The Foreign Service Journal, June 2004

there are different kinds of hardship posts, some that are okay for families and others that are not. “So send me to the ones that are okay for families. I’ll go. There’s a long list of posts that are hard-to-fill.” Others express similar views: “Worldwide availability should not mean the same thing to all employees at all ranks,” says a soon-to-be married management officer serving in Europe. “I do not believe that direct- ing employees to post will benefit either the FS or the U.S. government. The Service is full of people with dif- ferent family commitments. There is no harm in treating them differently. As a single man, I would (and did) serve anywhere I was asked to serve. As a married man, I will expect more consideration. As a father, even more. This is an idea the military has used for years and one that makes sense. Some folks are better suited for some jobs than others.” “Worldwide availability means I’ll go wherever my family can accompa- ny me in relative safety,” says an information management specialist serving in Latin America. “I have been apart from my fami- ly (wife and three young children) for six months,” says USAID FSO Brian Conklin. “I was willing to accept the situation because it was required. At the same time, I feel like it is critical time lost with my kids that I will never recover. A two-year unaccom- panied assignment would not work for my family or me at this time.” “Being ‘asked’ to serve an unac- companied assignment would severely test my commitment to the Foreign Service, as not being separated is a very high priority for my family,” says a male management officer with a young child and a baby on the way. “Worldwide availability means serving my country’s interests and my family’s interests at the same time. J U N E 2 0 0 4 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 41 Bureaucracy In the days when many new FSOs were just out of college or at least young and without much work experience, the “system” could get away with more. Now, when people coming in are older and have experience in the private sector, they simply cannot believe the bureaucracy they encounter. … There is a disconnect in this sense: The new FS employees are held to high standards, as they should be. However, the bureau- cracy that supports them as they enter the Foreign Service often does not seem to be held to the same high standards. — Mette Beecroft, who explains travel and transportation regulations to all State new hires, both generalists and specialists. The Embassy Plan Overseas Insurance Personal Auto & Contents Coverage Experience that helps you avoid the pitfalls of a highly complex business. Repeat business that results from providing what’s best for the customer not the agent nor the insurance company. Since 1969, Harry M. Jannette International has provided dependable coverage with U.S. carriers with a financial rating of A+ or higher to thousands of Foreign Service Personnel worldwide. Thus you gain the broadest U.S. terms and conditions and flexible value limits often not available from other insurance carriers. MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED: SEE OUR WEBSITE APPLICATIONS Harry M. Jannette International, L.L.C. 8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite 585 Dallas, Texas 75251-1334 Toll Free (800) 256-5141 (972) 783-4915 Fax (972) 783-0545 E-mail: hmjintl@jannetteintl.com www.jannetteintl.com • WorldWide coverage Fire, theft, comprehensive and collision protection are available at foreign posts. • U.S. AUTO LIABILITY Available for short term on home leave, change of assignment, and new auto purchase prior to foreign departure. This coverage must be issued in combination with an “Embassy Plan” policy. • FOREIGN LIABILITY Contact your post for compliance with local laws, Excess liability limits are available over local liability coverage. • PERSONAL COVERAGE Household goods and transit, valuable articles, personal liability, life insurance . • EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION INSURANCE Employee association insurance Including directors and officers. Your Reliable Choice