state magazine, january 2008

MAGAZINE

U . S . D E P A R T M E N T O F S T A T E

JANUARY 2008 >>>

DEPARTMENT BATTLES WORLD SLAVERY

Post of the Month: CotonouFriendly Beauty.

Department Inner-ViewQ&A with Director General Harry K. Thomas.

Plumbing the DepthsIcebreaker maps U.S. continental shelf

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CONTENTS JANUARY 2008

8 Reserves of ExpertisePOLAD Reserve Corps assists military operationsoverseas.

14 Answering the Call Local staff at posts worldwide come to Baghdad.

24 Need to KnowStreamlined clearance process pays off.

28 Soothsayers' 60thIntel bureau uses anniversary for new vision.

30 Office of the Month: G/TIPDepartment office fights trafficking in persons.

2 Direct from the DG

3 In the News

35 State of the Arts

36 Safety Scene

38 Appointments

38 Retirements

39 Obituaries

40 The Last Word

FEATURES

COLUMNS

ON THE COVERThis nine-year-old girl makesbricks all day, seven days aweek. She and her familywere sold to the owner of abrick-making factory.Photograph by Kay Chernush

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I would like to wish all of you a happy,healthy and productive new year.

This month, I would like to salute theCivil Service employees at the Departmentand the work they are doing to help usadvance our diplomatic goals. The CivilService is the backbone of our work inWashington, providing expertise and conti-nuity on issues from the intricacies of armscontrol to financial planning. In addition,more than 200 Department Civil Serviceemployees are currently serving at postsaround the world, and they are doing thesame job that Foreign Service officers doon a daily basis. When I was in Bangladesh,for example, our public affairs officer was aCivil Service employee. He provided a dailymessage on what America was trying to do,distributed scholarships to Muslimchildren, worked in madrassas, reached outto universities and was very well received.

Our Civil Service colleagues have impor-tant skills that we must take advantage ofnow and in the future. We are committedto developing the skills of this importantsegment of our workforce. To that end, weare organizing the 2008 Mid-Level CivilService Rotational Program to give CSemployees a broader understanding of theDepartment’s mission, and in 2008, we willwork to find even more ways to give themopportunities for development at all levels.

I encourage all Civil Service employeesto consider participating in our growingarray of mentoring options, particularly

situational mentoring. Because I haveboth been mentored and served asa mentor, I recognize the importance ofthis activity. When I mentored a CSemployee, I learned as much from him as

he learned from me.Some of you may be aware of the

Department’s partnership with the NavyBureau of Medicine and Surgery–Mastersin Business Administration program withWebster University on Navy Hill. This fall,two additional graduate degree programswere introduced: International Relationsand Health Administration. The programs

are open to all employees and familymembers.

In 2008, we will be rolling out a newpilot program for Civil Service employeescalled Civil Service Employee DevelopmentOpportunity that should offer interestingshort-term cross-training experiences. Theconcept was originally developed by theEnvironmental Protection Agency and hasbeen successfully implemented by NASA. Ithas been recognized as a best practice bythe Council for Excellence in Government.

CSEDO is a Web-based programenabling managers and supervisors toadvertise special project opportunitiesopen to all employees. Projects are one-time-only efforts of short-term durationwith specific objectives and start and enddates. The opportunities will be posted bythe host bureau to an internal Web-basedcommunity site, and interested volunteersmay apply online after supervisoryapproval.

In these challenging times, we must becommitted to an environment in which allmembers of the Department communityare encouraged to pursue developmentalopportunities. Such an environment iscritical to keeping talented employees inthe Department and to developing theskills they need to contribute their fullmeasure to fulfilling the Department’smission.

We welcome your suggestions viaunclassified e-mail at “DG Direct.” ■

More Civil Service Opportunities in 2008

2 | STATE MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2008

D.G. HARRY K. THOMAS

“Our Civil Service colleagues haveimportant skills that we must take

advantage of now and in the future.”

The U.S. Embassy in Rangoonis the 50th diplomatic facilitycompleted by OBO since 2001.

NEWS

JANUARY 2008 | STATE MAGAZINE | 3

Fifty and CountingIn September, the Bureau of Overseas

Buildings Operations completed its 50thnew facility in six years, the new U.S.Embassy in Rangoon, Burma. Since then,three more new facilities have beencompleted, including in Algiers, Algeria,and a new embassy compound and annexin Managua, Nicaragua. Since 2001,

beyond repair. “The critical need is to move our diplo-

matic personnel out of harm’s way,” saidGeneral Williams. “We reorganized fromthe ground up to fast-track the delivery ofnew facilities that today are instrumentalin Secretary Rice’s TransformationalDiplomacy goals.”

under the leadership of its director andchief operating officer, retired GeneralCharles E. Williams, OBO has conductedan accelerated program to replace andreinforce Department facilities. Prior tothe start of the program, an independenttask force found the majority of overseasfacilities were insecure and antiquated

Burma Embassy Marks Milestone for Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations


The Council of AmericanAmbassadors sent 14 former U.S.ambassadors on a mission toOttawa, Canada, in October. Thedelegation met with Canadiangovernment and civic leaders,business persons and students atthree universities to learn moreabout the situation in Canada andplanned to report its findings tothe White House and StateDepartment.

The ambassadors who partici-pated and their former postingswere Keith L. Brown (Denmark, Lesotho), Charles E. Cobb, Jr.(Iceland), Sue McCourt Cobb (Jamaica), Richard M. Fairbanks III(at-large), Bruce S. Gelb (Belgium and director of the U.S. Informa-tion Agency), Jay Niemczyk (Czechoslovakia), Ogden Reid (Israel),Arthur Schechter (Bahamas), Michael G. Sotirhos (Greece,Jamaica), Robert D. Stuart, Jr. (Norway), Timothy L. Towell(Paraguay) and Leon J. Weil (Nepal).

“The students showed their depth and breadth of knowledge inthe questions asked,” said Ambassador Towell. “None of thequestions really attacked U.S. foreign policy; rather, they questionedhow we expected a particular issue to evolve.”

Canadian officials gave their views on the U.S.-Canadianrelationship and how to enhance it. Americans and Canadians nowmust carry a passport when traveling to the other country by air,

and will have to do so for land travel after the summer of 2008. Thedelegation and Stockwell Day, Canada’s minister of public safetyand emergency preparedness, discussed the Canadian government’sproposal to delay implementation of the passport requirement atland-border crossings to avoid disruptions to trade that could slowthe Canadian and American economies.

“I understand both sides of the issue,” said AmbassadorSchechter. “We must be mindful not to impede this important traderelationship while implementing measures that protect our nationalsecurity.”

The Council of American Ambassadors is a nonprofit,nonpartisan association that educates the public on policy issuesthrough fact-finding missions, conferences on international issuesand a biannual journal.

FormerAmbassadorsVisit Canada

Scholarships and fellowships are availablefor the 2008–2009 academic year for childrenand grandchildren of Foreign Serviceofficers, active or retired, to study at TheHotchkiss School and Yale University. Theseawards, which have a March 14 applicationdeadline, are sponsored by the Diplomaticand Consular Officers, Retired, Bacon HouseFoundation and made possible by a bequestfrom Ambassador Louis G. Dreyfus, Jr.

Hotchkiss will select one qualifiedenrolled student for a $5,000 scholarship.Applicants should contact the Director ofFinancial Aid, The Hotchkiss School,Lakeville, CT 06039-0800, providingevidence of a parent’s or grandparent’sForeign Service status.

Awards to Yale students are based onmerit and will be made by the foundation inconsultation with Yale. Award applicationsare to be filed at the time of application foradmission, and awards are contingent on the

student’s admission to Yale or remaining ingood standing. Undergraduates may receiveup to $5,000. There is no restriction as to thefield of study, but if there are manyapplicants, students pursuing master’sdegrees in foreign affairs–related fieldsreceive preference.

To apply, students should send a copy ofthe parent’s or grandparent’s most recentForeign Service appointment or promotiondocument, a brief letter of interest with full

contact information, resumé, most recenttranscript and one-page statement ofacademic goals, work experience, awards andnonacademic achievements to DACORBacon House Foundation, Attn: William C.Hamilton, 1801 F Street NW, Washington,DC 20006. Applicants for graduatefellowships should include a page outliningcareer goals. More information is availablefrom Kasia Helbin-Travis at (202) 682-0500,ext. 17, or [email protected].

Foundation Offers Scholarships for Foreign Service Children

Members of the delegation gather to discuss their findings.


In November, four Department employeesparticipated in the 6th annual “Go VerticalChicago” stair-climb at the Sears Tower,the longest indoor vertical stair-climb in theworld—103 stories and 2,109 steps. Theyraised $6,000 for the Damon Runyon CancerResearch Foundation. They are, from left,Miranda Longstreth of the Office ofManagement, and Shari Wagner, Maribel Pulidoand A.J. De Lucia of the Bureau of InformationResource Management.

State Stair-ClimbersAid Cancer Research

Recognizing the 1,500 Marines whoguard U.S. embassies worldwide and the150 active-duty, retired, reserve and formerMarines who work in the State Department,the Department celebrated the MarineCorps’ 232nd birthday in November with acake—cut by a sword—and a speech byEliot Cohen, a senior Department official.

Cohen said he had been in Iraq’s AnbarProvince two weeks earlier, where the workof Marines has helped make “Anbar as closeto peaceful as Iraq can get.” Cohen holdsthe title of counselor to the Department

and is the Robert E. Osgood Professorof Strategic Studies at Johns HopkinsUniversity’s School of AdvancedInternational Studies.

Referring to Marine successes and the58-year history of embassy Marine securityguards, Cohen said, “We are deeply, deeplygrateful to you.”

The event was organized and funded byState Department employees affiliated withthe Marine Corps, led by Marine ColonelYori Escalante, deputy director forprograms in the Bureau of Political-

Military Affairs’ Office of Weapons Removaland Abatement.

The ceremony included the reading ofbirthday messages from the Marinecommandant and, in Marine tradition, the13th commandant, World War I hero MajorGeneral John Lejeune. American andMarine Corps flags were provided by theMarine Corps Embassy Security Groupfrom Quantico, Va., and music wasprovided by a brass quintet of thePresident’s Own, the United States MarineCorps Band, from Washington, D.C.

DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES MARINE CORPS’ BIRTHDAY

Colonel Yori Escalante cuts the Marines'birthday cake as Department CounselorEliot Cohen looks on.


A panel of six senior diplomats—UnderSecretary Nicholas Burns and five of hispredecessors as under secretary of state forpolitical affairs—advised Foreign Serviceofficers in October to prepare for a worldrequiring multilateral, multiagency andmultidisciplinary approaches and wideruse of information technology. They spokein the Marshall Auditorium to a group of250 Foreign Service officers.

On national security “you’re part of abigger process, one that has considerablebreadth” beyond the State Department,advised Robert Kimmitt, now the deputysecretary of Treasury. He spoke with hiscolleagues on a panel chaired by currentUnder Secretary Burns.

Arnold Kanter, under secretary from1991 to 1993, noted the “huge military”aspect and economic and environmentalcomponents of national security, but saidthe necessary multiagency approach ischallenged because the power ofgovernments has been diminished by“non-state actors,” such as terrorists having

no national affiliation.Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering also

called for integration, for instance, betweenthe efforts of the Department and U.S.Agency for International Development. Aformer ambassador to Russia and Israel,Pickering cautioned against permitting theMiddle East to be the sole focus of U.S.diplomacy, saying the United States mustmake partners of Russia and rising powersChina and India. He also noted the impor-tance of information technology, andespecially a future secure BlackBerry hand-held e-mail device, which he said will letFSOs work in the field but easily communi-cate with their ambassadors.

Taking that idea a step further, MarcGrossman, who was also once directorgeneral of the Foreign Service, suggestedFSOs be given a BlackBerry on graduatingfrom their A-100 course at the ForeignService Institute and “use it throughouttheir careers.” He said the new Embassy ofthe Future report calls for the Departmentto increase its technology, training and

number of employees. The number of Department employees

is “not large enough to do the work thePresident and Congress want us to do,”Burns agreed, arguing that the size of theForeign and Civil Services and of USAIDmust be increased if the State Departmentis to meet the many increased responsibili-ties demanded by national leadership.

Speaking of what he termed the youngerFSOs’ facility with IT, Burns said they“have a huge amount to teach us abouttechnology.” He also urged young FSOs tooffer their superiors ideas and feedback onpolicy and management issues.

Some things don’t change, however.The seniormost member of the panel,David Newsome, who began his StateDepartment service in 1947 and who wasunder secretary for President Carter,said the world regions he struggled withas a senior diplomat 25 years ago—theMiddle East, Horn of Africa, Afghanistan,Cuba and the two Koreas—are roughlythe same today.

Senior Diplomats Emphasize Technology, Broad Approaches

Director General Harry K. Thomas cutthe ribbon in October for a facility inMain State that offers employees withdisabilities a place to try the assistivetechnologies that help them overcomelimitations in deskbound jobs. The equip-ment includes computer keyboards thathave keys printed in Braille or that fit theuser’s hands more ergonomically.

The Reasonable AccommodationsCenter in the Foggy Bottom area “isgoing to be good,” said visitor AlisonBurke, a council member of the DisabilityAction Group, an organization of StateDepartment employees. Burke said shealready has a computer that convertstext into speech.

At the center’s inauguration, vendorsdisplayed assistive equipment, includinga device the size of a digital camera thattakes pictures of pages of text andconverts the text to spoken words. Thecamera costs $1,995, and its software is$1,000, under General ServiceAdministration–schedule pricing.

AssistiveTechnologyCenter OpensIn Main State

In November, Henrietta H. Fore, director of U.S. Foreign Assistance and adminis-trator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, hosted a reception andawards ceremony for State Department and USAID employees who were integral tothe launch of the Office of the Director of U.S. Foreign Assistance. More than 100employees received an Interagency Special Act Award and Certificate of Appreciationfor their involvement. The office was established in April 2006 as the umbrella organ-ization for leading the rationalization, consolidation and coordination ofgovernment-wide foreign assistance policy, planning and budgeting.

Employees Recognized for FormationOf Foreign Assistance Office

MAGAZINE STAFF

Rob WileyEditor-in-Chief

Ed WarnerDeputy Editor

Bill PalmerWriter/Editor

David L. JohnstonArt Director

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

James A. ForbesExecutive Secretary

Kelly Clements

Annette R. Cocchiaro

State Magazine (ISSN 1099–4165) ispublished monthly, except bimonthly inJuly and August, by the U.S. Departmentof State, 2201 C St., N.W., Washington,DC. Periodicals postage paid atWashington, D.C., and at additionalmailing locations.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Send changes of address to State Maga-zine, 2401 E Street, N.W., SA-1, RoomH-236, Washington, DC 20522-0108. Youmay also e-mail address changes [email protected].

SUBSCRIPTIONS

State Magazine is available by paidsubscription through the U.S.Government Printing Office by telephoneat (202) 512-1800 or on the web athttp://bookstore.gpo.gov.

SUBMISSIONS

For details on submitting articles toState Magazine, request our guidelines,“Getting Your Story Told,” by e-mail [email protected]; downloadthem from our Web site at www.state.gov;or send your request in writing toState Magazine, 2401 E Street, N.W.,HR/ER/SMG, SA-1, Room H-236,Washington, DC 20522-0108.

The submission deadline for the March2008 issue is January 15. The deadlinefor the April 2008 issue is February 15.


These photos show the Diplotots Center’s 11-year-old playground during and afterits recent renovation, which was required to meet child care accreditation guidelines andaddress health and safety concerns. The playground, for children up to age five, wasclosed during the summer because of unanticipated permit and installation delays.Children began using it again in November. The project was funded by the Departmentand the General Services Administration.

Diplotots Playground Reopens

AFTER

BEFORE

To strengthen collaboration at the inter-section of defense and diplomacy, in April2007 the Department initiated the ForeignPolicy Adviser Reserve Corps. Its aim is toestablish a cadre of experienced Departmentof State officers—Foreign and CivilService—available for short-termdeployments to provide regional and func-tional expertise to U.S. military forcesengaged in field training exercises androutine and crisis-response operations.

In the eight months since its creation, thePOLAD Reserve Corps has grown to includeapproximately 90 volunteers. TheDepartments of State and Defense see theprogram as facilitating more effective collab-oration and coordination.

Ideally, POLAD Reserve Corps members

have regional and functional expertise, andexperience both in Washington and overseas.They provide timely, actionable foreignpolicy advice to military commanders andclarify information received from thecountry team and Washington. They alsoknow the assets and capabilities ofinteragency partners, understand the contextwithin which a significant military programor activity is taking place and offer theDepartment direct access to the militarycommander.

Shortly after the program’s establishment,Reserve Corps member Sarah Wolf joinedthe High-Speed Vessel Swift in support of itsmission as the prototype for the U.S. Navy’sGlobal Fleet Station Initiative. Wolf, a CivilService foreign affairs officer in the Bureau

of Political-Military Affairs’ Office ofRegional Security and Arms Transfers,became an integral part of the Swift team.

“I participated actively in commandbriefings, led discussions on Panama’sdomestic political scene, steered dialogue onU.S.-Panama relations and offered updateson regional political-military and securityissues,” she said. She added that her successdepended greatly on coordination with theU.S. embassies in the Caribbean and CentralAmerica. Each country team visited by theSwift vessel contributed a Departmentemployee who served as a “ship-rider,” trav-eling with and assisting the vessel and crew.

Reserve Corps participant JonathanLalley, also a Civil Service foreign affairsofficer, recently completed a 90-day tour

POLAD RESERVE CORPS ASSISTS MILITARY OPERATIONS OVERSEASBY BRIGADIER GENERAL LYN SHERLOCK

Reserves of Expertise

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Sarah Wolf (seated left) participates inSmall Boat Operations training withthe Belize Coast Guard during herReserve POLAD deployment.

supporting the Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa at CampLemonier, Djibouti.

“Serving with our men and women in uniform gave me a betterunderstanding of how the military operates and afforded me theopportunity to explain the importance of building enduring partner-ships that challenge and inspire others,” he said.

At CJTF-HOA, Lalley assisted with the planning and operations ofthe command, and his insights and coordination with country teammembers across East Africa helped ensure the proper alignment ofdiplomatic and defense initiatives. He also worked with the CJTF-HOA strategic communications team to help communicate the taskforce’s message to the local population.

In the past several months, POLAD Reserve Corps members fromacross the Department have taken advantage of a range of career-broadening training and development opportunities.

“We want Reserve POLADs to take advantage of program oppor-tunities that fit their interests and availability—and help them hone

their knowledge, skills and abilities,” explained Major ErnestoHernandez, one of the program’s managers.

Several program participants recently benefited from trainingidentified specifically for Reserve POLADs. Five participants fromthe Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, the Bureau of European andEurasian Affairs and the U.S. embassies in Beirut and Londonattended the Joint Special Operations University’s InteragencyCollaboration Course. A corps member from the Bureau of Southand Central Asian Affairs attended the 101st Airborne Division’spre-deployment exercise as the unit prepared to deploy in supportof Operation Enduring Freedom. Participants from the OperationsCenter and the bureaus of Diplomatic Security and ConsularAffairs attended the Joint Interagency Operations Planning Exercisehosted by the Joint Forces Staff College.

“For diplomats who’d like to test whether they are as comfortablein the back of a C-130 as they are in a pinstriped suit, the POLADReserve Corps is a perfect fit,” said Tim Sears, deputy director ofPM’s Office of International Security Operations. “It’s a great chanceto get into the field and to gain foreign policy experience you justcan’t gain from behind a desk.”

The POLAD Reserve Corps welcomes participation by full-timeforeign affairs officers and Foreign Service officers who are availablefor temporary-duty assignments worldwide ranging from a fewweeks to several months. Candidates must obtain supervisoryapproval prior to deployment. Interested volunteers may registeronline at http://t.state.gov/t/pma/prc/db/signin.cfm. For more infor-mation on the POLAD Reserve Corps, call (202) 736-7079, [email protected] or find “PM POLAD Reserve” in theGlobal Address List. ■

The author, an Air Force officer on detail assignment as the senior mili-tary representative to the Department, is the director of PM’s Office ofInternational Security Operations.


Above: Lt. Tim Anderson (left) and Jonathan Lalley (right) visit with Djiboutian children at a U.S. government–funded school project in Balbala, Djibouti, duringLalley’s Reserve POLAD tour supporting the Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa. Below: Lt. Commander Julie Hrdlicka (left) and Jonathan Lalley visitObock, in Northern Djibouti, during Lalley’s Reserve POLAD tour.

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Ambassador Harry K. Thomas,confirmed as the Department’s directorgeneral of the Foreign Service and directorof Human Resources in September, looksout on a different world from his sixthfloor office than the one he saw in 1984when he joined the Foreign Service.

This new, modern and often dangerousworld has 22 diplomatic posts with unac-companied tours, including Afghanistanand Iraq. This world is wired for instanta-neous communications from all points,with expectations of equally rapidresponses. U.S. diplomacy and diplomatsin this world face transformation fromtraditional centers of power and concernto more volatile and often less under-stood regions.

According to many, the Departmentfaces this new world and its challengeswith a stressed and understaffed workforce. As the Department’s personnelleader for Foreign and Civil Service andLocally Employed Staff, AmbassadorThomas assumes direct responsibility for

solving many of those challenges and forcreating a positive atmosphere forrecruiting, developing and nurturing theDepartment’s future professionals.

Ambassador Thomas prepared for thishuge challenge during his 23 years in theForeign Service by practicing diplomacy inmany different parts of the world and inseveral positions within the Department’sadministrative nerve centers. He servedposts from India to Zimbabwe, Peru toNigeria. He has been a senior watch officer,deputy director and director of the vitalOperations Center, and spent time in theWhite House as director for South Asia atthe National Security Council.

Immediately before assuming hiscurrent duties, Ambassador Thomas wasspecial assistant to the Secretary and theexecutive secretary of the Department.

Ambassador Thomas shared with StateMagazine editors his vision of the currentand future world for the Departmentwork family.

SM: You have been in this job about two

months now. How’s it going?Director General Thomas: It’s going

great. I’m excited about all the things weare doing. It’s really important to note that,while I am the director of the ForeignService, I am also the director of HumanResources. I am responsible for all of ouremployees—eligible family members,Civil Service, Foreign Service officers,specialists and families, everybody who isin our State Department family. I take thatvery seriously.

I’m excited about the things we’re tryingto do to assist them. We already do manythings to help families through the FamilyLiaison Office. I would encourage peopleto visit FLO or contact them. We have anunaccompanied tour officer to assistemployees on unaccompanied tours andtheir family members. We do have aprogram to help spouses get jobs, but wealso offer much more, including emotionalsupport. For instance, through FLO’scontract with MHN (formerly ManagedHealth Network), which is presently funded


WITH DIRECTOR GENERAL HARRY K. THOMAS

Q A

by the Cox Foundation, we provide a 24/7toll-free number and counseling sessions forfamily members of employees serving at anyof the unaccompanied posts. We provide upto three sessions per family member perpresenting issue, wherever they live.

We’re also working with DiplomaticSecurity to design a new retirement badgeto allow retirees to enter the Department ina dignified manner. Ruben Torres, directorof the Human Resources Executive Office,and Information Resource Management areworking together on using electronic tech-nology that will make it easier to hire andtransfer employees from post to post in astreamlined manner. We’re looking at waysto help our Locally Employed staff afterthey’ve retired.

SM: How do spouses of returning FSOsreceive support? Does the Department actu-ally reach out to them or do they have toreach out to you?

Director General Thomas: FLO reachesout to spouses, especially in the Washingtonarea, through e-mail, telephone and othermeans. We want to increase our face-to-facecontact with spouses who are not in theWashington area, and clearly we should takea fresh look at that. In the meantime, manyof our services for those outside the area areavailable online.

SM: How did your experience as ambas-sador to Bangladesh and as theDepartment’s executive secretary prepareyou for this job?

Director General Thomas: In both posi-tions, I had to deal with a wide variety ofpeople, not just a segment of a mission or a

segment of the Department. I dealt withpeople of all skills, talents and motivationsand I learned how to get the best out ofeach person. I believe that each person hassomething to contribute, and the challengeis finding a way to motivate that person todo his or her best.

As ambassador and as executive secretary,I spent a lot of time on personnel issues. Iworked to convince those who felt their jobswere not valuable that, in fact, they couldprovide crucial service to the Department.

SM: How have you seen the Departmentchange over the years?

Director General Thomas: I’m excited

about the Foreign Service, particularlybecause we now draw people from all 50states. While there is no one definition ofdiversity, the fact that we have people fromthe 50 states in the Foreign Service showsthat we don’t care where you went to schoolor where you came from. We care that youpass the exam and have a passion forlearning and people.

I want to see these changes reflected inour Civil Service hiring as well. I’m veryproud that we have the largest cohort ofPresidential Management Fellows, and thatthrough Deputy Assistant Secretary LindaTaglialatela and others we implemented theCareer Entry program for people straightout of college.

But our several thousand other CivilService personnel are also equally talented.We need to provide them opportunities fortraining and education that will allow themto do their jobs better.

SM: How has technology changed theDepartment?

Director General Thomas: Let merespond with a story: At my first post, weacquired a Wang computer. Most of us werecontemptuous of computers then. In 1984,we felt we didn’t need them.

How our lives have changed. We nowhave BlackBerrys and keyfobs, and I thinkwe need to take better advantage oftechnological advancements. Rather thantying Foreign Service control officers tothe physical embassy as they arrange theschedules and travel with high-levelvisitors, they should be able to work fromwhere they are, perhaps even from home, if

they have a keyfob or BlackBerry—savingvaluable time.

At the same time, some of the old waysweren’t so bad. Dean Acheson didn’t need aBlackBerry to work with General Marshallon the Marshall Plan, for example. So, whilewe have to take advantage of this wonderfultechnology, we also need to step back tolook and reflect before we act.

SM: What are your goals for the Bureauand the Department?

Director General Thomas: I want toexpand our recruitment pool. I am hopefulthat our new Foreign Service selectionprocess will help us recruit a more diverse

Foreign Service. It will certainly help us tobetter assess the “total candidate,” taking acomprehensive look at all the knowledge,skills and abilities that a candidate couldbring to the Foreign Service. We particularlyare interested in competitive candidateswho already have skills in critical languages.

Secretary Rice has asked for additionalpositions because we don’t have sufficientpeople to staff our embassies and we don’thave enough people to support them. Secre-tary Powell started a great trainingprogram, and Secretary Rice has taken itfurther with an emphasis on languages. Weneed a larger training complement toimprove management skills and language-training programs so we can better engagethe populace overseas. We want a ForeignService where everybody can become profi-cient in languages and take all mandatorytraining courses, particularly those requiredby their respective Career DevelopmentProgram, but we need more people toensure the necessary training complement.

As for our more than 200 Civil Servicepersonnel serving overseas, we need to takebetter advantage of their skills when theycome back. I don’t want to lose them toother government agencies. I want toincrease opportunities for officemanagement specialists.

SM: You mentioned pilot programs. TheMid-Level Civil Service Rotational Programseems to be going well.

Director General Thomas: It is workingvery well. We are also working on a SeniorExecutive Service Preparation Program toprepare Civil Service employees for theSenior Executive Service. These are excellentopportunities to grow skills and, as such, weencourage supervisors to allow their peopleto enter these programs and ensure thattheir jobs will still be there.

The Senior Executive Service CareerDevelopment Program is another programdesigned to prepare people to enter theSenior Executive Service. I think, once morepeople in the Civil Service see theseprograms and the benefits to theircolleagues, more will take advantage of them.

SM: What kinds of challenges are youfacing?

Director General Thomas: The greatestchallenge is resources. The Secretary hasasked Congress for additional resources,and we hope Congress responds favorably.Secretary Rice convinced the President tosend pay modernization (now calledcompensation reform) legislation to theHill. She and others worked this issue very

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“I am very proud and pleased thatwe have staffed Iraq with volunteers.I salute these men and women.”

hard last year and came close to havingCongress enact it. They’ve been working itagain this year, and although the budgetclimate is increasingly difficult, she willcontinue to press for it, as will I.

I am appalled that FSOs who go overseaslose 18.6 percent of their pay, which, unfor-tunately, resonates into the future throughThrift Savings Plan contributions. FSOsneed retirement benefits that are credibleand robust. This is a fairness issue.

SM: What are your views on the pendingbaby boom retirement surge? What can youtell us about recruiting efforts, in light ofthe Department’s overall needs?

Director General Thomas: Fifty percentof the Foreign Service has less than sevenyears’ experience, and roughly one-third ofour Civil Service employees will be eligibleto retire within the next five years. To fillCivil Service jobs, we have recruiters inWashington who go to colleges and employ-ment fairs. We recruit people from a widevariety of areas, and we will continue to dothat. We’re looking at people who think ofpublic service, and we’re competing againstother government agencies. Again, that is achallenge.

The good news is that the attrition ratefor the Foreign Service is only 4 percent, thelowest of any government agency. Peoplemust love this life and these opportunitiesand challenges, because Foreign Servicepersonnel do not want to leave. For ForeignService recruitment, we have a new examand 17 diplomats in residence at many

institutions. Last year, BusinessWeek ratedthe Department just behind Disney andGoogle as the Most DesirableUndergraduate Employer.

For many people coming to the Depart-ment, money isn’t the primary motivator.That’s why education and training are soimportant, to show employees there isopportunity in the Department and thatopportunity continues once they startworking here.

SM: What steps is the Department takingtoward remaining family-friendly?

Director General Thomas: Let me giveyou an example. I recently went to a pizzaparty for spouses of those serving in Iraqand Afghanistan. Their greatest concern waswhat we could do to help their husbandsafter they came home. FLO and MED haveput together programs to help families afterthe employees return from an unaccompa-nied post.

Another example is how I recently gave amedal of recognition to a young womanwhose mom was posted in Iraq. We need torecognize that these children are alsoaffected when their moms or dads arestationed overseas. We need to do whateverwe can to make it easier for them in highschool, help them with college applicationsand so on.

I think we are becoming more family-friendly every day. The options that familymembers have today are far different thanthey were when I joined the Foreign Servicein 1984. We want to be as family-friendly as

Fortune 500 companies are, and to do that,we are going to need more resources. But Iwant to hear from all parts of theDepartment, and I plan to travel monthlyand will continue to attend coffee klatchesand pizza parties with spouses, and havebrown-bag lunches with employees from allof our bureaus.

SM: What final message would you liketo give to employees?

Director General Thomas: I am veryproud and pleased that we have staffed Iraqwith volunteers. I salute these men andwomen. I am confident that we will staff allof our unaccompanied posts withvolunteers. I will ask the entire StateDepartment for assistance and ideas as wego forward to fill all of our positions in2008 and beyond. I would like to thankemployees for their hard work and service.Together, we are making a difference.Important work is being conducted at allposts. Without diminishing the importanceof the work done by those who are notserving at our most difficult posts, I wouldlike to thank those who have steppedforward to meet the Department’s needs. Irecognize that the decision may not be easy,and the service may not be easy, either. But,and I believe most who have served in theseposts would agree, it has been worthwhileand rewarding.

These are exciting and challenging times.The Department has adapted to changingconditions before. I am confident that, withyour help, we will successfully do so again. ■


The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad employs Foreign Service officers,Civil Service employees, temporary direct-hires, military personnel,contractors, locally hired Iraqis and Locally Employed staff fromposts worldwide. The contributions of the temporary duty LES arecrucial to the embassy’s smooth operation and many key programs.

Between May 2006 and December 2007, more than 45 TDY LESfrom 40 embassies volunteered to serve in Baghdad for three- to six-month tours. The positions they fill would normally be staffed byIraqi LES, but Iraqis are endangered by their association with theU.S. government.

Filling a GapTDY LES fill this gap and face numerous challenges. For instance,

many LES have spent years advocating U.S. foreign policy at home.Now they find themselves explaining to a sometimes skeptical audi-ence their decision to work in Iraq.

Katalin Biro came to Baghdad in June 2007 from the U.S.Embassy in Budapest, Hungary, where she has worked in the infor-mation resource center for 17 years. She left behind a husband andtwo children who, she said, at first thought she was making amistake. But after visiting her family and sharing stories and picturesfrom her experience in Iraq, she changed their minds.

“I think they are now proud of me,” she said. Another volunteer, Nargiza Ergasheva, came from the

immigrant visa unit at the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.When a cable calling for consular volunteers was released in April,Ergasheva saw a challenge.

“I wanted to learn how to develop my self-confidence under thesespecial circumstances,” she said.

Biro also saw her tour as a chance to develop her personalstrength in difficult situations.

She told herself: “I am 45 years old; let me see how I can managemy everyday life in a war zone,” she said.

Biro works in the cultural affairs section with the InternationalVisitors Program, where she helps facilitate educational exchangeprograms for Iraqis. During these trips, Iraqi citizens from variousprofessions are able to spend three weeks in the United States shad-owing an American in the same line of work, gaining experience tobring back to their jobs.

Seeking ChangeOther volunteers came to Baghdad hoping to effectuate change.

Svetlana Breca of Kosovo was in Washington, D.C., on September11, 2001, and saw a city gripped by fear, she said.

LOCAL STAFF AT POSTS WORLDWIDE COME TO BAGHDAD BY REAGAN MILLER

Answering the Call

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Among the LES at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad are, from left, Raymond Huwae, Rovve Mendoza, Khasan Mamutov, Liliya Shikhbadinova,DCM Patricia Butenis, Nargiza Ergasheva, Khusan Mamutov and Andrey Lyashenko.

“The town was empty, Metro hadstopped running, it was horrible,”she recalled.

“Terrorism doesn’t just threatenthe United States,” she continued. “Iwanted to come here and help builddemocracy in Iraq, and help fightthe war against terrorism.” Brecaworks as the Webmaster of theembassy’s Web site.

Lasse Lukka has worked at theU.S. Embassy in Helsinki sinceDecember 2001. Thankful for his jobin the office of information resourcemanagement, Lukka thought it wastime to return the favor.

He came to Baghdad “to givesomething back,” he said.

Two years and three applicationslater, Lukka arrived in Baghdad for asix-month on the InformationSystems Center’s help desk. He willreturn to Helsinki with an important addition to his resumé: TheU.S. Embassy in Baghdad’s network is 10 times the size of that at hishome post.

Just like everyone else, TDY LES have concerns about personalsafety in Iraq.

“I had my concerns about the environment,” said MustafaMustafa, a U.S. Embassy in Amman employee who specializes ineconomics. “It does have its challenges, but it’s not impossible to livehere. There are sacrifices, but I think it’s worthwhile.”

The community that has developed from employees’ spending 10to 12 hours a day together has become a valuable support system forthe LES. Linh Chi Nguyen of Ho Chi Minh City said she was warnedabout spare living conditions and the risk of attacks before she cameto Baghdad, but was pleasantly surprised when she arrived.

“Everything turned out great—way better than I expected,” shesaid. “Everyone here is in the same difficult situation, and we all takegood care of each other.”

Nguyen, like many other TDY LES, has extended her tour from sixto 12 months and even said she would come back to Baghdad again.

Wonderful ExperienceAntonio Saetta, an Italian who has worked at the U.S.

Consulate in Naples for 27 years, describes the embassy inBaghdad as a big family.

“It is a wonderful experience, and I am so thankful I had theopportunity to work here,” said Saetta, who recently finished a six-month tour in the Financial Management Office as a cashier,voucher-examiner and accountant.

Khasan and Khusan Mamutov, twin brothers from Tashkent whoare serving as motor pool drivers, said there are many opportunitiesand benefits at Embassy Baghdad.

“There are a lot of fun activities here,” one brother said. “I go tothe gym every day, sing most weeks at Karaoke night, and we areeven starting to take swing dance lessons.”

The Mamutov brothers have both extended their six-month toursto 12 months.

All of the TDY LES came to Baghdad for their own reasons andbrought experience in their fields, which has been an asset to theembassy. For instance, Nguyen had worked at the U.S. Consulate inHo Chi Minh City since its opening in 1999. Her experience settingup the nonimmigrant visa unit there was invaluable in launchingEmbassy Baghdad’s consular section.

Mustafa’s experience as an Arabic-speaking TDY LES in theembassy’s economics section was also helpful. A Jordanian, Mustafasaid he believes his country’s proximity to Iraq, the commonlanguage and the sheer number of Iraqis in Jordan allow him tobetter understand the situation in Iraq.

“My five years of experience at Embassy Amman gave me anunderstanding of the American culture and system, and I feel that Iam able to bridge the American and Iraqi sides at meetings,” he said.

The challenges TDY LES face in Baghdad are unlike any others,but many have found their experiences fulfilling and have highhopes for their tours.

“It’s an exciting time in Iraq,” Mustafa said. “The economy is juststarting to open up. I hope in 10 to 20 years I can look at Iraq andsay, ‘I contributed to that.’” ■

The author is a press officer at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.


Visiting with Ambassador Ryan Crocker, center, are Khasan Mamutov, at left, and Khusan Mamutov.

By Gayleatha B. Brown, Lyngrid Rawlings, Sheryl Cowan,Kitty and Guy Andang, and Firmine Houemavo

Cotonou


COUNTRY>>> Benin

CAPITAL>>> Porto-Novo (official capital; seat ofgovernment is Cotonou)

TOTAL AREA>>> 112,620 square kilometers

APPROXIMATE SIZE>>> Slightly smaller thanPennsylvania

GOVERNMENT>>> Republic

INDEPENDENCE>>> August 1, 1960 (from France)

POPULATION>>> 8 million

LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH>>> 53 years

LANGUAGES>>> French (official), Fon, Yoruba andtribal languages

CURRENCY>>> Communaute FinanciereAfricaine franc (XOF)

PER CAPITA INCOME>>> $1,100

IMPORT PARTNERS>>> China (46.6 percent),France (7.5 percent) andThailand (6 percent)

EXPORT COMMODITIES>>> Cotton, cashews andshea butter

EXPORT PARTNERS>>> China (20.9 percent),Indonesia (7.7 percent)and India (7 percent)

INTERNET COUNTRY CODE>>> .bj

POST OF THE MONTH>>>

Cotonou

Sea Dancers of Ganvie Village on Stiltsfuriously row their vessel on Lake Ganvie.Photo by Martina Boustani.

The small but productive U.S. Mission offers its staffgreat responsibility, particularly entry-level officers andForeign Service specialists, and has promotion opportu-nities. Reflecting this, five members of the embassy team(four officers and the Ambassador’s office managementspecialist) were promoted in 2007.

Working conditions are challenging, however. MostBeninese are farmers and suffer from illiteracy, lack of

safe water and medical care, erratic electricity anddependence on one crop—cotton—for revenue.

Orphanage AssistedDespite the challenges, the embassy’s 200 team

members excel in and out of the office. For instance,General Services Officer Neill G. Krost won a prestigiousSecretary of State Award in 2007 for outstanding

estled on West Africa’s Gulf of Benin between Nigeria and Togo onthe east and west, respectively, and Sahelian countries to the north, the Republicof Benin is a developing country notable for its political stability and commitmentto democracy. The United States has an excellent relationship with Benin,especially since Benin’s 1991 shift to democracy from a military government.


Ganvie fishermen cast their net.

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volunteerism. He worked hard to improve the welfare of 250 chil-dren at the Abomey orphanage, which is four hours from Cotonou.Krost organized the diplomatic and expatriate communities for afirst annual Christmas drive and delivered a large truckload ofclothing, books, toys and furniture to the orphanage. He alsopersuaded the mayor of Abomey to provide electricity and water tothe facility. Krost and the orphanage successfully wrote a proposalfor the Ambassador’s Self-Help Program to fund the construction

of a new dining/multipurpose room. He also developeda long-term business plan for the orphanage, created aWeb site and raised $20,000 to fund various improve-ment projects.

Friendly PeopleBenin’s people are friendly, and the country is beau-

tiful, offering good food and numerous attractive touristpossibilities. One of the most popular tourist attractionsis the lake village of Ganvié—“the Venice of Africa.”Built on stilts, it was established in the 16th and 17thcenturies by the Tofinu people to protect themselvesfrom slaving raids.

The city of Abomey, meanwhile, is a unique reminder of avanished kingdom. From 1625 to 1900, a succession of 12 kingsruled the Kingdom of Abomey, and all but one building their palaceswithin the same area. These Royal Palaces of Abomey are on theUnited Nations’ list of World Heritage sites.

The quiet historical city of Ouidah is unique for its associationwith the slave trade. Ouidah has a memorial to those enslaved, andthere are also places of interest connected with the Voodoo religion,

Above: Prior to a speech to the National Assembly,Ambassador Brown, center, met with Simon-PierreAdovelande, MCA-Benin national coordinator at left; andMathurin C. Nago, the National Assembly’s president. Left:Visitors to the Pendjari Game Park find themselves amongamazing natural wonders. From left, Javier Araujo Sr., ErikaAraujo, Javier Araujo Jr., Gabriela Araujo, Alfredo Araujo,Emmanuel Sika, Rosalind Sika and Dan Hall.


which originated in Benin. These include the Temple of the Pythonand the Maison de Brézil, a museum that displays works showcasingVoodoo culture and the African Diaspora. The Sacred Forest ofKpassè Zoun has huge ancient trees, sculptures and woodcarvingsthat represent Voodoo deities.

Near Cotonou is Porto-Novo, which boasts a number ofattractions, including the first museum established in Benin, theEthnographic Museum. This museum contains cultural artifactsfrom all over the country, many connected with Porto-Novo’shistory, and has a superb collection of ritual masks, musical instru-ments and traditional tools.

For sports and leisure, Americans enjoy playing softball onSaturday mornings in Cotonou at the Marina hotel, which hasoutdoor swimming pools, floodlit tennis courts, a playground, anine-hole golf course, beach volleyball and a soccer field. Afternoonsof volleyball and barbeques are regularly scheduled at the embassy.Cotonou boasts two horseback riding clubs, and children’s soccerand tennis are offered at the Club of the Nations.

Many ActivitiesAt post, monthly and biweekly events include the Women’s Book

Club, a Ladies’ Dining Night Out, Thank Goodness It’s Fridayevents, Thursday evening Jazz Club, Sunday morning progressivebrunches and movie nights. The American Cultural Center regularlyorganizes cultural events and seminars for the American and Beni-nese populations, members of civil society and journalists.

The post’s community liaison office organizes city-orientationtours for newcomers to shopping centers, important sites and the

popular Dantopka Market, one of the three largest markets inWest Africa.

On weekends in Cotonou, a good place to relax is Fidjrosse beach,where you can find a free spot on the sand or rent a small hut-typeshelter for the day. However, it is not safe to swim in the AtlanticOcean here. Another popular destination in Cotonou is the Artisan’sVillage, where various vendors sell typical art from Benin and WestAfrica, including wood and metal sculpture, drums, woven andpainted tapestries, and jewelry.

To address the lack of U.S.-accredited schools in Cotonou andensure quality education for mission children, the mission iscreating a “virtual school” to offer enrichment courses on subjectsnot in the middle and high school curricula in Cotonou. Thisenrichment program will provide families and students in grades9–12 the tools and support to meet educational goals. The program,offered via the Internet, uses course management applications,multimedia resources and videoconferencing.

Programs Make a DifferenceThe U.S.-Benin partnership involves such shared goals as investing

in people; fostering economic growth and development; combatingcorruption, trafficking in drugs and people, and terrorism;protecting human rights; and promoting regional stability. U.S.programs in Benin include those of the Millennium ChallengeCorporation, U.S. Agency for International Development, PeaceCorps, Departments of State and Defense, National Oceanographicand Atmospheric Administration, Centers for Disease Control andPrevention and African Development Foundation.

English International Schoolchildren and nurse Nana Yao,

far right, pay a visit to theSlave Memorial in Ouidah.

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USAID programs support the education and health sectors,promote democracy and gender equality and fight violence againstwomen and child trafficking. The Ambassador’s Girls ScholarshipProgram, conducted under the Africa Education Initiative, hasprovided 3,384 scholarships for underprivileged girls, especiallyorphans and those who are physically disabled or living withHIV/AIDS. In 2008–2009, the program will support 400 boys.

Earlier programs resulted in new laws to protect children, womenand families. Anti-child-trafficking efforts led to the successfulreturn of children to their families and creation of transit centersthroughout Benin. Hundreds of civil society organizations havereceived assistance in fiscal management and procurement processesto strengthen decentralization and reduce corruption. Benin hasbeen selected for the President’s Malaria Initiative and the Women’sJustice and Empowerment Initiative.

The MCC developed the Millennium Challenge Account-Beninprogram by involving all elements of Benin’s society. The five-year,$307 million Benin Compact of October 2006 promotes access tomarkets and land and the financial and justice sectors. Benin’scontinued eligibility for MCC support depends on its meeting selec-

tion criteria, principally for anticorruption efforts.The United States trains members of the Beninese Armed

Forces for regional peacekeeping missions and providesequipment. Its programs also focus on training BAFmembers for work with civil society, members of the press,civil authorities and institutions of government onpeacekeeping and antiterrorism efforts.

40th AnniversaryThe Peace Corps celebrates 40 uninterrupted years in Benin

in 2008. The 98 volunteers support the U.S. goal of investingin people and the Millennium Development goals for educa-

tion, health, community health and HIV/AIDS. Other Peace Corpsprogram areas involve decentralization, development of the privatesector and promoting information technology and gender equality.

Some volunteers have provided training in environmental protec-tion and natural resource management. Others have improved localplanning and management of community health development serv-ices, activities and projects. They have implemented latrine projectsto improve village sanitation, trained more than 9,000 people and2,500 service providers in AIDS education and prevention, andtaught English to 7,586 secondary school students.

The Department’s Self-Help, democracy and human rights,refugee and humanitarian assistance programs support grassrootsprojects, election observers, the fight against female genital mutila-tion, the publication of laws and anti-child-trafficking efforts. ■

Gayleatha B. Brown is the ambassador; Lyngrid Rawlings, manage-ment officer; Sheryl Cowan, Peace Corps director; Kitty Andang,USAID program officer; Guy Andang, community liaison officer; andFirmine Houemavo, protocol assistant at the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou.

Above: Peace Corps volunteer Malaika Schiller (center, with micro-phone) conducts an interactive presentation at the post’s recentHIV/AIDS awareness seminar. Left: Foreign Service Nationals at thepost’s information technology training seminar include SystemsManager and Trainer Djosse Atchade, first row left.

In August 2007, a team of 24 scientists and more than 70 U.S.Coast Guard crew members departed Barrow, Alaska, aboard theHealy, the largest Coast Guard icebreaker. Over the following fourweeks, scientists used a multibeam echo sounder to collect morethan 10,000 kilometers of bathymetric data on the Chukchi Border-land, a large undersea continental shelf stretching more than 500miles from the Alaskan shore.

The Healy’s mission involved the State Department and advancedthe causes of science and diplomacy. The bathymetric data collectedare used to create three-dimensional maps of the Arctic Ocean floor.

The data revealed previously unknown underwater seamounts,glacial scours created during a past ice age and large craters thoughtto be formed by gas seeps emanating from the ocean floor. But thismission was also part of a larger effort to collect data to determinethe limits of the extended continental shelf of the United States.

Under the Law of the Sea Convention, every coastal nation auto-matically receives 200 nautical miles of its continental shelf.However, a nation is entitled to its continental shelf if it extendsbeyond 200 nautical miles—also known as the ECS—if it meetscertain criteria. These nations have sovereign rights over their ECS,including over the exploration and exploitation of its naturalresources. The Administration is seeking Senate approval of U.S.accession to the Law of the Sea Convention.

Largest ECSOne study shows that the ECS of the United States covers an area

of at least 1 million square kilometers—about twice the size of Cali-

fornia. Other locations where the UnitedStates has an ECS include the East Coast,Gulf of Mexico and Bering Sea. Thecontinental shelf in the Arctic Ocean,however, is the largest ECS. The latestmapping effort of the Healy, the third since2003 dedicated to mapping the ECS, was ledby the University of New Hampshire andfunded through a grant from the NationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

As a maritime geographer from the Bureau of Oceans and Inter-national Environmental and Scientific Affairs, I served on the Healyto monitor incoming data from 4 p.m. to midnight. I also providedpolicy guidance on the Law of the Sea Convention.

When not at work, the Healy’s scientists and crew ventured ontothe ship’s bow, braving temperatures as low as 20 degrees andviewing spectacular scenery. The Healy sailed past a varied landscapefilled with ice of different ages and forms whose colors ranged froma blinding white to greasy black to turquoise. Although the Healydid not encounter another vessel during its journey, we saw 22 polarbears and more than 40 seals. There was 24-hour daylight at thebeginning of the cruise, but several minutes of darkness were soonadded each day; by the time the Healy returned to Barrow, the sunwas below the horizon for about three hours a night.

No ‘Ice Liberty’As a precaution, the Healy carries enough food to last the winter,

ICEBREAKER MAPS U.S. CONTINENTAL SHELF BY BRIAN VAN PAY

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Above left: The view from the bow of the ship at sunset. Right: Over the course of the expedition, the Healy’s scientists sighted 22 polar bears.

PLUMBING THE DEPTHS

should it become icebound. This year, however, the Healy did notfind a significant solid ice pack, as was routine in past expeditionsthere. The area’s bright-blue, multiyear ice and former pressure ridgeswere visibly disintegrating. Because the Healy was less impeded byice, it collected more than three times the data expected and venturedfarther north than planned. But these conditions meant the Healy’screw and scientists could not take advantage of an “ice liberty” toleave the ship and walk on the Arctic ice.

Life on the ship was comfortable: Plenty of activities kept thecrew and scientists occupied, including bingo, movie nights,nightly science talks and a well-equipped gym. There were threemeals a day, plus midnight rations or “mid rats,” which ensured noone went hungry. There also was no risk of seasickness while in theice, although the ship occasionally was jostled as its diesel enginespowered through the ice field.

More than two dozen countries, including the United States, areworking to define their respective continental shelves. Australia,

Brazil, Ireland, Norway and others have finished collecting andanalyzing data, and have compiled their findings into submissionsfor the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, whichwas set up under the Convention to provide the recommendationsthat give legal certainty to nations using them to establish theircontinental shelves. Russia’s much-publicized planting of its flagon the seafloor at the North Pole in August brought attention tothis process, although the action has no legal significance.

Delimiting the ECS of the United States will be a 10-yearprocess requiring more missions to the Arctic and other areaswhere the United States has an ECS. The Department is leading themultiagency ECS Task Force, which has significant participationfrom NOAA, the U.S. Geologic Survey, the U.S. Navy and theNational Science Foundation, among other agencies. ■

The author is a maritime geographer with the Bureau of Oceans andInternational Environmental and Scientific Affairs.


The author launches an expendable bathythermograph off theHealy’s stern to measure temperature as the probe falls throughthe water. The data are used to calibrate the multibeam echosounder, which is used to map the sea floor.

Every State Department employee prob-ably has a horror story or two about thesecurity clearance process. For many years,the process was slow and non-transparent.Indeed, it often took six to nine months tocomplete a background investigation. Suchdelays often resulted in new hires seekingemployment elsewhere and daily complaintsfrom Department senior management.

Today, thanks to reforms initiated by theBureau of Diplomatic Security’s Office ofPersonnel Security and Suitability, theprocess has been transformed into a highlyefficient, award-winning program.

On average, PSS processes more than

25,000 background investigations eachyear, and that workload has been growingexponentially. On any given day, PSS opensan average of 100 new cases whilecompleting thousands of other pendinginvestigative leads.

Despite this high volume, the clearanceprocess has improved steadily sinceNovember 2004, when a background investi-gation averaged 122 days to complete.Today, an investigation is completed withinan average of 65 days, with interimclearances issued within two weeks. PSS nowprocesses 15 percent more cases per yearthan in 2004 in 40 percent less time and at

$113 less per unit. Much of this success is due to PSS’s use of

automation. PSS’s deployment of the Officeof Personnel Management’s electronic Ques-tionnaires for Investigations Processingapplication—the electronic version of theStandard Form 86 Questionnaire forNational Security Positions—allows users,once their information is entered into thesystem, to easily update their SF-86 securityforms at the time of their five-year reinvesti-gation. The e-QIP system also provides casemanagers with more rapid access toapplicant data. This reduces the likelihoodof “fat-fingering” errors in paper

STREAMLINED CLEARANCE PROCESS PAYS OFF BY DAVID BATESNeed to Know

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Security Assistant Michelle Gibsonenters case file documents into theReport Management System.

documents. In fact, PSS hasdeveloped such efficiency withthe e-QIP process that it hasmentored other agencies, suchas the Federal Bureau of Inves-tigation and Drug EnforcementAdministration, in using theonline system.

In addition, PSS automatedits investigative processes withthe implementation of theonline Report ManagementSystem, a Web-based programthat provides all authorizedusers with real-time access topending investigations.

Further, to improve the effi-ciency of database checks atother agencies, PSS recentlyentered into a memorandum ofagreement with the FBI andthe Terrorist Screening Centerthat allows PSS employees towork at those locations andassist in reducing the backlogof their background checks. Tosee how this arrangement hasimproved the process, considerthat in July 2007 there were1,300 cases pending FBI filereviews. Today, that backloghas been reduced by 86 percentto 180 pending cases.

PSS’s new business practiceshave greatly improvedbackground investigationprocessing times despite theincreasing volume of new hires,while also meeting the mostimmediate Departmentalhiring needs. For example, allcontractors working for theDepartment in the high-priority posts of Iraq andAfghanistan are vetted by PSS,which now investigates andadjudicates those cases withinan average of 52 days.

PSS responded last summerwhen the Bureau of ConsularAffairs was under pressure toreduce a backlog in theprocessing and issuance ofpassports. In response, theDepartment hired more than423 new employees and 2,675contractors, but before theycould begin work, all had toundergo a background investi-gation by PSS. From June to

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October 2007, PSS investigators reviewedthousands of clearance applications,interviewed more than 20,000 referencesand successfully conducted 2,716background investigations, permitting CA toaugment its workforce. CA reduced thepassport backlog by September 2007.

PSS also granted 1,087 interim clearancesfrom May through October 2007, whichallowed employees to be hired while theirclearances were being finalized. Averageprocessing time for these background inves-tigations was just 58 days for employees and41 days for contractors.

PSS has garnered several awards inrecognition of these successes. InNovember 2005, DS honored PSS DirectorJames C. Onusko with its Diplomatic Secu-rity Employee of the Year award for helpingturn DS’s security-clearance process intoone of the fastest and most efficient withinthe federal government.

In October 2006, PSS was recognized asthe top security and suitability officein the federal government with the Officeof Personnel Management GuardianAward, given for PSS’s innovative and cost-effective approach to conducting personnel

security investigations. In October 2007, the White House named

DS Senior Coordinator for SecurityInfrastructure Donald R. Reid, whose officeoversees PSS operations, a winner of the2007 Meritorious Senior Professionals andExecutives Presidential Rank Award. TheWhite House cited Reid’s leadership intransforming the security clearance processinto a transparent, customer-centered, Web-based system.

As the threat environment necessitatestighter government security, the number ofindividuals needing clearances to conductgovernment business will likely continue torise. The PSS team stands ready to tacklethat challenge. ■

The author is the Web site manager and awriter in the DS Public Affairs Office.

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In October of 2006, PSS was recognizedas the top security and suitability office

in the federal government.

James Onusko, center, reviews an adjudicationcase file with Personnel Security SpecialistsSusie Thomas (left) and Carmen Holt.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PSS responds to many inquiries about the securityclearance process every month. Here are some ofthe most common:


SecurityClearanceFAQ

Do you lose your clearance if you seekmental health counseling and/or treatment?Seeking mental health treatment does not jeopardizea person’s security clearance, but a mental healthcondition could be a security concern if it affects aperson’s judgment, reliability or trustworthiness.

What can an employee do if his or herclearance is suspended or revoked? When the Department believes an employee’sclearance should be revoked, he or she is provided awritten explanation and afforded an opportunity to appeal.Based on the employee’s written appeal, DS may restorethe clearance or continue the revocation action. When thelatter occurs, the employee is notified and informed of hisor her right to appeal, in writing and in person, to a panelwhose decision is final.

Does an employee’s security clearance expire afterfive years?A security clearance does not expire, but Top Secret clear-ances are subject to reinvestigation every five years, andSecret clearances are subject to reinvestigation every 10years. If a periodic reinvestigation is not completed on thisschedule, the clearance remains active, but another agencyis not required to accept the clearance because it is notsupported by an updated investigation.

Does a person maintain his or her security clearanceafter leaving the position for which the clearancewas granted?A security clearance is tied to a position, not an individual.Once a person departs a position that required theclearance, that individual no longer holds an activeclearance. Rather, the person maintains eligibility fora clearance.

Will past drug use prevent the granting of aclearance?Any use at all of an illegal drug or misuse of a legal drug ispotentially disqualifying. However, there is a great differencebetween experimental drug use that occurred a couple

years before applying for a security clearance and anyillegal drug use conducted after obtaining a securityclearance. Any indication that drug use continues or mayrecur after a person has obtained a clearance is a serioussecurity concern. Expressed or implied intent to continueusing drugs, or failure to complete successfully a drug treat-ment program, could both be disqualifying.

If an individual’s interim clearance is denied, will thatperson probably not get a full clearance?There are several reasons an interim clearance may bedenied but that do not reflect negatively on the applicant.The denial of an interim clearance simply means that theentire security investigation needs to be conducted before asecurity clearance determination can be adjudicated.

Are those with dual citizenship denied a securityclearance?Possessing dual citizenship is not an automatic bar toa security clearance. Dual citizenship raises the securityconcerns of foreign influence and foreign preference,and must be thoroughly investigated before making adetermination.

For more information about the security clearance process,Department of State employees may visit the PSS Intranetsite at http://pss.ds.state.gov. In addition, PSS establisheda Customer Service Center to respond to applicant andemployee security clearance–related inquiries. The CSC canbe e-mailed at [email protected] or called at(571) 345-3186 or (866) 643-4636.

Soothsayers’

The Bureau of Intelligence and Research justfinished celebrating its 60th anniversary as the nation’s

oldest civilian intelligence organization. A directdescendant of General “Wild Bill” Donovan’s Office of

Strategic Services, which gained renown during World War II,INR arose from the OSS’s large, respected Research andAnalysis Branch, which was transferred to the State Departmentwhen the OSS was disbanded. INR began permanent operationin early 1947—five months before the creation of the CIA.

The bureau provides policymakers the best possible informa-tion and analysis on a timely basis, coordinates intelligenceoperations on behalf of the Department and enables U.S. diplo-mats to identify threats and opportunities. With its mix of CivilService and Foreign Service analysts, INR’s depth of knowledgeis unmatched in the intelligence community. INR analystsaverage about 12 years of experience on their accounts.

Known for questioning the prevailing wisdom and fordemanding facts, INR has made impressive and timely contri-butions to foreign policy. An INR analyst, for example,prepared President Kennedy for his first television interview

60thIntel Bureau UsesAnniversary For

New Vision

By Sarah Olivia Takats

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after the Cuban missile crisis. During theVietnam era, INR courageously stuck to itsanalysis of events on the ground, despitepowerful challenges. More recently, afamous INR footnote on a National Intelli-gence Estimate was lauded by acongressional commission.

A Hidden Jewel“All of the coordinating agencies, with the

exception of INR, agreed that Iraq wasreconstituting its nuclear program,” said thereport of the Commission on theIntelligence Capabilities of the United StatesRegarding Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Such insight may explain why WashingtonPost Columnist David Ignatius has said,“People should take a careful look at one ofWashington’s hidden jewels—the StateDepartment’s tiny Bureau of Intelligence andResearch.” He cited a “culture that supportsdissent and demands expertise.”

Although secretaries of state and federalofficials within and outside of theDepartment have long depended on INR toexplain world events, a great track recorddoes not guarantee future relevance. Policy-makers can now get 80 percent of their

needed data from open-source informationsites. Will they continue to tolerate the costsincurred by the intelligence community toget the remaining 20 percent? Furthermore,limitations in the handling and use of classi-fied information now impair the utility ofintelligence analysis.

To fulfill its mission in a radicallychanging context, INR is using itsanniversary to consider the implications ofdemographic and information technologyshifts and produce a plan called “INR 2.0.”Five INR working groups have beenadvancing projects to modernize the bureauand devise a strategy that ensures early adap-tation to change.

One group overhauled INR’s training andprofessional development system, andanother is working on “e-Intel,” a programthat will make intelligence directly availableto policymakers throughout the Harry STruman building. A third group assessed thepossibilities for improved INR performancewith an array of new analytic tools, and afourth reviewed INR’s products and formats,providing recommendations for how to useWeb portals and new software to developand disseminate its products more

effectively. Finally, a metrics team isdeveloping applications to measureperformance more effectively and identifyneeded resources.

Future ChallengesINR’s anniversary celebration culminated

with a symposium titled “Designing Intelli-gence for an Exponential World.” Thekeynote speaker, Under Secretary R. NicholasBurns, congratulated INR on its 60 years ofextraordinary performance and offeredsome thoughts on future foreign policy chal-lenges. Moderated by the HooverInstitution’s Bruce Berkowitz, the panel—which included Moises Naim, editor-in-chiefof Foreign Policy magazine; David J.Rothkopf, president and CEO of GartenRothkopf; and David R. Young, founder ofOxford Analytica—discussed global trendsand what INR must to do to remain focusedand relevant.

INR is one of the 16 members of the intel-ligence community under the Office of theDirector for National Intelligence, created byCongress to “transform our capabilities inorder to stay ahead of evolving threats to theUnited States.” INR takes that mission toheart in terms of the wide range of issues itcovers and the way it is transforming itself tobetter meet customer needs. ■

The author is a special assistant in the Bureauof Intelligence and Research.


Policymakers can now get 80 percent of their neededdata from open-source information sites. Will they

continue to tolerate the costs incurred by theintelligence community to get the remaining 20 percent?

Members of the INR Watch staff include, from left, Conrad Tribble, Chris Campbell, Marc Porter, Jeanne Gallo, Armenta Sheler, Anaida Hass andElizabeth Campbell (seated).

ModernAbolitionists

After recruiters painted a beautifulpicture of foreign job prospects, Aye AyeWin, a Burmese national, and some 800Burmese migrants willingly traveled to ashrimp-farming and -processing factoryand were forced to work day and night,never paid and forbidden from leaving theremote barbed-wire-fenced compound.

When she tried to escape, she was tied toa pole in a courtyard, beaten and deniedfood or water.

After being freed by Thai police in 2006,Aye Aye (not her real name) met Mark P.

Lagon, ambassador-at-large to combathuman trafficking, at a Thai governmentshelter in 2007. On his return, Lagonwas sworn in as the head of the Officeto Monitor and Combat Trafficking inPersons.

Reflecting on Aye Aye’s story before acrowd of NGOs, Hill staffers and Depart-ment officials, Lagon asked: “Beaten andtortured, starved and humiliated: Is thisnot slavery?”

What drives G/TIP is the real-worldbrutality and trauma that victims suffer.

Mission-DrivenG/TIP is seen as a single-issue office

driven by a mission, and, increasingly,young Department staff are attracted toG/TIP for this and its mix of bilateralengagement and constructive work onhuman rights.

G/TIP’s cause is now widely recognized,not the least because of its annual report ontrafficking, mandated by a 2000 law. TheU.S. government estimates some 800,000people are trafficked across internationalborders, and millions more are traffickedwithin their own countries. They arecoerced into indentured servitude orbonded labor, bought and sold into prosti-tution, domestic servitude or farm laborand captured to serve as child soldiers.

Approximately 80 percent oftransnational victims are female, and up to50 percent are minors. (Most females aretrafficked into commercial sexual exploita-tion.) These numbers do not includemillions of victims trafficked within theirown national borders, most for forced or

DEPARTMENT OFFICE FIGHTS TRAFFICKING IN PERSONSBY SOLMAZ SHARIFI

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Senior Coordinator for Reports and PoliticalAffairs Mark Taylor meets with a recently freedbonded laborer in the latter's newly built homein rural Tamil Nadu state, India.

O F F I C E O F T H E M O N T H

bonded labor. One of the newest offices in the Department (it opened in

November 2001), G/TIP has been recognized by New York Timescolumnist Nick Kristof as “one of the most effective units in theU.S. government.”

The Three PsG/TIP’s emphasizes what it calls “the three Ps”: prosecuting

traffickers, protecting and assisting victims and preventing traffickingfrom occurring or continuing.

G/TIP employs 23 Civil Service personnel, three PresidentialManagement Fellows, four contractors and one Foreign Serviceofficer. It publishes the Secretary’s annual Trafficking in Persons Reporton 164 countries, manages roughly 200 international grants, raisespublic awareness and coordinates federal efforts to combat humantrafficking domestically and abroad by chairing an interagency groupmandated by a 2003 law. The staff, three of whom started the office in2001, are essential to understanding why the U.S. government isconsidered the strongest international voice on this issue.

The TIP report ranks countries into one of four categories (Tier 1,Tier 2, Tier 2 Watch List and Tier 3) based on their compliance withthe minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking. Much ofthe report’s information is collected during on-the-ground visits byG/TIP staff, who venture into isolated regions to uncover hiddenroutes and trafficking tactics.

In part because of the report,• Cambodia shut down a red-light district where 10-year-olds were

openly sold and prostituted and “cheap girls” were advertised on


At a GlanceOffice nameUnder Secretary for Democracy andGlobal Affairs’ Office to Monitor andCombat Trafficking in Persons

SymbolG/TIP

Office DirectorAmbassador Mark P. Lagon

Staff size31

Office Location1800 G St., N.W., Washington, DC

Web sitewww.state.gov/g/tip andwww.gtipphotos.state.gov

The staff of G/TIP’s Reports and Political Affairs unit pose with the cover of the latest report. They are, from left, Gayatri Patel, Barbara Fleck, Rachel Yousey,Brittany Brown, Sally Neuman and Jennifer Schrock Donnelly.

the Internet. • Japan slashed the number of entertain-

ment visas issued to certified Filipinadancers, singers or other entertainersbecause traffickers were forcing many ofthese women into prostitution.

• The United Arab Emirates eliminatedthe exploitation of South Asian boys ascamel-racing jockeys and paid for therepatriation of more than 1,000 boys totheir home countries.

After release of the 2007 report, Jamaicapledged to step up prosecutions this year,Saudi Arabia said it intended to adopt the2000 UN TIP Protocol and Taiwan vowed tostrengthen its antitrafficking laws. (The 2007report is at www.state.gov/g/tip.)

From a TIP report’s release in Junethrough the following February, G/TIP stafftravel to engage foreign governments onantitrafficking objectives in the report andcollect fresh information. The most impor-tant destinations are Tier 3, Tier 2 WatchList and Tier 2 countries in the most recentTIP report deemed at risk of falling to lowercategories in the coming year.

Grants Provide AidG/TIP’s International Programs section

manages a variety of grants, which rangefrom as little as $25,000 to upward of $1million. For instance, the Journal of theAmerican Medical Association published thefirst study on the link between sex trafficking

and HIV incidence with partial fundingfrom a G/TIP grant. The study found thatHIV prevalence among women traffickedfrom Nepal and prostituted in India is 38percent and exceeded 60 percent among girlsprostituted prior to 15 years of age.

G/TIP also cultivates new models forrescuing, rehabilitating and repatriatingvictims. For example, G/TIP and the Inter-national Finance Corporation in 2006created jobs to employ human traffickingsurvivors in developing countries based on amodel that provides counseling, job trainingand employment opportunities totrafficking victims and at-risk women.

Worldwide, G/TIP has partnerships withAmerican NGOs, grantees from India toMexico, governments from Sweden toGhana and international organizations suchas the International Labor Organization.

To cultivate programs, G/TIP monitors aprogram’s progress through in-person visitsand by insisting that grantees identify whatworks best and share that information withothers. G/TIP also fosters lesson sharing,such as a project for Latin American NGOson sex trafficking and a seminar it will hostin 2008 on how community- and faith-based NGOs can best help victims andprevent human trafficking.

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Above: G/TIP’s special assistants and senior staff are, from left, Jennie Miller, Carla M. Bury, Amy O’Neill Richard, Andrea Smail and Paula Goode, G/TIP’sdeputy director. Below: The staff of G/TIP’s Public Outreach and Diplomacy unit are, from left, Solmaz Sharifi, Abraham Lee, Eleanor Gaetan and Elyse Bauer.


If you suspect slavery or commercial sexualexploitation, notify the police or call the U.S.human trafficking hotlines: 1-888-3737-888,1-888-428-7581, 1-800-THE LOST or1-866-DHS-2ICE.

Write your government representatives to askfor stronger laws.

Host a human-trafficking-awareness party withbeautiful handicrafts (www.madebysurvivors.com)that empower slavery survivors.

Donate to an NGO rescuing and protecting victims.

Organize a local march through an organizationlike Global March (www.globalmarch.org) to raiseawareness in your community.

Establish a local chapter of a national anti-human-trafficking NGO or volunteer with an NGO.

Fight sex tourism by asking local travel agencies,hotels and tour operators to sign the Code ofConduct for the Protection of Children in Traveland Tourism, www.thecode.org.

Talk to someone about human trafficking or takethem to see a film about it.

Source: The Emancipation Network

The fight against human trafficking requires the active participa-tion of individuals and groups. For instance, the Polaris Project,which aids women and children prostituted in downtownWashington, D.C., recently advised an interagency group G/TIPconvened on the migration of pimps and traffickers from the streetsto online outlets due to recent police crackdowns. G/TIP exchangesinformation daily with U.S.-based NGOs such as the Polaris Project,the International Justice Mission, Free the Slaves, World Vision, theProtection Project and the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women.

G/TIP also has consulted on movies, television shows and books,including the Lifetime Network’s film Human Trafficking. More than80 embassies held screenings of this movie for foreign audiences.

U.S. Action Addressing trafficking in the United States, G/TIP’s director chairs

an interagency group and speaks out. “In addition to offering advice to other governments on how to

live up to the basic standards of the UN Protocol on TIP, efforts athome are invaluable to our diplomacy,” Ambassador Lagon said.“These actions show we have a problem, are trying to make strides,hold ourselves to account and have models to share as partners.”

Domestically, the Department of Justice funds 42 localantitrafficking task forces in 25 states, and the Department of Healthand Human Services has an outreach and educational campaign anda toll-free hotline (1-888-373-7888) in multiple languages.

“This campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking tofind more victims is a quintessentially American response,” Ambas-sador Lagon said. “It’s an exceptionally important effort because weare helping the most degraded, most exploited, most dehumanizedpeople in the world.”

The author is a public affairs specialist at G/TIP.

HOW TO FIGHTMODERN-DAY SLAVERY

The staff of G/TIP’s International Programs unit are, from left, Katie Bresnahan, Rebecca Billings, Amy LeMar, Shereen Faraj, Mark Forstrom, Katrina Fotovatand Jane Nady Sigmon.

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A program funded by theDepartment’s Bureau of Population,Refugees and Migration reunites thevictims of human trafficking with theirrelatives. The program resulted from theTrafficking Victims Protection Act of2000. Working with its primary partner,the International Organization forMigration other U.S. agencies andreligious and secular organizations, PRMdeveloped a program that would reunitetrafficked women and the relatives theyhad left behind.

The reunification program isn’t limitedto having relatives come to the UnitedStates. It also provides victims with a safereturn to their countries of origin. Since

the program began in early 2005, PRMhas helped reunite 103 trafficking victims,mostly women from developingcountries, with their families. Of these, 97chose to have their relatives join them inthe United States, and 6 returned home.

Since 1998, PRM has provided morethan $35 million to IOM to support anti-trafficking projects overseas. Today, PRMsupports more than 40 antitraffickingprograms worldwide, including projectsfor the return and reintegration ofvictims in Indonesia, economic rehabili-tation programs for victims in India andefforts to identify and return childrentrafficked to work in fisheries in Ghana.All PRM programs focus on victims’

protection and build the capacity ofgovernments and nongovernmentalorganizations to provide services.

Over the next year, PRM will initiatetwo important new programs with IOM.One will help repatriate Congolesevictims trafficked to Uganda, and theother will protect Iraqi victims of laborand sex trafficking in Iraq and thesurrounding region. The project will alsoattempt to preempt trafficking throughpublic education campaigns and byproviding shelter for high-risk groups. ■

Sonia Dentzel is a migration policy officerin the Bureau of Population, Refugees andMigration.

PRM REUNITES VICTIMS WITH FAMILIESBY SONIA DENTZEL

Ambassador Mark P. Lagon, G/TIP’s director, center-left, meets with the chief prosecutor of the Macau Special Administrative Region during a recent tripto East Asia. During his travels aboard, Ambassador Lagon presses for strong human trafficking laws, prosecutions of trafficking cases, harsh sentencesfor those who commit this dehumanizing crime and better protection for human trafficking victims.



MARK YOUR CALENDAR

The latest in the State of the Arts Cultural Series andForeign Affairs Recreation Association’s long-standingseries of biweekly performances were a talent show, a magicshow and performances of classical guitar and NativeAmerican music.

The 2nd Annual Talent Show, which played to a capacitycrowd, was a huge success. Singing legend Barbara Pollardopened with a song she wrote titled “I Can’t Light the Fire.”Cynthia Andrews sang a rousing “Can’t Say No,” and VenusGordon recited an inspiring poem she composed. Ben PerryJr. sang a satisfying “Forever My Darling” by Johnny Ace, andDwayne Perry thrilled the audience with a lively rendition ofMarvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.”

During the show, Dyrone Johnson and Caryl TratenFisher danced to “Bessame Mucho” by Consuelo Velazquez,and jazz pianist Ryan Bynum improvised on classic contem-porary hits. To close the show, Steve Black and JackieNewton offered an entertaining interpretation of MarvinGaye and Tammy Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain HighEnough.”

David Breth of Magictainment was the Cultural Series’first magic performer. With the assistance of LindyScarborough, he performed mind-boggling illusions andsleight of hand.

Dr. Stephanie Browning, assistant professor of pianoat Morgan State University, offered insights into NativeAmerican music, presenting briefings on each of the selec-tions she played and taking questions. One piece wasEdward MacDowell’s “Indian Idyl” from New England Idyls,Op. 62. All the selections conjured up images of a big skyand open lands.

Classical guitarist Charles Mokotoff returned for his sec-ond performance in the Cultural Series. A National Institutesof Health employee, Mokotoff has been hearing-impairedfor much of his life. He played works by Bach, Scarlatti,Mangoré, Granados and Albéniz to resounding applause. ■

The author is a computer specialist in the ExecutiveSecretariat.

Performances are on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.in the Dean Acheson Auditorium.


Musical Performances and Poetry Highlight Talent Show

STATE OF THE ARTSBY JOHN BENTEL

Jazz pianist Ryan Bynum tickles the ivories at the talent show.

Jan. 30

Piano for Hands

Feb. 27

Erica Ovette andPaul Pieper

ColdReality

DRESS WISELY AND WATCHFOR DANGER SIGNS

BY TERRY CARRAWAY

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SAFETY SCENE


In the winter, working outside, skiing, snowboarding,snowmobiling, hiking, hunting and camping all involve exposure tocold, which can lead to frostbite and hypothermia.

Surprisingly, the weather doesn’t have to be extremely cold.Temperatures in the 50s can cause problems, particularly if mixedwith wind and moisture.

The windchill factor announced on weather reports combinestemperature and wind speed to indicate the effects of cold on thebody. For example, 35 degrees with a 30-mile-per-hour wind has thesame effect on the skin as 22-degree weather with calm air.

Moisture increases heat transfer from the body to the surround-ing environment, leading to faster cooling. When wet or sweaty, thebody experiences additional cooling from evaporation, even at lowtemperatures. Moisture also reduces the insulation properties ofmost clothing.

Hypothermia literally means “low heat.” When exposed to cold,your body tries to maintain its core temperature by reducing bloodflow to the skin and extremities. Hypothermia sets in when the bodycools faster than it can generate heat, forcing your core temperaturebelow safe levels. Some medications may increase the risk ofhypothermia, so consult your doctor if you will be exposed to coldwhile taking new medications.

The first signs of mild hypothermia are shivering, lack of coordi-nation, slurred speech, memory loss and pale, cold skin. The quicktreatment is to get out of the cold, generate body heat, drink warm(not hot) sugary liquids and remove wet or damp clothing. Anddespite the popular image of the Saint Bernard with a keg of brandy,avoid alcohol and caffeine.

If exposure to cold continues and shivering stops, moderatehypothermia is beginning and poses the risk of serious conse-quences. Symptoms include confusion and inability to walk orstand. Medical assistance should be summoned. Cover the body,including extremities, and use hot water bottles or heat packs tostart warming the person.

Severe hypothermia is indicated by ice-cold skin, severe muscle

stiffness and sleepiness or unconsciousness. It can be fatal andrequires immediate treatment by medical personnel.

Frostbite is the freezing of the skin or a body part. It usuallyoccurs when the temperature is below freezing, but can occur withtemperatures above freezing if moisture and wind are present.Exposed skin will begin to feel cold and progress to tingling, stingingor aching sensations. Finally, it will become numb. The skin will alsochange color: first to red, then purple and, finally, very pale. The skinwill also be cold to the touch. Treatment is best performed by amedical professional, but if that’s not possible, use warm—nothot—water to gently warm the affected body part.

To prevent cold stress, dress warmly and wisely. Avoid overheatingand sweating, as this creates moisture in the clothing.

By wearing at least three layers, you can easily remove somethingif you get too warm. The inner layer should be a synthetic materialthat pulls moisture away from the skin, such as polyester orpolypropylene. The middle layer should be an insulating layer.Down provides the most insulation, and wool is good because itcan absorb moisture from the skin and still provide insulation.Many synthetic fibers strive to combine these two characteristicsand may be good alternatives for those allergic to down or wool.The outer layer should be wind- and water-resistant; nylon orGortex work well.

Don’t forget your hat, since up to 40 percent of the body’s heatloss occurs through the head. Insulated boots or shoes can limit heatloss and protect against frostbite.

Take warm-up breaks to get out of the cold and wind, and drinkwarm, nonalcoholic, decaffeinated liquids. Drinking will alsoprevent dehydration. Though you may not feel thirsty in coldweather, any exertion causes the loss of body fluids. Light tomoderate hypothermia may go unnoticed, so use the buddy systemwhen out in the cold.

Enjoy the outdoors in winter. Just make sure you are ready for theharsh environment. ■

The author is a certified industrial hygienist with the Safety, Healthand Environmental Division.WINDCHILL CALCULATION CHART

*Brown, R. DouglasCassel, Lynn L.DeRoche, Joseph L.Dupalo, Robert J.Hill, Heide HenriettaMarine, Michael W.

Marjenhoff, WilliamAnsley

Rollins, Kathryn D.Sharpe, Angela BartolottaSulaiman, Janifer

Kennedy

Braibanti, Ralph LynnGibson, Mary E.Howard, Weldon

Hurley, Charles P.Lykes, Constance E.Myers, Walter Kendall

Orbits, Hal N.Smith, Vera L.Winterowd, Michele D.

FOREIGN SERVICE >>> CIVIL SERVICE >>>

retirements

APPOINTMENTS


Assistant Secretary forInternational Narcotics andLaw Enforcement AffairsDavid T. Johnson of Georgia, a careermember of the Senior Foreign Service,class of Minister-Counselor, is the newAssistant Secretary for InternationalNarcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.Previously, he was deputy chief ofmission in London. Before that, he wasthe U.S. Afghan coordinator. He has beenambassador to the Organization forSecurity and Cooperation in Europe andalso served overseas in Vancouver, Berlinand Ciudad Juarez. He is married andhas three children.

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Michalak of Michigan, acareer member of the Senior ForeignService, class of Minister-Counselor, isthe new U.S. Ambassador to the SocialistRepublic of Vietnam. Previously, he wasthe U.S. senior official to the Asia-PacificEconomic Cooperation forum. Beforethat, he was deputy chief of mission inTokyo. His other overseas assignmentsinclude Sydney, Islamabad and Beijing.

U.S. Ambassador to Chad Louis John Nigro Jr. of Florida, a careermember of the Senior Foreign Service,class of Minister-Counselor, is the newU.S. Ambassador to the Republic ofChad. Previously, he was acting directorof Central African Affairs and beforethat diplomat in residence at the Univer-sity of Houston and professor ofinternational relations at the U.S. ArmyWar College. His overseas postingsinclude N’Djamena, Conakry, Havana,Port-au-Prince, Rome and Nassau.He is married.

U.S. Ambassador to YemenStephen A. Seche of Virginia, a careermember of the Senior Foreign Service,class of Minister-Counselor, is the newU.S. Ambassador to the Republic ofYemen. Previously, he was a visitingfellow teaching public diplomacy at theUniversity of Southern California. Beforethat, he was chargé d’affaires and deputychief of mission in Damascus. His otheroverseas postings include Guatemala,Lima, La Paz, Ottawa and New Delhi. He is married and has three daughters.


OBITUARIES

E. Avery Adams Jr., 87, a retired Foreign Service officer, diedAug. 8 after a yearlong illness. He lived in Washington, D.C., andwas a veteran of World War II. During his 35-year career with theDepartment, he served overseas in the Middle East, Far East andAfrica, and attended the National War College. He retired in 1980.

Ralph A. Booher, 87, a retired ForeignService officer, died Sept. 21 in Martinez,Ga., after a long illness. He served in theArmy Air Corps during World War II. Hejoined the Department in 1946 and servedoverseas in Spain, Switzerland, Yugoslavia,Norway, Liberia, Pakistan, Guinea,

Cameroon, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico and Laos. Afterretiring in 1978, he worked as a U.S. embassy contractor in thePhilippines until 1991. He enjoyed golf and music.

Kay Gilstrap, 65, a retired Foreign Service officer, died Jan. 18,2007. She lived in the Washington, D.C., area. During her 38-yearcareer with the Department, she served overseas in Indonesia,Pakistan, Belgium, Kenya, England, Madagascar, India, Botswana,Swaziland, Chad and Somalia. After retiring in 2000, she traveled,supported the arts and became a keen environmentalist whohelped safeguard beaches. She was an accomplished writer andpoet and loved to paint and design jewelry.

F. Peter Gregorio, 71, a retiredForeign Service officer, died Sept. 26 ofcancer. He lived in Burke, Va. He servedin the Army before joining the Depart-ment in 1962. His overseas assignmentsincluded Peru (where he met his ForeignService wife, Gertrude), Ethiopia,Finland, Morocco, Algeria, West Germany,

Egypt and Italy. He retired in 1987.

Kenneth A. Loff, 64, a retired Foreign Service officer, diedNov. 1 of lung cancer in Fredericksburg, Va. He served in the AirForce before joining the Department. In a 30-year career, his over-seas postings included Sweden, England, Russia, New Zealand,Guatemala, Germany, South Africa and Zaire. After retirement, hewas a company executive. He enjoyed country-and-western musicand was a good auctioneer.

Edwin T. Menken, 80, a retired diplomatic courier, diedAug. 19 of natural causes in Windom, Minn. He served in theMarine Corps in Guam and joined the Department in 1959.His overseas postings included Frankfurt, Panama, Manila andBangkok. He retired in 1991.

Ross Clayton Parr, 81, a retiredForeign Service officer, died April 29 inGreat Falls, Va., of complications from astroke. He served in the Navy duringWorld War II and the Korean War. Hejoined the Department in 1956 and retiredin 1983. His overseas postings included

Paris, Taichung, Phnom Penh, Saigon, Hong Kong, Bangkok andAlgiers. He enjoyed golf, reading and travel.

David Taylor Paton, 85, a retired Foreign Service officer, diedOct. 9 in Sewickley, Pa. He served in the Navy during World War IIand joined the Department in 1951 as a diplomatic courier. Heserved overseas in France, Germany, Thailand, Panama and for 12 years in Mexico. He was a 32nd-degree Mason.

Arthur M. “Mac” Saddoris, 69, asenior counselor, executive coach andorganization development specialist in theCareer Development Resource Center, diedOct. 6 of pulmonary failure in Alexandria,Va. He joined the Department in 2002 andreached thousands of employees through

individual counseling and coaching, popular workshops andvideo conferences, all marked by his compassionate creativity.


The United States officially removed thestain of slavery from its national flag morethan a century ago, but the insidious prac-tice still exists—and thrives—in many partsof the world. One of the Department’snewest offices—the Office to Monitor andCombat Trafficking in Persons—keeps thisissue in the public eye by publishing theSecretary’s annual Trafficking in PersonsReport. It also coordinates federal efforts tocombat human trafficking domestically andabroad and emphasizes the three P’s: prose-cuting traffickers, protecting and assistingvictims, and preventing traffickingwherever possible.

The struggle is daunting—thegovernment estimates that some 800,000people are trafficked yearly across interna-tional borders, and millions more aretrafficked within their own countries.

The first rule of intelligence gatheringis to get it right; the second rule is to get itright now. Colleagues in the Bureau ofIntelligence and Research have followedthose rules for 60 years, since part of theOffice of Strategic Services was transferredto the State Department shortly afterWorld War II ended. INR permanentlyopened its doors for business in early 1947,five months before the government createdthe more celebrated Central IntelligenceAgency.

INR quietly compiled a remarkable listof success during those 60 momentousyears. An INR analyst prepped PresidentJohn F. Kennedy for his first televisioninterview after the Cuban missile crisis;

INR analyses during the Vietnam conflictconsistently hit the mark; and INR inputon the Iraqi nuclear program earned praisefrom the Commission on the IntelligenceCapabilities of the United States RegardingWeapons of Mass Destruction. Aprominent Washington newspaper colum-nist called the bureau “one of Washington’s

hidden jewels.”Good news for anyone who ever experi-

enced the State Department securityclearance blues: The clearance process hasbeen steadily improving over the last threeyears. Background investigations that aver-aged a whopping 122 days to completeback in 2004 are now completed in 65 days,and interim clearances may be grantedwithin two weeks. Increased use ofautomation allows Diplomatic Security’sOffice of Personnel Security and Suitabilityto process 15 percent more cases per yearthan in 2004 in 40 percent less time—andfor $113 less per case.

That’s remarkable progress for an officethat processes more than 25,000 investiga-tions a year and opens an average of 100new cases every day.

Last but never least, a final salute to ourcolleagues en route to their final posting: E. Avery Adams Jr.; Ralph A. Booher; KayGilstrap; F. Peter Gregorio; Kenneth A. Loff;Edwin T. Menken; Ross Clayton Parr; DavidTaylor Paton; and Arthur M. “Mac”Saddoris.

Battling Slavery

THE LAST WORD

Rob WileyEditor-in-Chief

COMING IN FEBRUARY>>> Civil Service Rotation’s First Year

>>> Telework Works

>>> Practicing Cultural Diplomacy

>>> State’s Crown Jewels—FSNs of the Year

... and much more! Questions? [email protected]

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state magazine, january 2008

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