The Foreign Service Journal, January 2004

cies in the Foreign Service that force the remaining officers to work large amounts of overtime, and in the poor salaries FS officers receive compared to the responsibility of the work, among other things. In a recent pub- lic service survey, FS officers had one of the highest planned departure rates in the public service, and a whopping 42 percent of FS officers at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade felt they were not treated with respect (com- pared to 14 percent of the public ser- vice overall). At the DFAIT there has been a large increase in “non-rotational” offi- cers filling FS positions on a single assignment basis over the last few years, as well as continued conversion of FS positions to non-rotational posi- tions and increased use of locally engaged staff employees. “These changes have created a quasi-parallel Foreign Service without the same rules on entry requirements, bilingual- ism, probation, training, appraisals and promotion imposed on the FS,” Husain points out. “The government is going to have to decide if it wants a professional career Foreign Service or whether it is happy to go with another model of a public service that has people going on single assignments to foreign post- ings,” says Husain. “If the latter, it will have to address issues of getting peo- ple to go to the hardship posts rather than New York, London, Paris and Geneva. It will have to consider how it will develop Asia specialists, Middle East experts and Africa hands. Or how it will explain its inability to have expertise in these areas when crises hit.” C Y B E R N O T E S 12 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 4 50 Years Ago... The task of keeping the American people adequately informed on international developments is a joint responsibility of the diplomat and the newsman. It is a responsibility which must be carried out in a spirit of cooperation and mutual trust. — Henry B. Cox, from “Diplomacy and the Press,” FSJ , January 1954. We offer spacious beautifully appointed suites which are ideal for business or pleasure. Our One Bedroom Suites: full kitchens, stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers and dinette area, living rooms with sleep sofas, master bedroom and full bath. ThereÕs more . . . those on full per diem at $150.00 + tax daily rate receive: ¥ 2 times/week receive a $22 coupon for dinner at a local participating restaurant ¥ Continental breakfast ¥ Weekly buffet dinner ¥ Daily maid service ¥ Free local calls ¥ Health club ¥ Internet access in lobby ¥ Weekend transport to local hot spots Experience the Appealing Charm … 108 South Courthouse Road 610 Bashford Lane Arlington, VA 22204 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-522-2582 (club) 703-739-2582 arlington@dcexeclub.com Two Convenie nt Our ÒRosslynÓ Guests are moving to our Arlington or Alexandria locations.... Executive Club Suites still offers de - icated units for our Foreign Service guests! In addition to all the service, amenities and courteous staff you have been used to, we offer more . . . ¥ Electronic locks on guest rooms ¥ 3 miles to NFATC RT shuttle ¥ RT Grocery pickup weekly ¥ Outdoor pool & Jacuzzi in fabulous setting ¥ Grilling area We accept the first slid - ing Central Reservations: 703-739-2582 extension 1405 www.execlubdc.com o r reservations@dcexeclub.c