The Foreign Service Journal, September 2003

time, as a way to show the value he placed on the new specialists. A Bill of Particulars The problem of lack of respect is not felt uniformly across the spe- cialist ranks. Two small specializa- tions — Information Resource Officers and Regional English Language Officers — seem to feel that they are given their due. That may well be because specialists in those two fields have an unusual degree of autonomy and have their own professional credentials. IROs are generally trained librarians with master of library sci- ence degrees, and RELOs are highly skilled teachers. In addition, long-time RSO Krieger points out that attitudes toward Diplomatic Security agents have changed substantially since Sept. 11, 2001. “Since 9/11, nobody calls me paranoid. People tend to come to us now.” At the other end of the scale, Office Management Specialists and Information Management Specialists seem to feel the prob- lem of disrespect particularly keenly, citing the continued use of outdated terms like “secretaries” and “communicators.” As first- tour IMS David McCrane writes, “The term ‘communicators’ conjures up images of ‘bag- draggers’ and telegraph operators.” And OMSs who contacted the Journal described real dissatisfactions with low-graded positions and limited promotion opportunities. DG Davis, however, points out that a number of OMS positions, including those for career development officers and FSI instructors, have recent- ly been upgraded from FP-4 to FP-3. Nevertheless, a clear majority of the specialists (rep- resenting a variety of FS niches) who spoke with this FSJ reporter or wrote to the Journal cited numerous F O C U S S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 3 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 25 The complaint specialists voice most prominently and emphatically is a pervasive lack of respect. We offer spacious beautifully appointed suites which are ideal for business or pleasure. Our One Bedroom Suites: full kitchens, stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers and dinette area, living rooms with sleep sofas, master bedroom and full bath. There’s more . . . those on full per diem at $150.00 + tax daily rate receive: • 2 times/week receive a $22 coupon for dinner at a local participating restaurant • Continental breakfast • Weekly buffet dinner • Daily maid service • Free local calls • Health club • Internet access in lobby • Weekend transport to local hot spots For example: Potomac Mills Mall or Mt. Vernon! Experience the Appealing Charm … 108 South Courthouse Road 610 Bashford Lane Arlington, VA 22204 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-522-2582 (club) 703-739-2582 eclubsales@dcexeclub.com alexandriasales@ arlingtonsales@dcexeclub.com dcexeclub.com Two Convenient Locations: Our “Rosslyn” Guests are moving to our Arlington location.... Executive Club Suites of Arlington now offers dedicated units for our Foreign Service guests: “E-Club’ In addition to all the service, amenities and courteous staff you have been used to, we offer more . . . • Electronic locks on guest rooms • 3 miles to NFATC RT shuttle • RT Grocery pickup weekly • Outdoor pool & Jacuzzi in fabulous setting • Grilling area We accept the first sliding per diem (your 100% for 60 days, then the 50% reduction w/weekly maid & w/o meal coupons.) Central Reservations: 703-739-2582 extension 1405 www.execlubdc.com or jerome@dcexeclub.com