An Introduction to the United States
Foreign Service

What is its mission?

Just as a great nation requires a disciplined military for its defense, so too it needs a corps of dedicated, trained and experienced career Foreign Service professionals to maintain the peace and strive for a more equitable world. Today's 13,000 United States Foreign Service employees work at over 250 embassies and consulates abroad, as well as in Washington, D.C., advising the president and Secretary of State on policy matters and implementing U.S. foreign policy. The Department of State is the agency responsible for representing the United States Government abroad and conducting American diplomacy. The Agency for International Development deals with foreign economic assistance. The Foreign Commercial Service and the Foreign Agricultural Service promote U.S. economic and agricultural interests abroad.

How do they do it?

Most importantly, members of the Foreign Service research and prepare reports that include recommendations or options for the Secretary of State. This advice guides the formulation of U.S. foreign policy and, once policy is made, Foreign Service officeres are charged with carrying it out.

They analyze the political, economic, and social situations in their assigned countries and report their conclusion and policy recommendations to the State Department and other agencies in Washington.

They promote U.S. foreign policy objectives and foster effective relations with foreign governments. Employees working abroad ensure that foreign political leaders, opinion-makers, and citizens understand what U.S. policies are. They also work on issues that affect the entire world, such as nuclear proliferation, the environment, or terrorism.

They protect American citizens who run afoul of foreign laws, renewing passports and providing other appropriate consular assistance to American citizens in foreign countries.

They screen visa and immigration applications for foreign citizens who with to come to the United States.

They also negotiate international agreements on trade, help American businesspeople make contacts in foreign countries, and provide guidance in understanding local laws and procedures that affect business.

At home, Foreign Service members handle day-to-day foreign affairs issues and recommend long-term policy approaches in our foreign relations. They work closely with the U.S. Congress and foreign embassies in Washington. They coordinate the handling of specific problems with other departments of the government to ensure that the president and secretary have the best possible information and advice.

Examples of real Foreign Service members
helping the U.S. and the world include:

1. Ambassador Jerry Bremer, in charge of Iraq's reconstruction, learned the skills he is using now as a Foreign Service officer for 25 years.

2. Ambassador John Wolf, one of the chief U.S. negotiators for the Israeli-Palestine "road map," is a 30-year veteran of the Foreign Service.

3. Ambassador Prudence Bushnell was in charge of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi when it was bombed, and her leadership brought organization and solace in a time of chaos.