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July-August 2016

The Foreign Service Journal covers foreign affairs from an insider's perspective, providing thought-provoking articles on international issues, the practice of diplomacy and the U.S. Foreign Service. Including the AFSA News section, The Journal is published monthly (January-February and July-August issues combined) by the American Foreign Service Association.

The July-August issue focuses on career diplomacy today.

We always welcome short, focused letters about FSJ content; please send them to journal@afsa.org.

FOCUS ON CAREER DIPLOMACY TODAY

Taking on Family Member Employment. Really!

Family member employment is a critical issue for members of the U.S. Foreign Service. The State Department finally seems to be taking it seriously.

BY DEBRA BLOME

Tandem Couples: Serving Together, Apart

Two tandems discuss some of the unique challenges they face.

BY FRED ODISHO AND WHITNEY DUBINSKY

A Roadmap for New Hires: 30 Rules to Survive and Thrive

An experienced FSO ambassador identifies the unique attributes Foreign Service personnel should have and offers a guide to acquiring and perfecting them.

BY STEPHEN G. MCFARLAND

Examining State’s Foreign Service Officer Hiring Today

Here is an inside look at the process of becoming a Foreign Service officer, considered the “gold standard” in professional recruitment.

BY GLENN J. GUIMOND

FEATURES

Long Past Time to Talk About Trauma—Raising Awareness and Resilience

Taking better care of employees—from pre-employment to post-employment—makes economic sense, creates better morale and is the right thing to do.

BY ANGELA R. DICKEY

Life After the Foreign Service—What We Are Doing Now, Part II

BY FORMER AND RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE U.S. FOREIGN SERVICE

COLUMNS

President's Views

Strengthening the Foreign Service

BY BARBARA STEPHENSON

Speaking Out

Reforming Entry-Level Assignments

BY ANDREW KELLY

Reflections

High Hopes and Mixed Feelings—Reflections of a Consulate Intern

BY WILLIAM ROBERTSON

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Do I Need Professional Liability Insurance?

BY ANGIE BRYAN