The Foreign Service Journal, January 2013

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JANUARY 2013 19 community. Alternative Approaches One arrangement to consider would make FCS a semi-independent agency with a dotted line to the Secretary of State through the under secretary for eco- nomic and business affairs. FCS would use the State personnel system, migrate into the State IT system, and participate in joint goal-setting exercises globally and at posts. But it would retain its status as a distinct Foreign Service agency with a discrete budget. And senior commer- cial officers would remain head of agency at posts. To avoid creating another small U.S. government unit, the Commercial Service could merge with the Trade Development Agency, headed by a direc- tor at the level of under secretary. The Commerce Department domestic field already works closely with USTDA and could remain closely linked to the over- seas field through common data bases, or be fully migrated to the new agency. This structure would keep options open for the president and Congress to create a more comprehensive department of trade in the future. Or, short of a semi-autonomous agency, FCS could become part of State with links to outside stakeholders. But to protect the entrepreneurial culture of FCS, it would have to be integrated into State as a distinct commercial cone, led by FCS officers, and with a separate line item in State’s budget. Close cooperation with the Com- merce Department domestic field through shared databases will remain essential, as well. And outside stakehold- ers should retain significant influence in two ways: •The Commerce, Justice, Science com- mittees in the House and Senate would A time of service…a time of need Help for Seniors May Be Just a Phone Call Away— Home Health Care Adult Day Care & Respite Care Prescription Drug Copayments Transportation to Medical Appointments Durable Medical Equipment For more information, please contact the SENIOR LIVING FOUNDATION OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE 1716 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20036-2902 Phone: (202) 887-8170 Fax: (202) 872-9320 E-Mail: info@SLFoundation.org W eb Site: www.SLFoundation.org The Senior Living Foundation may be able to help you or someone you know. Some examples of assistance are: SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION