The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is the lead institution for American diplomacy, security, and law enforcement for the U.S. Department of State. They represent America …show more content…
Once contacted one must submit writings for a Personal Narrative to the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP) then take an oral assessment which covers the 13 dimensions of a successful performance with the Foreign Service. If all the previous steps have been completed appropriately, instructions will be sent to receive medical and security clearances; afterwards, the applicant will be sent to the Suitability Review Panel. The Foreign Service looks for candidates who are determined, flexible, have a commitment to public service, and have the ability to adapt to changing situations and cultures other than their own. They look for applicants who have “sound judgment and leadership abilities.” They desire individuals who can retain their stress levels and remain composed in dire situations, like coups and environmental disasters. Many officers will get assigned to hardship posts. These posts can be in remote and dangerous locations like: Afghanistan, Iraq, Algeria, etc… Many of these countries are without western style amenities (i.e. western style toilets, air conditioning, food, culture, etc..) These small changes in a lifestyle can be particularly hard for people who are unable to adapt to foreign environments. I saw this during my experience living in Turkey, observing how some Americans were unable to completely adapt to the environment in …show more content…
Whereas the total average for all workers in this field is 102,037 dollars a year. As an FSO it is more than likely the majority of one’s career will be spent out of the country. A convenient perk for them is not having to pay for housing if deployed, which can only financially benefit somebody. If someone is placed in a hardship post (a place a difficult living conditions), their pay will be adjusted accordingly, this is also referred to as “Danger Pay” being paid more money if placed in an hostile environment. In terms of food and clothing, day-to-day costs can vary depending on the country one may be deployed to. When I lived in Turkey, the State Department gave us exchange students, monthly stipends of about 150 dollar, and that was more than enough for food and supplies for myself, because I was living modestly in a modest environment. This is also another way of how I contribute to the skill set of adaptability. I have spent a year going to local markets and blending in, using what little money I do have to last a sufficient amount of time; living overseas is all about blending into to your environment which plays a part into the environment one resides in. Although this is not a perfect example of how one will live as an FSO overseas, it is a basic concept that should be understood amongst individuals who plan to live out of the