We want you, We want you, We Want you for a new recruit

[richlevy]

Whoever though diplomats were stupid should read this.

I had a few thoughts on this. Doesn't the President usually pick top campaign donors for diplomatic posts? Can't we get Bush to pick a 'coalition of the willing' from some of his Bush Pioneers? Heck, if they donated more than $200K, we would give them free body armor.

I am sort of curious. How much extra pay and vacation time?

Uncle Sam drafts diplomats for embassy in Iraq

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The State Department says it will require some diplomats to serve in Iraq because of a lack of volunteers willing to work at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
Beginning Monday, 200 to 300 diplomats will be notified they have been identified as prime candidates to fill 40 to 50 vacancies that will open next year at the embassy, said Harry Thomas, director general of the Foreign Service.
Those notified they have been selected for a one-year posting will have 10 days to respond. Only those with compelling reasons, such as a medical condition, will be excused from duty, Thomas said Friday.
He said those being sent to Iraq will receive extra pay and vacation time. About 50 diplomats will be needed in Iraq by January, in addition to the current level of 200.
However, those refusing Iraq duty may face disciplinary action up to and including dismissal for failing to uphold their oath to serve the United States and the Constitution, Thomas said.

The good news is that if they go here, they can order this button:

I'm not expendable, I'm not stupid, and I'M NOT GOING

[TheMercenary]

Price of service in the Diplomatic Corps. No big deal, unless you are chosen and don't want to go. I bet they will have plenty of people who will go if selected. That whole service and duty thing that most people don't get.

[richlevy]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

Price of service in the Diplomatic Corps. No big deal, unless you are chosen and don't want to go. I bet they will have plenty of people who will go if selected. That whole service and duty thing that most people don't get.

The State Department says it will require some diplomats to serve in Iraq because of a lack of volunteers willing to work at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

I think people get it just fine.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by richlevy

I think people get it just fine.

Just because people are not falling over each other to go does not mean that when asked they will not go freely when asked or told to go. Most public servants do not go to many ugly places because they are excited about jumping into the fire, but all of them do so freely when asked.

[lumberjim]

If they don't want to go they can quit. what's the problem?

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by lumberjim

If they don't want to go they can quit. what's the problem?

Pretty much. The risk being it would be a career ender. And the government is very good at making those lists consist of people who would rather go than give up the potential retirement, as well as including those they want to get rid of because they know they will quit rather than go.

[richlevy]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

Pretty much. The risk being it would be a career ender. And the government is very good at making those lists consist of people who would rather go than give up the potential retirement, as well as including those they want to get rid of because they know they will quit rather than go.

It would be a lot more effective if they could make up the lists to include people based on how good they are.

Since almost everyone agrees that the solution to Iraq will be political, it would be comforting to know the embassy is not being used as a dumping ground for the dregs of the diplomatic corps.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by richlevy

It would be a lot more effective if they could make up the lists to include people based on how good they are.

Since almost everyone agrees that the solution to Iraq will be political, it would be comforting to know the embassy is not being used as a dumping ground for the dregs of the diplomatic corps.

The way society treats anyone who trys to do good in Iraq it is no surprise to me that people aren't jumping on the plane to go help out what is otherwise a losing cause in the eyes of most Americans.

[xoxoxoBruce]

You mean they don't want to be labeled Big Dics?

[lumberjim]

Originally Posted by lumberjim

If they don't want to go they can quit. what's the problem?

sorry....forgot my sarcasm flags.

i think it's bullshit. forced relocation is onething, forced expatriotizationismski is a whole nother kettle of fish.

[ZenGum]

Originally Posted by lumberjim

sorry....forgot my sarcasm flags.

i think it's bullshit. forced relocation is onething, forced expatriotizationismski is a whole nother kettle of fish.

I don't really agree. If someone joins the diplomatic corps they have to expect to be expatriated. And it isn't all going to be Paris and Vienna; if you don't want to be (occasionally) sent to overseas dumps, you shouldn't join the D.C.
If they don't like it, they have the freedom to quit, which I believe is more than Military people have. Sure, quitting for such a reason may ruin your career in the public service and make it harder to get a good job in the private sector (C'mon, it shows you have judgement)... but I don't think it will "end" your career completely. Not as much as a well-placed IED or mortar round would, anyway.

[Urbane Guerrilla]

Actually, Bruce, it does. Think about it.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by Urbane Guerrilla

Actually, Bruce, it does. Think about it.

The fuck it does.