The Foreign Service Journal, September 2017

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2017 39 My first call was to my former New Delhi DCM, Don Lu, who was stuck in the confirmation process, to recruit him to be my dep- uty. We then started putting together a small team from the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmen- tal and Scientific Affairs and those working on medical and post evacuations. We were a bit of a ragtag operation, but everyone was incredibly dedicated and worked long hours to secure and coordinate international support and to help the mis- sions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea cope with the disease and the influx of assistance. I represented the department at most interagency meetings, in addition to briefing the Hill and doing media interviews. I am hopeful that the lessons learned will result in maintaining a small office capable of tracking potential pandemics and of advising senior leaders when a more robust response is needed before they become major crises. FSJ: More recently, I understand that you have mentored three recent ambassadorial seminar classes. How is working with ambassadors in training different from the mentoring you did while on active duty? NJP: I’m actually up to five classes and have enjoyed it very much. For the career people, the emphasis is on helping them adopt successful strategies for leading their missions and avoid- ing pitfalls that lead to failure. For the non-career appointees, the focus is on helping them to understand how the department works and on their authorities and how to use them. FSJ: What are the essential ingredients for a successful diplo- mat? NJP: I think the key elements are: • Patriotism, and a recognition that we have a unique privi- lege to serve the American people, not the bureau or country of our current assignment; • Integrity in all that we do whether it is adjudicating visas, administering programs or providing analysis of political and economic developments; • Respect for our embassy and department colleagues, all of whom are supporting our mission no matter what their role, and for host-government officials and citizens; • Energy and enthusi- asm for the tasks at hand, as well as for continuing to learn; and • A well-developed sense of the absurd and a sense of humor. FSJ: Today’s budgetary climate is certainly far less promising than it was when you were Director General. Howwould you describe your level of optimism about the state of the Foreign Service and the future of professional diplomacy? NJP: I share the concern of those who believe that the announced cuts in funding and personnel are misplaced and have the potential to do damage to our country and its security. While I support the general concept of a well-informed reorganization of some elements of the department, I amdeeply opposed to sug- gestions that the visa and refugee functions be transferred to the Department of Homeland Security. I have taken some comfort in the testimonials of our Depart- ment of Defense colleagues, members of Congress and former appointees, who have been outspoken in their support for the Department of State and their recognition of the role it needs to play to ensure our national security. I struggle to understand our current national security leadership’s reluctance to fully engage the department in meeting the complex challenges we face as a nation. I have every confidence that the Foreign Service will continue to provide their expertise and experience and be will- ing to serve. FSJ: How has the role of the Foreign Service changed since you first joined? NJP: The Service is much larger andmuchmore diverse. Women play a muchmore significant role in its leadership. Non- State Department agencies have greatly expanded at posts and in their influence in national security decisions. The functional bureaus have expanded to address the growing list of global issues. FSJ: What advice do you give to young people today who are considering a career in the Foreign Service? NJP: Go for it! You’ll never find a more fascinating career that allows you to serve your nation and to learn something new every day. You will work with an incredible group of people who will become a part of your family. n I struggle to understand our current national security leadership’s reluctance to fully engage the department in meeting the complex challenges we face as a nation.