Book Description

Foreign Service employees from the U.S. Dept. of State (DoS) experience a variety of adverse conditions while assigned to U.S. embassies and consulates that are considered hardship posts (HP). Among these conditions are inadequate med. facilities, few opport. for spousal employ., poor schools, high levels of crime, and severe climate. 60% of 259 diplomatic posts are classified as HP. Many are of strategic interest to the U.S., including those in China, the Middle East, and the former Soviet states. This report reviews DoS's performance in filling positions at HP. It examines: the number, experience, and skills of staff in hardship positions and how these may affect diplomatic readiness; and how well DoS's assignment system is meeting the staffing requirements of HP.