The Foreign Service Journal, October 2003

Regards from Fort Apache This issue of specialists vs. gener- alists has always been a problem in the department. It continues to be an attitude fostered from the top on down at most posts to which I’ve been assigned. Even here in Bishkek (Fort Apache as I call it), the FSNs are quick to notice how management treats us differently in the hierar- chical structure of this mission and we get the same from them. The junior officers also take their cue on how to treat us from looking at how the upper management treats us, which is usually not very well. Over the years, I’ve found that it is difficult if not impossible to get support from above on issues that concern IM, even from within our own ranks. The reasons for this one can only speculate about, but they probably involve not wanting to rock the boat and simply not caring enough about the other guy’s prob- lem to get involved. After all, it might require saying things to some- one that they don’t want to hear. 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 any- where. And once you get into the old-boy club, why risk your status sticking up for some FS-4 or FS-3 out there at post who is having a hard time with management? It can’t help you, and you are all that matters, right? I realize that sounds cynical, but it’s the reality of Foreign Service life. Very few people will take up a cause. There aren’t any “Ches” out here in the Foreign Service. That would be career suicide ... under- standably. So all us lowly IMers can do is complain or get out. I’ve weathered 19 years of abuse in this outfit — though some places were far better than others, I must admit. And I’m looking forward to calling it quits soon. I used to enjoy the work up until about six years ago when these computer systems start- ed to be put in and our jobs changed dramatically. It just is getting to be too stressful. It hasn’t been all doom and gloom, though. I’ve also encoun- tered some officers who treated us professionally and correctly over the years. The majority, however, do not and I often find myself wonder- ing if it is more a question of how these people were taught to treat others by their parents while grow- ing up. It may be as simple as that. All I know for sure is that I’ve been treated very poorly by many FSOs over the years — and I can say that I wouldn’t, and don’t, treat even a dog the way some have treated me and gotten away with it. Being in government, unfortu- nately, by the time one gets fed up with this sort of thing, one usually has too many years invested to just quit and go find a real job or dif- ferent job, depending on how you think about this. If you quit as soon as you’re eligible instead of 54 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 3 In the short time I have served in the Foreign Service as a new-hire IMS, I have gained an immense amount of on-the-job experience and training. TEN TOP REASONS TO JOIN DACOR (Diplomatic and Consular Officers, Retired) 10. Guest rooms at less than half of per diem 9. Sunday musicales with rising stars 8. Annual conference on key issue or country 7. Receptions for A-100 classes and new ambassadors 6. Scholarships for Foreign Service dependents 5. Top lecturers on foreign affairs and culture 4. Reasonable dues (half off for active-duty personnel) 3. Memorable venue for private or representational functions 2. Five blocks from State 1. Congenial collegiality in an elegant, historic home Richard McKee Executive Director 1801 F St., NW Washington, DC 20006 202-682-0500 d acor@dacorbacon.org www.dacorbacon.org