The Foreign Service Journal, March 2006

less senior officers to show what they are made of.’ While this is admirable in some circumstances, it can be extremely dangerous in situations like Iraq. It would be easier to sell a posting to junior people if the senior peo- ple could say: ‘I’m going; why don’t you come along, too?’ That way, the senior people could mentor on the ground as opposed to from thousands of miles away.” “The department needs to step in and ensure that all Iraq volunteers — perhaps along with volunteers to places like Kabul and Liberia — are treated well and with respect and not punished for their decision to answer the Secretary’s call to serve in these dangerous places,” writes an FSO serving in a hardship post in Africa. “I’m talking about real action and real leadership here, not some vague cable that no one pays attention to.” Many of those with families who have served or are serving in Iraq suggested that more be done to support these families during the Iraq assignment. Getting in and out of the country was also identified as a problem. Several employees with families suggested that efforts be made to locate families in nearby countries (such as Jordan) rather than Washington. Closer proximity and easier communication would make a significant differ- F O C U S 40 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / M A R C H 2 0 0 6 Top: Saddam heads Left: A view of Sulaimaniya Michael Nehrbass Eric Watnik