The Foreign Service Journal, October 2003

It is first instilled when FSOs are hired and attend the Foreign Service Institute. This is where they begin the segregation process by splitting up the specialists and officers. This segregation continues after they leave FSI with the separate meetings between senior management and JOs and specialists that are routinely held at posts. The second problem is the percep- tion that taking the Foreign Service Exam confers credibility. This exam is simply a general knowledge exam. Yes, it is difficult, but it does not measure ability or aptitude. It is certainly not an intelligence exam. The reason for the test is there is no way to demonstrate experience as a diplomat. The written test and oral exam are used as a mea- surement of potential. Specialists have no need to take a test to demonstrate potential because we already proved that we could function in the job based on our past experience. Our oral exam is simply a way for the department to verify that our resume is an accurate reflection of what we have accom- plished in our careers. I remember one officer counseling me to take the test and become an offi- cer because they believed I had the potential to “get in.” (As if I wasn’t already in the Foreign Service.) Why I would want to take a two-grade reduc- tion to stand at a visa window or be a JO is beyond me. The fact that they would even suggest it shows many believe it is better to be an “officer” of any rank than in IRM. It is time to get rid of the separate titles of officer and specialist. We are all specialists. What difference does it make whether you are an admin offi- cer or an administrative specialist? The job is the same. The rank is the same. The pay is the same. So long as the institution uses dif- ferent titles to separate us, a sense of elitism will prevail. Joe Cole Information Programs Officer Consulate General Istanbul O C T O 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 53 You don’t get to the top in this outfit by rocking the boat. One must conform and become part of the old-boy club in order to get anywhere.