The Foreign Service Journal, June 2011

8 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J U N E 2 0 1 1 and (most times) without malice, I re- laxed. Remaining open and flexible, and maintaining a respectful attitude, are among the purest forms of diplomacy. Keith Battles Diplomatic Courier Bureau of Diplomatic Security Washington, D.C. Core Skills for All As part of the ongoing discussion, both in the Foreign Service Journal ’s pages and elsewhere, of what skills are needed for today’s U.S. diplomats to succeed, I would like to offer the fol- lowing thoughts. Today’s Foreign Service officers need knowledge be- yond the traditional studies of inter- national relations, political science, economics, history and area expertise (although familiarity with U.S. diplo- matic history is essential, of course). Additional possible disciplines in- clude international agriculture and de- velopment theory, security and terror- ism, humanitarian affairs and interna- tional law, mass communication and, certainly, research methods, ethics and management in an international envi- ronment, among others. Science, technology, engineering and mathe- matics, collectively known as STEM, and other subjects that cross disci- plines should also be incorporated into such a curriculum. Once there is agreement on the exact skill set required, we can develop delivery techniques. Many of the tenured generalists lacking a master’s degree, for example (about half of FSOs), could apply for a pre-approved university program. State and other agencies could work with colleges and universities across the United States— e.g., members of the National Associa- tion of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration — and not just schools in the Washington, D.C., area. In ad- dition to expanding geographic diver- sity, this would promote public out- reach by the Foreign Service. Tenured officers who already have master’s degrees could obtain the ad- ditional required skills via professional certification programs, which are widely available through a number of universities or through distance learn- ing and online programs. Historically, the State Department has had only limited success with mid- level training strategies. But once it ac- cepts a reality that has been long ingrained in our military’s culture — that certain skills must be gained through training during every step of a career — U.S. diplomats can likewise meet the exacting demands the 21st century places on our profession. Perhaps we are finally ready for that paradigm shift. Tibor P. Nagy Jr. Ambassador, retired Ransom Canyon, Texas More on Amb. Rubottom With respect to the obituary of Am- bassador R. Richard Rubottom Jr. in the April Foreign Service Journal , allow me to add a couple of details. While serving as assistant secretary of State for inter-American affairs (1956-1960), Amb. Rubottom played an important role in U.S. relations with the fledgling revolutionary government headed by Fidel Castro, who took power in Cuba on Jan. 1, 1959. In addition, I believe he was present when then-Vice Presi- dent Richard Nixon visited Venezuela in 1958. Thomas Morgan FSO, retired McLean, Va. L E T T E R S CHANGE OF ADDRESS Moving? Take AFSA With You! Change your address online at: www.afsa.org/comment.cfm To log in, use your AFSA membership number on the mailing label of your Foreign Service Journal . The number is on the top left corner of the label, right above your name. It may be 2 digits or up to 7 digits. The password is your last name. It is not case sensitive. Or Send change of address to: AFSA Membership Department 2101 E Street NW Washington, DC 20037