The Foreign Service Journal, June 2015

AFSA NEWS THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2015 63 likened the pro- cess of writing it to “putting together one jigsaw puzzle from a box that contains pieces from about six or seven puzzles…you really have to kind of figure out what fits where and what you eliminate and what you don’t have time for and what doesn’t belong there.” AFSA engaged early with the QDDR team to focus on member priorities. In early 2014, after a six-month drafting process involv- ing extensive research and consultations with mem- bers, AFSA provided seven thought papers to the QDDR team that highlighted AFSA priorities including career and professional develop- ment, security and tech- nology. Over the next 18 months, AFSA leaders met regularly with Perriello and his staff on these issues. In the end, the 2015 QDDR incorporated many AFSA suggestions, includ- ing provisions for increased investment in fostering a skilled and diverse work- force; better management and mitigation of physical risk; enhanced economic leadership in the depart- AFSAWelcomes QDDR • Continued from page 51 ment; and improved quality of work/life for employees. While more specific lan- guage on career path analy- sis, expeditionary diplomacy and review of the special envoy and representative offices did not make it into the final document, AFSA hopes that State and USAID will continue to focus on these items as they address the post-9/11 growth in the Foreign Service, post-Beng- hazi security arrangements and the increase in the num- ber of political appointees. As the exclusive rep- resentative of the Foreign Service, AFSA looks forward to collaborating with both agencies on the implemen- tation of all QDDR recom- mendations. n —Maria C. Livingston, Associate Editor