s I look over the letters I signed during my first term sional staff members, elected officials, and as the AFSA Vice President for State, I thought you’d post representatives fight for the interests Alike to know some of the issues on which manage- of our members, both active-duty and ment agreed with AFSA (those in the “win” column) and retired. They negotiate improvements in those where management didn’t agree (the “lose” column). our conditions of service, lobby for legis- Some of the letters we wrote were written on behalf of lation to improve our quality of life, individuals who needed help cutting through the bureau- respond to those who unfairly criticize our cratic Gordian knot, while others were on behalf of whole profession, and speak up for employees classes of employees. • Management agreed to pay a bigger share of professional liability insurance after AFSA pointed out that premiums had risen. “AFSA has been the voice of the • Management agreed with AFSA to pay for the storage of DS agents’ HHE for Foreign Service since 1924 when longer than 90 days. (DS agents haven’t even finished their required training at the law enforcement training center when the 90 days expire.) the Service itself was created.” • Many good things have come out of the hardship working groups manage- ment set up in response to an AFSA suggestion. Management not only agreed to set them up, but has also followed through on the recommendations. who have been let down by the system. In Here are some of the issues that ended up in the “lose” column. so doing, they help to make the Foreign • Declining per diem works a real hardship on employees assigned to long- Service a better supported, more respect- term training at FSI. Two years ago, trainees received 100 percent per diem for ed, and more satisfying place in which to only one month, then 50 percent per diem for two months and then only 25 per- spend a career and raise a family. That cent per diem for the remaining months of training. When Ruth Davis came from makes our agencies more effective and thus FSI to become the new director general two years ago, she knew of the financial improves our nation’s diplomatic readiness. hardship firsthand and doubled the number of days at full per diem to 60. This “One of the best things about working helped, but many employees have asked if — for the purposes of household man- in AFSA has been the opportunity to work agement and budgeting — they could spread that 100 percent payment over four alongside our 26 fantastic professional staff months; i.e., getting 50 percent per diem for 120 days. Management refused. Every members. It is they who do the bulk of the new class of trainees at FSI asks this question, but the answer to AFSA’s letters is work for our 12,000 members. still no. “AFSA has been the voice of the • Certain new hires do not receive per diem while in training, and AFSA has writ- Foreign Service since 1924 when the ten many letters requesting justice for them. When new hires’ first assignment is Service itself was created. As happens a domestic position in Washington, they do not receive any per diem whatsoever. every two years, the time has now come Sometimes, these employees learn their first assignment is Washington only hours for a new Governing Board to assume the before arriving, while others find out only after the three-week orientation has begun. responsibility for fighting the good fight AFSA has heard tales of employees sleeping in their cars. Many have to double and for the benefit of our members. My suc- triple up to afford their temporary lodgings and live off bologna sandwiches. AFSA cessor, Ambassador John W. Limbert, will has written many times suggesting that all employees receive their assignments after head up a very strong team that includes their three-week orientation course, not before, so that they would all be eligible long-time AFSA activists as well as new- for per diem during those first few weeks when expenses are highest. comers bringing fresh perspectives. One issue that ASFA both won and lost concerns laundry. When management “Give the new AFSA board the same decided to cease paying laundry and dry cleaning expenses for employees at FSI, support that you gave to the outgoing AFSA wrote to protest the decision. (Management correctly noted that these expens- board. Send them your suggestions, your es were not allowed under FS travel regs.) We pointed out that federal travel reg- kudos, and your constructive criticism. ulations permit these payments and suggested the department amend the FS trav- In so doing, we will be continuing the el regs to conform to the federal ones. Management agreed, so students resubmitted proud tradition of mutual support their receipts. It appears that not all of management had agreed to paying these dating back nearly eight decades. And expenses. Part of management told AFSA these costs would be reimbursed, but the Foreign Service will be the better another part posted a sign on a door at FSI saying, “Laundry and dry cleaning have for it. Thank you for the opportunity been disallowed for the time being.” ▫ to serve.” ▫

6 AFSA NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2003 AFSANEWSBRIEFS ON THE HILL Continued from page 5 Legislative Update AFSA/Thursday BY ALISSA GORDON, LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS INTERN Luncheon Group Intern ver the summer, Director of Congressional Relations Ken Nakamura and AFSA The Charles Delmar Foundation pro- officers continued to push AFSA’s legislative agenda on the Hill. AFSA met with vided a $1,000 grant to assist AFSA in Omany majority and minority staffers from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee funding the AFSA/Thursday Luncheon and the House International Relations Committee to discuss the authorization bills. The Group intern. Jennifer Tuck, a rising following items are in both the Senate and House authorization bills, and will become law senior majoring in political science at once these bills are passed: Spelman College, worked in the State Department’s Indonesian and East • Raise the cap on post differential for hardship and danger from 25 percent to 35 per- Timor Office from June to August. The cent of base pay; TLG, a State Department group promot- • Place a deadline for the Office of Personnel Management to implement last year’s ing Foreign Service advancement for law allowing certain PITs to buy back retirement credit; African Americans, also provided a • Expand the Millennium Challenge Account’s Corporate Board to include the admin- $1,000 stipend to Jennifer. istrator of USAID. There are several items that are in either the Senate or House authorization bills, but Protecting Prescription not both. These provisions will be discussed in a conference between the House and Senate: Drug Benefits • Language creating an ombudsman for the State Department covering both the Civil In a June 25 update message, AFSA Service and the Foreign Service (AFSA does not support this initiative); alerted members to a move on • Amending a change in last year’s authorization bill to restore prescriptive relief for Capitol Hill to reduce prescription Foreign Service personnel who have a grievance under consideration by the Grievance drug benefits for federal government Board; retirees. The good news is that on July 8 the U.S. House of • Amending the 5-percent low-ranking rule to give selection boards the discretion to Representatives passed legislation low-rank a smaller percentage of employees; (H.R. 2631) to protect the prescrip- • Giving the Secretary of State more discretion to waive dual-compensation limitations tion drug benefits of retired employ- on Foreign Service retirees who return to work for the department (AFSA is supporting ees who participate in the Federal the department’s proposal). Employees Health Benefits Plan after APPROPRIATIONS: During July, the appropriations process went into full gear. The House Congress approves prescription drug Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and State recommended appropriations of $8.286 legislation. FEHBP options include billion for State operations, which is $233 million below the administration’s request, but more generous drug coverage than the two Medicare bills passed by the $246 million above Fiscal Year 2003. The House Subcommittee on Foreign Operations House and Senate. recommended appropriations of $17.1 billion for foreign assistance. The legislation is a response to the TAX BILL: At the end of May, the AFSA-supported bill to amend current law regarding concern that new Medicare reform the exclusion of the capital gains tax on the sale of the principal residence by Foreign Service legislation would be an incentive for and Armed Forces personnel was added as an amendment to Congress’ $350 billion tax employers to reduce employer-spon- bill (PL 108-27), but was dropped at the twelfth hour. A new avenue for the capital gains sored drug benefits of retirees. In tax bill arose in June, when it was added as an amendment to the House version of the this regard, the Congressional child tax credit bill, H.R. 1308. It is unclear whether the capital gains provision will remain Budget Office estimated that as many as 37 percent of retired work- in the final version of the bill. AFSA is committed to pushing for this until a provision is ers with employer-sponsored health enacted into law. plans, such as FEHBP, would lose HUMAN CAPITAL: AFSA has been monitoring legislation that would create a separate drug benefits. AFSA joins the personnel system for Department of Defense civilian personnel, and would also allow National Association of Retired for a system with pay banding and pay-for-performance for DOD civilian employees. Federal Employees in applauding Additionally, there is also pending legislation that would create a “Human Capital House leaders for protecting the Performance Fund,” which would allow for departments to submit plans to allow for hard-earned retirement benefits of pay-for-performance. AFSA is following these trends to assess the implications for the federal workers and their families, and for setting a standard for Foreign Service. employers generally. AFSA also REMINDER: Please don’t forget that AFSA’s legislative affairs efforts are funded by AFSA thanks our members who contacted membership. Donations are critical and appreciated. Please mail your contribution to AFSA members of Congress in response to Legislative Action Fund, PO Box 98026, Washington, DC 20090-8026 or click on our June 25 message on this issue. ▫ www.afsa.org/lafform.cfm. ▫

SEPTEMBER 2003 • AFSA NEWS 7 Retirees • Continued from page 3 grams that promoted under- moting contact between Foreign Service standing of the Foreign Service retirees and the public. and international affairs. The EDWARD P. DOBYNS, in recognition of scope of his programming his leadership role in organizing the involving a wide range of key Foreign Service Retirees Association of institutions across his state has Florida. In 1982, Dobyns took charge of been truly impressive, includ- the informal organization of Florida ing world affairs councils, uni- retirees founded 20 years before and versities and colleges, civic asso- turned it into the institution it is today. ciations and town meetings. He He wrote a constitution and bylaws, Ambassador Galen Stone receives his award on May 30. has worked tirelessly to involve named the organization, nominated the as many leading opinion mak- first officers and board members, pub- a quarterly in 1996. The journal’s editor ers as possible in his programs, including lished the first directory and arranged pro- from the start, Dr. Mattox has been instru- prominent local and national politicians, grams for meetings. He served as chair mental in soliciting contributions from gov- educators, civic leaders, and members of until 1986 and after that as an ex-officio ernment and academic writers and espe- the news media. An exceptional speaker, board member. Dobyns was instru- cially in providing an important medium Houlahan has made special efforts to men- mental in laying the groundwork for an for conveying the wisdom and expertise of tor leading students concerning the impor- organization that today numbers over 700 Foreign Service colleagues. tance of diplomacy for national interests members, has an excellent working rela- For five years, Amb. Crigler served as and effectively describe the attractiveness tionship with AFSA and contributes sig- publisher and as president of the nonprofit of careers in the Foreign Service. Thanks nificantly to achievement of our shared corporation American Diplomacy to his efforts, public awareness of the impor- goal of better public understanding of the tance of American diplomacy has been Foreign Service. heightened among many thousands of J. EDGAR WILLIAMS, in recognition of his Ohio citizens. leadership role as founder and continuing AFSA salutes these men PATRICIA KUSHLIS, in recognition of her head of the Association of Former and women who continue to leadership role over the past four years in Members of the Foreign Affairs Agencies developing and sustaining outreach pro- of Central North Carolina. In launching serve well past the time grams in New Mexico that have enhanced the association in 1984, Williams and his they officially leave understanding of the Foreign Service and colleagues opened membership to former U.S. foreign policy. Her dynamic approach as well as retired employees of all foreign the Service. resulted in the involvement of many key affairs agencies in order to have a strong- opinion leaders, including prominent ly supported group within a convenient politicians, civic and educational leaders, geographic area. The result was a dynam- and members of the news media, and has ic association that provided members with Publishers. Now a constantly updated site, made Kushlis an invaluable asset in excellent foreign affairs speakers and also www.americandiplomacy.org had 50,000 vis- AFSA’s own outreach efforts. She wrote reached out to the community to increase itors in 2002 from throughout the United frequent articles and op-eds for leading public understanding of diplomacy. States and around the world. Thanks to newspapers, substantially increasing pub- Members of the association have served the efforts of Mattox and Crigler, the jour- lic awareness of the global challenges fac- as speakers and as mentors to students nal is now a valuable resource for building ing American diplomacy. She became, in interested in a Foreign Service career and public awareness of American diplomacy effect, “the voice of the Foreign Service in have created and sustained a leading and the role of the Foreign Service, and is New Mexico.” Kushlis has lectured on for- online foreign affairs magazine, American a major online source of authoritative arti- eign affairs at the University of New Mexico Diplomacy. Under Williams’ leadership, cles on foreign affairs, including frequent and other academic and civic institutions the association has also supported an ini- articles on improving and building the across her state, and has made special tial effort to start a North Carolina Foreign Service. efforts to mentor students on the attrac- Elderhostel Foreign Service program as well J. MICHAEL HOULAHAN, in recognition tiveness of careers in the Foreign Service. as other AFSA outreach activities. of his leadership role in developing and sus- AFSA is proud to salute Kushlis for her AMBASSADOR T. FRANK CRIGLER and taining outreach programs in Ohio. For work in helping to build a solid domestic DR. HENRY E. MATTOX, for their roles in the past five years, Houlahan has demon- constituency in New Mexico for the founding the online journal American strated exceptional drive, creativity, and per- U.S. Foreign Service and for American Diplomacy. They launched this journal as sistence in arranging effective outreach pro- diplomacy. ▫

8 AFSA NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2003 ADVICE FROM FS MEMBERS chance, we met some retired Foreign (there is only one other retired FS couple Service friends who have already bought a here, George and Helga Andrews), it is Where to Retire? beautiful place high in the mountains over- nonetheless a good one (especially if you appreciate AFSA’s decision to publish looking the bright city lights of Reno. speak Spanish or want to learn) for the fol- occasional notes from members about California and all the other western states lowing reasons: Iwhere to retire and why, first proposed are just a few hours away, ready to • A magnificent springlike climate by Virginia Krivis in the April AFSA News. explore. Depending on the time of the year year-round; I am nearing retirement and have lived in Reno, there are balloon races; “Hot • A cost of living that is significantly overseas most of my life. Since retirement August Nights,” when vintage cars take over lower than in the U.S.; is for the rest of your life, you want to do • Many conveniences, including cable it right the first time. My (much younger) TV, U.S. plugs and sockets, 110-volt brother convinced me awhile back to start Since retirement is for the rest of electricity, good Internet access; looking at different places each year. I also your life, you want to do it right • The fact that it’s in the same time zone started reading books and magazines for as Houston and only a couple hours flight different viewpoints, suggestions and rec- the first time. time from Houston or Miami; ommendations. • A slower pace of life, with almost no For many, the weather is the most traffic or parking problems; important factor in choosing a retirement the town, “Street Vibrations,” when the • A fairly large and interesting interna- location. The climate at my last post, motorcycle crowd takes over the city; and tional expatriate community; Harare, spoiled me. The weather was nice the not-to-be-missed rodeo. The weath- • The possibility to get involved in all year round. When I started my search, er all year is relatively mild. I subscribed important issues, including basic develop- Southern California sounded good, until to the Reno Gazette Journal in order to get ment (education, health, microloans), I came to the next priority: money. a better flavor for the community. For now, environment, archeology, anthropology Depending on the state, thousands of dol- Reno seems to be calling me. and many others. Yes, there’s lots of pover- lars can be saved by retiring in one of the Dennis Thatcher ty, but on any five-minute walk you’ll also states with no personal income tax: Alaska, New Delhi see something of extraordinary beauty, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, humor or unexpectedness. Washington and Wyoming. New hen I retired from the Foreign • Access to the Mayan culture, one of Hampshire and Tennessee tax only inter- Service in 1996, I decided to the few traditional cultures in the world est and dividends, and both offer exemp- Wreturn to a previous post, which continues to thrive. tions. Guatemala, to live in the Spanish colonial Sue H. Patterson The last two years we have visited Reno, capital of Antigua. I have never regretted [email protected] Nevada, a short drive from Lake Tahoe. By the decision. An unconventional choice Antigua, Guatemala ▫

Since assuming my duties as retiree associations. I welcome ideas and A:Retiree Activities Coordinator suggestions about retiree activities. It is in June, I have had the opportunity to talk a great pleasure to be working in the with a number of retirees about issues Foreign Service community again. that are of concern to them, to see how ably the dedicated AFSA staff promotes Q: What is your background? Q&A the interests of the entire Foreign Service I served abroad in Brazzaville, community, and to appreciate Ward A:Johannesburg, Abidjan and Retiree Issues Thompson’s legacy of advocacy for the Accra as a Foreign Service spouse, con- QUESTIONS FOR AFSA RETIREE interests of retirees. I look forward to sular assistant, USIS educational advis- ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR working on behalf of Foreign Service er, human rights and self-help grant BONNIE BROWN retirees, encouraging an increase in coordinator, and in development. Here their membership in ASFA, providing in the U.S. I have worked as an attor- assistance in resolving retirement bene- ney at the State Department and the Q: You recently succeeded Ward fit problems, tracking retirement issues Federal Communications Commission Thompson to become the new Retiree in Congress and the bureaucracy, and and as the executive director of a Activities Coordinator at AFSA. What are advocating continuing participation in human services organization in North your thoughts about your new position? the foreign affairs community through Carolina. ▫

SEPTEMBER 2003 • AFSA NEWS 9 Awards • Continued from page 3 you led. It also reflects the deep appreci- ation of succeeding generations of all the ready a few minutes early.” members of the State family who have ben- Powell commended Naland for doing a “splendid” job repre- efited from your legendary, and still very senting the Foreign Service. He thanked Naland and AFSA, not- active, concern for their mission and for ing that “we had to do a little tussling in the beginning, but we soon their well being.” Powell recalled his ser- realized that we had the same objective.” vice alongside Shultz in the Reagan JAY MALLIN Powell spoke eloquently of the lifetime commitment of George administration and recalled his prescient Katherine Fisk Carroll Shultz to public service. “This award reflects the deep admiration observations, noting him “among the first presents the Avis Bohlen and affection in which you are held by the men and women that to understand the profound implications Award to Bonnie Miller. of globalization.” In his remarks, Shultz offered advice and recommendations. He spoke of his long admiration for Foreign Service officers and all public servants, and reiterated his belief in the importance of training through all levels of a career. He rec- ommended that the Service try to attract more young people as they graduate from college. Shultz spoke critically of the depart- ment’s “up or out” promotion practices, which he said cause peo- ple to cut short their public service careers for opportunities in the private sector. As he put it, “the Foreign Service career should start earlier, end later, and be continually punctuated by career-conscious

JAY MALLIN training.” The former secretary ended his speech on a positive note, From left: Former Secretary George Shultz, Amb. William Harrop, enthusiastically praising Secretary Powell’s work in the State John Naland, Outgoing Director General Ruth A. Davis. Department and affirming the importance of diplomacy today. ▫

Gingrich • Continued from page 4 made by career State Department officials Acting AFSA President Louise Crane, ing, has failed, indeed is actively not as part of a systematic effort to undermine in the September Foreign Policy: implementing President Bush’s foreign foreign policy. The intelligence analysts “Newt Gingrich’s article, ‘Rogue State policy. I find this an amazing charge. Is in INR have a duty to provide the Department,’ fits his image as a slash and he talking about the career Foreign Secretary of State and ultimately, the pres- burn politician, but contributes nothing Service, which I was once a member of? ident, with their best assessment and useful to a debate on either U.S. foreign If he is, he’s just dead wrong. The Foreign judgment. It would be irresponsible for policy or the foreign policy establishment. Service is just like the military. It carries them to do otherwise when the lives of “AFSA applauds Mr. Gingrich’s argu- out the instructions of presidents of both American men and women are at stake. ments for a reinvigorated Foreign Service, parties after giving its own advice. They “Mr. Gingrich has openly and loud- one more linguistically able, one better are not insubordinate.” ly attacked the integrity of the men and trained and one with greater exposure to U.S. Representative Chris Van women in the State Department. the work of NGOs and the private sec- Hollen, D-Md., July 18: Moreover, he has advocated positions that tor. However, AFSA laments that this In a speech on the House floor, Rep. would weaken our ability to confront the epiphany has come so late to him. Had Van Hollen called upon President George challenges we face abroad. Allowing him the scales been removed from his eyes Bush, Secretary of Defense Donald to remain on the Defense Policy Board while he was still in his congressional lead- Rumsfeld, and Secretary of State Colin will send a terrible signal to the men and ership position, he might have used his Powell to demand the resignation of Newt women who work every day to protect influence to restore funding to a starving Gingrich from the Defense Policy Board, our security and advance our interests State Department, which at one point in an influential organization that advises the abroad that his statements are acceptable the mid-1990s could not even replace Pentagon. to this administration. He should do the retiring Foreign Service employees. There “Gingrich would like the profession- right thing and resign from the board. were some 700 positions overseas in crit- al analysts to manipulate the facts to fit The administration can either stand by ical countries that could not be filled the policy rather than have a policy the statements of Mr. Gingrich or make because there simply were not enough informed by the facts. It is a sad day for it clear that they are unacceptable. Mr. employees. Language and other training our country when Mr. Gingrich could President, Secretary Rumsfeld, Secretary were deferred to prevent more positions attack an accurate and truthful statement Powell, where do you stand?” from going unfilled.” ▫

10 AFSA NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2003 2002 AFSA AUDIT

SEPTEMBER 2003 • AFSA NEWS 11 2002 AFSA AUDIT

12 AFSA NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2003 2002 AFSA AUDIT

SEPTEMBER 2003 • AFSA NEWS 13 CLASSIFIEDS

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Will write your Certified Property Manager and Certified complaints, represent you at hearings in federal Tel: (703) 289-1167, Fax: (703) 289-1178, E-mail: [email protected] Manager of Community Associations. Contact court. Offices in VA and D.C. Call George Elfter us for more information: Tel: (703) 522-4927, at (202) 237-2047, Fax: (703) 354-8734. FINANCIAL ADVISOR: Stephen H. or e-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Thompson, Legg Mason Wood Walker Inc. www.georgeElfterLaw.com Member NYSE/Member SIPC (Retired Foreign Service Officer). WJD MANAGEMENT IS competitively GRIEVANCE ATTORNEY (specializing Tel: (202) 778-1970, (800) 792-4411. priced, of course. However, if you are consid- since 1983). Attorney assists FS officers to cor- Web site: www.sthompson.fa.leggmason.com ering hiring a property management firm, don’t rect defective performance appraisals to E-mail: [email protected] forget the old saying, “You get what you pay reverse improper tenuring and promotion for.” All of us at WJD have worked for other ATTORNEY, FORMER FOREIGN SER- board decisions, secure financial benefits, property management firms in the past, and VICE OFFICER: Extensive experience w/ tax defend against disciplinary actions and obtain we have learned what to do and, more impor- relief from all forms of discrimination. Free Initial problems peculiar to the Foreign Service. tantly, what not to do from our experiences at Consultation. Call William T. Irelan, Esq. Available for consultation, tax planning, and these companies. We invite you to explore our Tel: (202) 625-1800, Fax: (202) 625-1616. preparation of returns: Web site at www.wjdpm.com for more infor- E-mail: [email protected] M. Bruce Hirshorn, Boring & Pilger mation, or call us at (703) 385-3600. WILL/ESTATE PLANNING by attorney 307 West Maple Ave., Suite D, who is a former FSO. Have your will reviewed Vienna, VA 22180 Tel: (703) 281-2161, and updated, or new one prepared: Fax: (703) 281-9464. H.A. GILL & SON, INC.: Family-owned No charge for initial consultation. E-mail: [email protected] and operated firm specializing in the leasing M. Bruce Hirshorn, Boring & Pilger, 307 and management of fine single-family hous- Maple Ave. W, Suite D, Vienna, VA 22180 PROFESSIONAL TAX RETURN es, condominiums and cooperatives in Tel: (703) 281-2161, Fax: (703) 281-9464. PREPARATION: Thirty years in public tax Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County E-mail: [email protected] practice. Arthur A. Granberg, EA, ATA, ATP. since 1888. While we operate with cutting- TAX & FINANCIAL SERVICES Our charges are $65 per hour. Most FSO edge technology, we do business the old- returns take 3 to 4 hours. Our office is 100 feet fashioned way: providing close personal TAX RETURN PREPARATION AND from Virginia Square Metro Station, Tax attention to our clients and their properties. We PLANNING by experienced tax professional. Matters Associates PC, 3601 North Fairfax Dr., provide expertise in dealing with jurisdiction- Federal and all state returns. Year-round assis- Arlington, VA 22201. Tel: (703) 522-3828, al legal requirements, rent control, property tance. JANE A. BRUNO Tel: (561) 470-7631, Fax: (703) 522-5726. registration and lead paint requirements. We Fax: (561) 470-4790. E-mail: [email protected] closely screen all tenant applications and are E-mail: [email protected] on-line with Equifax Credit Information Web site: www.americantaxhelp.com PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: $1.25/word Services, which provides our firm with instant (10-word min.) First 3 words bolded free, add’l hard-copy credit reports. You can rest assured VIRGINIA M. TEST, CPA: Tax service bold text $2/word, header, box, shading $10 while you are abroad that your property will be Specializing in Foreign Service/overseas con- ea. Deadline: 20th of month for pub. 5 wks. in the most capable hands. Please call John tractors. CONTACT INFO: (804) 695-2939, later. Ad Mgr: Tel: (202) 944-5507, Fax: (202) Gill Jr. at (202) 338-5000 or e-mail him at 338-6820. E-mail: [email protected] FAX: (804) 695-2958. E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] for more info or a brochure.

14 AFSA NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2003 CLASSIFIEDS

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEMPORARY HOUSING REAL ESTATE PRUDENTIAL CARRUTHERS REAL- HEADED TO D.C.? Start planning now for TORS: Complete professional dedication to the WASHINGTON, D.C. or NFATC TOUR? house hunting in Northern Virginia. Let my 16- management of residential property in Northern EXECUTIVE HOUSING CONSULTANTS plus years of experience providing FS person- Virginia. Our professionals will provide personal offers Metropolitan Washington, D.C.’s finest nel with exclusive Buyer Representation work portfolio of short-term, fully-furnished and attention to your home, careful tenant screen- for you. My effective strategy for home buying ing, and video inspections of your property. We equipped apartments, townhomes and single- will make the transition easier for you and your are equipped to handle all of your property family residences in Maryland, D.C. and family! management needs. We work 7 days a week! Virginia. Over 22 years real estate experience and In Virginia: “River Place’s Finest” is steps to Contact MARILYN CANTRELL, Associate Foreign Service overseas living experience. Rosslyn Metro and Georgetown, and 15 min- Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI at McEnearney JOANN PIEKNEY. Vienna: utes on Metro bus or State Department shuttle Associates, 1320 Old Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, Tel: (703) 938-0909, Fax: (703) 281-9782, to NFATC. For more info, please call (301) 951- VA 22101. Tel: (703) 790-9090, ext. 246; Fax: E-mail: [email protected] 4111, or visit our Web site: (703) 734-9460. Arlington: Tel: (703) 522-5900, www.executivehousing.com E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (703) 525-4173. www.marilyncantrell.com E-mail: [email protected]. FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATES, INC. Stylishly and fully-furnished condominiums at PEAKE MANAGEMENT: Looking for a River Place (Rosslyn, Virginia), Foggy Bottom great property manager experienced with FS NORTHERN VIRGINIA - FAIRFAX: & Dupont Circle (D.C.) All units are walking Smashing townhome in sought-after Franklin clients? Call me to set up an appointment, or distance to the Metro or NFATC SHUTTLE. to receive our free Landlord Manual. The man- Glen. Formal living room and separate dining Utilities, free basic cable, free local telephone room. High ceilings, skylights, gorgeous ual clearly explains the rental management service and Internet access included. Full- hardwood floors. Deck off dining room and process no matter which company you service gym, pool, entertainment center and patio off lower level rec room. Backs to wood- choose. We’re professional, experienced and jacuzzi (certain locations). Efficiencies, 1&2 friendly. In business since 1982. Lindsey Bedroom units available. Owned by retired ed common area. 4BD, 3.5BA $265,000. Peake: 6842 Elm St., McLean, VA 22101. Department of State Employee. Flexible with Marilyn Cantrell, McEnearney Associates Tel: (703) 448-0212. all per diems, even sliding allowances. WE (703) 790-9090, ext. 246. E-mail: [email protected] UNDERSTAND BECAUSE WE’VE BEEN E-mail: [email protected] THERE! (703) 470-4908. [email protected] TEMPORARY HOUSING PIED-A-TERRE PROPERTIES, LTD: RESIDENCES: SHORT & long-term. NORTHERN VIRGINIA - ALEXANDRIA: Select from our unique inventory of fully-fur- Call Betsy at (202) 234-5789. Smart-looking Efficiency condo in a tucked nished & tastefully decorated apartments & E-mail: [email protected] away community off the GW Parkway. Large townhouses all located in D.C.’s best in-town www.roommatespreferred.com windows open to peaceful views of flowers and neighborhoods: Dupont, Georgetown, Foggy landscaping. $74,900 Marilyn Cantrell, Bottom & The West End. Two-month mini- SHORT-TERM RENTALS McEnearney Assoc (703) 790-9090, ext. 246. mum. Mother-Daughter Owned & Operated. CORPORATE APARTMENT SPECIALISTS: E-mail: [email protected] Abundant experience working with Foreign Tel: (202) 338-3190. Fax: (202) 332-1406. Service professionals and the locations to best www.piedaterredc.com serve you: Foggy Bottom, Woodley Park, Cleveland Park, Chevy Chase, Rosslyn, FLORIDA Ballston, Pentagon City. Our office is a short FURNISHED LUXURY APARTMENTS: LONGBOAT KEY, BRADENTON/ walk from NFATC. One-month minimum. All Short/long-term. Best locations: Dupont Circle, SARASOTA Area will exceed expectations. furnishings, housewares, utilities, telephone and Georgetown. Utilities included. All price Don’t miss owning in Florida. Resales, new cable included. Tel: (703) 979-2830 or (800) ranges/sizes. Parking available. Tel: (202) 296- homes, rental management and vacation 914-2802; Fax: (703) 979-2813. 4989, E-mail: [email protected] rentals. Dynamic growing company offering Web site: www.corporateapartments.com personalized professional service. Contact: E-mail: [email protected] Sharon E. Oper, Realtor (AFSA Member) 1768-74 U. ST/ ADAMS MORGAN: Wagner Realty. Tel: (941) 387-7199. TEMPORARY QUARTERS GEORGETOWN: Unique spacious 2-BR apts w/terrace. In newly E-mail: [email protected] Exquisite, fully-furnished accommodations at renovated historic bldg. Individual HVAC units, the East End of Georgetown. Short walk to controlled entry system, hdwd flrs, all new World Bank and State Department. Lower appliances including W/D. Pkg. avail. NO STATE INCOME TAX enhances gra- two levels of four-level home, private front and For appt. call: (917) 567-4811. cious living in Sarasota, the cultural capital of rear entrances, eight-foot ceilings, three fire- Florida’s Gulf Coast. Contact former FSO Paul places, two large marble bathrooms, granite Byrnes, Coldwell Banker residential sales and stainless steel kitchen, washer and dryer, specialist, through e-mail: fenced rear patio leading to alley. Street park- FURNISHED TEMPORARY APARTMENT: Capitol Hill (Eastern Market), newly renovat- [email protected] or Toll-Free: ing. Dishes, flatware, towels, linens and light (877) 924-9001. maid service included. Pets case-by-case. ed, tastefully furnished, 1BR apartment, fire- Rate commensurate with housing allowance. place, w/d, satTV, ceiling fans. Near Contact owner at: [email protected] or Tel: Metro/restaurants/shops. Short/long-term. DC AND MD SUBURBS - homes for sale. (202) 625-6448. See photos and description Non-smokers. $1,450 includes utilities. Log on to homesdatabase.com/samsells to at: www.1229-30thStreet.com [email protected] 202-647-5265. view homes. Tel: (301) 951-3354.

SEPTEMBER 2003 • AFSA NEWS 15 CLASSIFIEDS

WASHINGTON STATE ISLANDS: BOOKS PET TRANSPORTATION Spectacular views, wonderful community, cli- mate, boating, hiking. Access Seattle & Point Four: Memories of a Foreign Vancouver, B.C. Former FSO Jan Zehner, Service Officer by James O. Bleidner. The Windermere Real Estate/ Orcas Island, book is dedicated to my colleagues in (800) 842-5770; www.orcas-island.com USAID. Send check for $15 plus postage of E-mail: [email protected] $3 to: James Bleidner, 708 Leah Jean Lane, Winter Haven, FL 33884-3198.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA Within OLD ASIA/ORIENT BOOKS BOUGHT minutes of Thomas Jefferson’s University of Asian rare books. Fax: (212) 316-3408, Virginia and the Blue Ridge Mountains is locat- E-mail: [email protected] DOMESTIC / WORLDWIDE SHIPPING: ed Charlottesville’s premier senior independent MISCELLANEOUS retirement community. Panoramic views are Tel: (304) 274-6859, (888) 234-5028 visible from the luxury condominium homes DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS: Robert G. www.actionpetexpress.com and the sunny atriums. Residents enjoy many Morris’ third novel, now available from: E-mail: [email protected] www.thebookden.com fine amenities and services including fine din- SHOPPING ing, full fitness center with heated pool, con- W.W. GENERAL CONSTRUCTION certs, lectures, and films, 24-hour security, NAVCO MALL Serving VA, MD & DC chauffer, and underground parking. For infor- Over 200 Shops and Stores! Licensed and Bonded mation on UNIVERSITY VILLAGE, or other Save Time and Money Complete Home Remodeling & Repair fine properties in Charlottesville, VA, contact: Everything you’re looking for, from A to Z Total Renovations Linda Broadbent, Real Estate III, Sales and Bargains at Every Store! Kitchens, Bathrooms and Basements (800) 868-0025, or [email protected]. Owned and operated by a 16-year-veteran Ceramic Tile and Hardwood Floors of the military and the FS Painting and Drywall Shop: www.navcosa.com BEAUTIFUL RETIREMENT PROPERTY For more information visit our Web site in Parsons, Tennessee. www.1stcarpenter.com 110 - 220 VOLT STORE Visit: Jacksproperty.com. Or call Jack at or e-mail us at: [email protected] MULTI-SYSTEM ELECTRONICS Tel: (731) 847-4146. or call us at (301) 330-9806 Quality Work and Reasonable Prices PAL-SECAM-NTSC TVs, VACATION References upon Request VCRs, AUDIO, CAMCORDER, ADAPTOR, TRANSFORMERS, PARIS, FRANCE FSO-owned 1-bedroom KITCHEN APPLIANCES apartment (XVI Arrondissement), fully fur- EPORT WORLD ELECTRONICS nished, available for weekly or monthly 1719 Connecticut Ave. N.W. rental. For more info. e-mail: Washington, D.C. 20009, near Dupont [email protected] Circle Metro. Between R & S Streets. or [email protected] Tel: (202) 232-2244, Fax: (202) 265-2435, (800) 513-3907. E-mail: [email protected] BEACHVIEW CONDO FLORIDA at SHIPPING URL:www.220AV.TV Marco Island, 2 hours from Miami, 2 bed- PLANNING TO MOVE OVERSEAS? Government & Diplomat discounts room/bath, walking distance to beach, swim- Need a rate to ship your car, household goods, ming pool, tennis, golf; low off-season rates; or other cargo going abroad? Contact AMERICAN PRODUCTS OVERSEAS! contact FSO Robert Cunnane at: SEFCO-Export Management Company for ONE-STOP SHOPPING for all your house- E-mail: [email protected] rates and advice. Tel: (718) 268-6233, hold & personal needs. Personalized service MORTGAGE Fax: (718) 268-0505. Contact Joseph T. Quinn. for FS personnel by FS retiree. Must have Visit our Web site at www.sefco-export.com APO or FPO address. For FREE CATALOG: BUYING OR REFINANCING A HOME? E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Save money with some of the lowest rates THE AAFSW NEEDS your donations for in 40 years. Jeff Stoddard specializes in work- ACUPUNCTURE & FENG SHUI BOOKFAIR, an October event for 43 years. ing with the Foreign Service community over- Acupuncture for Body/Mind/ Spirit: Artwork, books in good condition (no text seas and in the U.S. Call today and experi- Feng Shui for harmony in your space. books, paperbacks), stamps and coins all ence the Power of Yes! ® Tel: (703) 299-8625, Former FS spouse offers these services in gratefully accepted. Handicrafts from posts E-mail: [email protected] Bethesda, Md. & Vienna, Va. Contact: are especially welcome as they sell fast. Abhaya Schlesinger, M.Ac; L.Ac; Diplomate. BUSINESS CARDS IN THE WASHINGTON AREA: Pick-ups Tel: (703) 242-9065. References upon request. call: Virginia Jones at (202) 223-5796. IN THE BUSINESS CARDS Printed to State DEPARTMENT: Donations drop-off at the INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPTIONS: Department specifications and delivered in 5 BOOKROOM (located in B816) Mon-Fri,12 Finding the best school placement for each working days. 500 cards for as little as $37.00! noon to 2:00 PM or by appt. FROM OVER- child in the Washington Metro area. Thank you for calling Herron Printing & SEAS: Donations may be pouched to: www.independentschooloptions.org Graphics at (301) 990-3100; or e-mail: AAFSW BOOKROOM, B816 Main State Tel: (703) 671-8316. [email protected] (HST).

16 AFSA NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2003