US Foreign Service Officers, or FSOs, are American diplomats. … We are nearly always living and working overseas in US embassies and consulates, and are occasionally on domestic assignment in Washington, D.C.
Where do US foreign service officers live?
Housing for Foreign Service Officers varies around the world. In many overseas posts, Foreign Service Officers live in accommodations that are either owned or leased by United States government. Often, these accommodations are furnished.
Where are Foreign Service Officers stationed?
FSOs spend most of their careers overseas as members of U.S. embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions, though some receive assignments to serve at combatant commands, Congress, and educational institutions such as the various U.S. War Colleges.
Do Foreign Service Officers pick where they go?
As part of this process, you will perform two to three years on average of consular work, and should expect an assignment to at least one hardship post. You are given the opportunity to express your preference for postings from a list of positions available at the time of entry into the Foreign Service.
Where do foreign diplomats live?
A large embassy may have annexes. The main embassy building is called the chancery. As the public face of the United States, it is often an architectural work of art. In some countries, American staff may live on the embassy compound, but they frequently live in apartments or houses in the host city.
Is a Foreign Service Officer a spy?
So, let’s be clear: Foreign service officers are NOT spies. They do not work for the CIA, FBI, DIA, or anyone else in the IC (Intelligence Community). … It is very likely that you’ll have some security clearance and deal with classified information as an FSO, but you are not a spy. You’re a diplomat.
Can you quit Foreign Service?
Although there is nominally an objective system in place, Foreign Service officers seeking to secure a desirable post can do an end run around the official process by leveraging their networks to obtain an informal “handshake” offer.
Do Foreign Service Officers carry guns?
Applicants must be willing to use and carry firearms throughout their career. Applicants must not have been convicted of any felony charge or be prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Is a diplomat the same thing as a Foreign Service Officer?
Becoming a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) is one way to serve as an American diplomat. The mission of a U.S. diplomat in the Foreign Service is to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing the interests of the U.S. abroad.
Is it hard to become a Foreign Service Officer?
The search for extraordinary U.S. citizens to serve as Foreign Service Officers is intense and the qualifying process is rigorous, demanding and highly competitive. If you are interested in becoming a Foreign Service Officer (FSO), you must first register for and take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT).
How long does it take to become a Foreign Service Officer?
A safe bet is to consider the whole process, from your decision to apply to when you are offered the job, to take an average of 1.5 years. What do you do during this time? The FSO selection process consists of the: Application.
Is Foreign Service Officer a good job?
A career with the Foreign Service may appear glamorous: worldwide travel, government-paid housing, generous pay and benefits. In some instances, though, working as a Foreign Service Officer can be very challenging and sometimes dangerous. During this career you can expect to be assigned to hardship posts.
How often do diplomats move?
Diplomats move to a new country every two or three years, and the constant relocation takes a toll.
Do ambassadors live in DC?
Foreign diplomats assigned in Washington, D.C. will live in rented housing, paid for by their diplomatic mission, or in homes purchased by their diplomatic mission. U.S. diplomats assigned in Washington will live in homes that they own or buy or rent for themselves, paid for out of their salaries and/or savings.
Where do ambassadors live in DC?
25. Just north of Dupont Circle, overlooking Rock Creek Park, the Kalorama neighborhood is home to many embassies and ambassadors’ residences.
What countries does DC not have an embassy?
Countries Where There Are No US Embassy or Consulate
- Iran.
- North Korea.
- Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Guinea-Bissau.