For a multitude of reasons, bidding on a Critical Priority Country made the most sense for me. How do I feel about going to Kabul? Cautiously optimistic. It will definitely be a unique experience working there and the country is a priority area for the Agency and the government so it will be an honor to contribute to mission there and hope to make some meaningful difference. The situation there is changing very quickly and it might be very different place a year from now. The development challenges will certainly be interesting and I'm sure I'll leave with many stories to tell. But definitely not looking forward to being separated from family.
It seems like a long way off still and there's oh, so much more to accomplish here. But time flies.
Congratulations! I've heard the year flies by there. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI just recently started reading your blog, and I am interested in becoming a FS officer. I am doing a research paper for one of my high school courses regarding this occupation. It would be amazing if I could ask you a couple of questions related to this career. Is there any possible way I could reach you outside of this comment box if I were to interview you? Thank you so much!
Sure. Feel free to email me at suitupfso@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteFirst, congrats on getting assigned to your country of choice. Not to throw a wet blanket over it, but I think it to be naive to elect to go to CPC country...especially so early on in your career. The reality is, it is dangerous, and it has to get to a point where personal safety goes before whether or not it is a priority area for the agency. There are plenty other areas where you can make a difference without putting your own safety in jeopardy. Life goes on at the Agency with or without you, but what about your life and those of your loved ones if something happened to you?
ReplyDeleteAppreciate the comment and the concern. Choosing to go to Afghanistan was a decision we took with great consideration and discussion. For us, it is the best time to undertake this type of assignment personally before considering having children and considering our mutual career goals. Also, going to a CPC for a second tour is not at all unusual and I will be joined in Afghanistan by a good number of colleagues in USAID and State that I work with currently in Indonesia moving onto our second tours.
DeleteIn joining the Foreign Service, there is a condition of Worldwide Availability meaning acknowledgement of being willing to serve in any location of the Agency's greatest needs. I have found USAID to be flexible and compromising thus far in accommodating individual situations and allowing its employees to best serve in difficult postings in more convenient times of their lives, personally and professionally. And while there is risk involved, the USG is taking many measures to mitigate these risks, particularly after recent events in more dangerous postings. However, Worldwide Availability is a critical requirement to consider before joining the Foreign Service.