It's amazing how tiring just sitting and receiving an immense amount of information can be. Before I started class, friends and family asked me what I would be learning during my 6-weeks of A-100, and I really didn't have a great answer for them. After 4 days, all I can say is, a little bit of everything. Rather than training, which comes after you receive your first country assignment, A-100 is considered orientation. You get the history and organization of the U.S. State Department,* an overview of the organization of D.C. offices and overseas posts, details on how to fill out paperwork, instruction and practice writing and public speaking, etc. etc. And it all happens fast!
The official line found on the www.state.gov is:
New FS Generalists begin their careers with an orientation program (A-100 course). The focus of the orientation is on introducing new employees to the structure and function of the Department and its role in the development and implementation of U.S. foreign policy; developing an understanding of the terms of employment; and enhancing core skills needed by all Foreign Service Officers.
The A-100 course, based at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, is primarily a classroom experience. But it also includes trips to Capitol Hill and to other federal agencies, as well as an offsite at a nearby conference center. In addition to presentations by guest speakers and U.S. Department of State officials, A-100 also includes a series of practical exercises and case studies.
At the end of orientation, Foreign Service Generalists receive their first assignments, which will govern the type of specialized training that follows. That training may include public diplomacy training, consular training, political-economic tradecraft, or management training. Required language training can last for an additional six to nine months. Overall, newly hired Generalists can expect to spend from three months to one year in training before departure for their first overseas assignment.
I'm nearly done with my first week and am completely exhausted. One of the most difficult, but most enjoyable, tasks is getting to know my 93 classmates. It's amazing to hear about all the careers, education, languages, and overseas experiences that lead people to the Foreign Service. We have former military members, teachers, Peace Corps volunteers, business executives, published authors, and T.V. news reporters represented in our class.
In the coming weeks we will be continuing to learn the ins and outs of our new jobs while working our way to a specific assignment. Already we are absorbing the possible countries where we might serve (also known as the bid list), doing our research and some self-reflection. We get to meet with Career Development Officers to discuss our preferences, while of course remaining open to serving anywhere. Lots to absorb, but all very exciting!
* Interesting fact, the first country to recognize the United States as a country was Morocco, so that we could address a nasty pirate problem using our ships docked in their ports.
