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May 2022

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 May issue focuses on life after the Foreign Service.

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

FOCUS ON LIFE AFTER THE FOREIGN SERVICE

The Last Assignment: Moving into Retirement

Deciding where to settle in retirement, and making it happen, is not easy. Here are tips from some who have successfully navigated this process.

BY DONNA SCARAMASTRA GORMAN

An Insider’s Guide to the Re-Employed Annuitant Program

Having second thoughts about leaving government service? Here’s a candid and authoritative look at returning to work for the government.

BY JOHN K. NALAND

Working with the U.S. Military

A retired FSO ambassador offers insights and tips—the real deal—on working with the U.S. military after nearly a decade as a private contractor.

BY LARRY BUTLER

Global Photography: From Hobby to Career

For this FSO, commitment to a second career as a photographer was gradual.

BY CHARLES O. CECIL

Setting Sail: Life after USAID

Short-term consulting gigs with USAID made for a gratifying transition to full retirement for this FSO.

BY CHARLES LLEWELLYN

AFSA Resources for Retirees

BY DOLORES BROWN

FEATURE

Boosting Space Diplomacy at State

Though the Space Age is not new, space diplomacy remains an esoteric specialty at State. Here’s why it’s important to start changing this now.

BY DAVID A. EPSTEIN

FS HERITAGE

Lethal Encounter in Tehran: The Attack on U.S. Vice Consul Robert W. Imbrie and Its Aftermath

Almost a century ago, an American diplomat died overseas at the hands of a mob. The implications of this tragic incident reached far beyond Iran’s capital city.

BY MICHAEL ZIRINSKY

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

One Foreign Service Family

BY ERIC RUBIN

Letter from the Editor

There Is Life After

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Speaking Out

On Our Own: Diplomats Deserve Equal Access to Reproductive Health Services

BY ANDREA CAPELLÁN

Reflections

The Power of Our Example

BY RONALD E. HAWKINS JR.

DEPARTMENTS

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Locality Pay for Local FS Hires: It’s Time

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

USAID VP Voice

Now Is the Time to Think about Retirement

BY JASON SINGER

FAS VP Voice

Standing Behind Those Who Step Up

BY LISA AHRAMJIAN

Retiree VP Voice

Staying Connected with Colleagues

BY JOHN K. NALAND