The Foreign Service Journal, October 2012

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2012 13 as the world of diplomacy and development that the association represents. With that in mind, it seemed fitting to devote this first issue of the new era to the new generation of Foreign Service personnel, hired since 2008 under the State Department’s Diplomacy 3.0 program and USAID’s Development Leadership Initiative. The centerpiece of that coverage is Shawn Dorman’s in-depth article, “The New Foreign Service Generation.” I think it’s safe to say that her report, which features the voices of recent entrants to the Ser- vice, represents the most thorough, insightful treatment of their concerns and aspirations to have appeared anywhere to date. We follow that with “Bridging the Foreign Service Generational Gulf,” co-authored by a fourth-tour FSO, Brandon Possin, and a senior FSO, Ambassador Larry Butler. As they note, more than half of all current Foreign Service personnel have joined since the 9/11 attacks, so it is imperative to find ways to integrate them into the institutional culture and help supervisors manage them more effectively. Whether you’re a senior, mid-level or entry-level member of the Service, you’ll find valuable insights here. Another voice from the new generation is featured at the back of this issue. James Talalay, the spouse of a first-tour FSO in Chen- nai, took the photo featured in our first installment of Local Lens . And as a bonus, he also contributed this month’s Reflections column, “You Want to Join the What…?” Let me also call your attention to this month’s Speaking Out column, “Achieving Work-Life Balance,” by Lillian Wahl-Tuco. While that subject obviously affects all members of the Foreign Service and their families, it carries particular weight for newer entrants as a factor in decisions about committing to the career. Last but certainly not least, we offer a timely feature describing the story behind “Argo,” a brand-new film (opening Oct. 12) about the 1979-1981 Embassy Tehran hostage crisis. You can share your reactions to the redesign—positive, nega- tive or mixed—as well as our content, by writing us at journal@ afsa.org. (Please specify whether you’d like your comments to b e published in our Letters section.) You can also use that same address to submit articles and columns for publication in The Foreign Service Journal . The author guidelines on our Web site (www.afsa.org/fsj ) describe the various departments and give the basic requirements (length, format, etc.) for each. Please note that all submissions must be approved by our Editorial Board and are subject to editing for style, length and format. We hope you enjoy the new design and look forward to hearing from you. n Our new Local Lens department will spotlight the wealth of photographic talent among FS personnel and family members.