State Department Staffing Shortfalls and Ineffective Assignment System Compromise Diplomatic Readiness at Hardship Posts

Foreign Service employees from the U.S. Dept. of State (DoS) experience a variety of adverse conditions while assigned to U.S. embassies & consulates that are considered hardship posts (HP). Among these conditions are inadequate med. facilities, few opport. for spousal employ., poor schools, high levels of crime, & severe climate. 60% of 259 diplomatic posts are classified as HP. Many are of strategic interest to the U.S., including those in China, the Middle East, & the former Soviet states. This report reviews DoS's performance in filling positions at HP. It examines: the number, experience, & skills of staff in hardship positions & how these may affect diplomatic readiness; & how well DoS's assignment system is meeting the staffing requirements of HP.Brummett, John is the author of 'State Department Staffing Shortfalls and Ineffective Assignment System Compromise Diplomatic Readiness at Hardship Posts' with ISBN 9780756728328 and ISBN 0756728320.