Foreign Service Officers snooty?

[Anonymous]

FSOs have a very surprisingly high number of Mormons in their ranks. That is neither here or there but interesting nonetheless given this conversation

[Anonymous]

The problem is the model. FSOs sweep in for three years, have no idea how to do the job they’ve been given, rely on civilian workforce to get them through; never admit they are unqualified (as they believe that they got the job on their own merits abilities rather than fully understanding that the position was secured for them based on their FSO status) and aren’t willing to really try as they Just want their next into posting to move up the ladder. There is an engagement issue on their part and a caste system that reserves choice positions that would be better served by filling them with people who actually have extensive experience in the job and field rather than an FSO ona three year stint.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They tend to come from upper class backgrounds (private school, foreign language fluency, trust fund, strong emphasis on public service).

So that explains a lot of the superiority.

You are thinking of the FSO from decades ago. Back then they recruited from Ivies. Today it is so difficult to get a security clearance that the ranks are much less urbane than in previous decades.

Such weird classicism here. Is it possible that Government wants to recruit from all the US, and not just North East private schools? And maybe, crazy thought here, there's not an association between attending an Ivy and being able to get a security clearance.

Historically this was the case. I think it still is to an extent because it's not highly paid so if you want to do it, you probably come from family money already. At least enough so that you don't have student loan debt and you're probably getting the occasional gift of cash.

[Anonymous]

IME, they have been incredibly supportive and closed ranks, in the best way possible, when tragedies have struck the community. Imagine something horrible happening to you or one of your family members in the States let alone whilst abroad.
Of course there are a few bad apples in the bin, but that's everywhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FSOs have a very surprisingly high number of Mormons in their ranks. That is neither here or there but interesting nonetheless given this conversation

Not just FSOs, but any government career that involves international relations + security. Mormons tend to have the ideal combination of squeaky cleanness that makes the security clearance process a breeze, plus international experience and demonstrated proficiency in foreign language acquisition from doing overseas missions. (Yes, I'm aware that not all LDS do overseas missions, but almost all of the ones who end up at State have done so.) Add in a religious culture that puts a strong emphasis on public service. And, last but not least, State provides EXTREMELY GENEROUS benefits to families. There is absolutely no way a lot of these FSOs could afford to have 4, 5, 6 kids if they were civil servants in DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FSOs have a very surprisingly high number of Mormons in their ranks. That is neither here or there but interesting nonetheless given this conversation

Not just FSOs, but any government career that involves international relations + security. Mormons tend to have the ideal combination of squeaky cleanness that makes the security clearance process a breeze, plus international experience and demonstrated proficiency in foreign language acquisition from doing overseas missions. (Yes, I'm aware that not all LDS do overseas missions, but almost all of the ones who end up at State have done so.) Add in a religious culture that puts a strong emphasis on public service. And, last but not least, State provides EXTREMELY GENEROUS benefits to families. There is absolutely no way a lot of these FSOs could afford to have 4, 5, 6 kids if they were civil servants in DC.

All of this plus they are able to spread said Mormonism while posted overseas, finding new converts with each and every posting. I think this is actually goal number one with Mormons joining the FS, with everything mentioned above closely following.

[Anonymous]

Really? Our neighbors working at the State Department have been delightful.

They are very tight-knit with their State friends, but I think that's the consequence of a nomadic life. It's hard putting down roots in any one place.