What do political Foreign Service officers do?

Careers App Downloads FAQs Keep Me Informed Political Officers are negotiators who interpret host country politics and advise on international issues. They keep a trained eye on the political climate in the host country and decipher events as they relate to U.S. interests, negotiations and policies.

What are the 5 types of foreign service officers?

FSOs of the State Department are split among five career tracks, called “cones”: Consular Officers, Economic Officers, Management Officers, Political Officers, and Public Diplomacy Officers.

Are foreign service officers diplomats?

Becoming a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) is one way to serve as an American diplomat. The mission of a U.S. diplomat in the Foreign Service is to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing the interests of the U.S. abroad.

Do foreign service officers become ambassadors?

The Career FSO Ambassador: A Very Brief Introduction The majority of career FSOs have moved up the FS ranks, have earned the rank of senior FSO, and are then nominated to the position of the ambassador by the US president.

Do Foreign Service Officers pay taxes?

As a Foreign Service Officer or Specialist, you are a federal employee, and you will pay applicable US federal and state taxes.

Do foreign service officers travel?

One of the main attractions of the Foreign Service is the opportunity to travel. Officers generally spend two years at a post for their first two tours; afterwards, they move on to three or four years at each post. Each time a tour comes to a close, officers must bid for new positions.

How old are most foreign service officers?

Foreign Service Officer Age Breakdown Interestingly enough, the average age of foreign service officers is 40+ years old, which represents 89% of the population.

Is a Foreign Service Officer a spy?

So, let’s be clear: Foreign service officers are NOT spies. They do not work for the CIA, FBI, DIA, or anyone else in the IC (Intelligence Community). It is very likely that you’ll have some security clearance and deal with classified information as an FSO, but you are not a spy. You’re a diplomat.

Which foreign service career tracks is most competitive?

The Political and Public Diplomacy tracks attract far more candidates than others, making them the most competitive.

Where do Foreign Service Officers live?

Housing for Foreign Service Officers varies around the world. In many overseas posts, Foreign Service Officers live in accommodations that are either owned or leased by United States government. Often, these accommodations are furnished.

What is the difference between a diplomat and a Foreign Service Officer?

There are two diplomat tracks within the U.S. foreign service. Someone can become either a foreign service officer, which involves advocating for the U.S. and its citizens, or a foreign service specialist, who provides critical logistical support for diplomatic operations.