State Department Fills Iraq Slots Without Draft Or Drama

You may remember, earlier this year there were some questions as to whether enough Foreign Service Officers would step up and take an assignment in Iraq or if the State Department would be forced to order some to go. After some histrionics, enough diplomats did step up to fill all the positions.

This year? Well, times have changed.

A cable sent to all foreign service officers says 325 jobs in Baghdad and outlying provinces, along with 134 in Kabul, that come open next summer have been filled by qualified volunteers.

"I want to applaud our foreign service and civil service colleagues who have once again come forward to answer the call in Iraq and Afghanistan," Foreign Service Director General Harry Thomas said in the cable.

Officials familiar with the staffing process said that all positions were taken but that assignments for a handful of diplomatic security agents in Iraq were still pending.

I realize this isn't the biggest story in the world but I hate when the MSM runs the bad stuff and ignores the good news. The fact that the foreign service seems to be getting the important role is has to play in Iraq and Afghanistan is definitely good news. I'm sure the improved security conditions in Iraq helped as well.

h/t to Matel-In-Iraq who has more thoughts on what it means to be a diplomat in the nether regions between war and peace as well as some unlikely skills that have come in handy during his time in Anbar Province.

posted by DrewM. at 02:22 PM

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