Bill Overview
Title: State Department Training Modernization Act
Description: This bill makes changes to the Foreign Service Institute and addresses other issues related to training Foreign Service and Department of State Civil Service personnel. The bill establishes within the institute (1) the Board of Visitors, which shall provide the State Department with advice and recommendations pertaining to the institute; and (2) the position of provost, which shall have duties such as overseeing and coordinating the institute's academic curriculum. The State Department may establish and implement an incentive program to encourage Foreign Service members with critical foreign language skills to maintain such skills. The bill also requires the State Department to expand its professional development and training, including by increasing offerings at partner organizations and offering courses using computer-based or computer-assisted simulations. The Foreign Service must (1) establish new fellowship programs for Foreign Service and Civil Service officers that include opportunities in certain organizations, such as think tanks and industry entities; and (2) report to Congress on how to expand certain existing fellowship programs to allow fellows in those programs to undertake follow-on State Department opportunities that will benefit from practical knowledge of the people and processes of Congress. The State Department must report to Congress on (1) offering certain training and professional development opportunities to congressional staff at State Department facilities, (2) a strategy for adapting and evolving training requirements to better meet current and future needs for 21st century diplomacy, and (3) a strategy for broadening and deepening training at the State Department.
Sponsors: Rep. Kim, Andy [D-NJ-3]
Target Audience
Population: Foreign Service and Department of State Civil Service personnel
Estimated Size: 8700
- The bill focuses on modernizing training for both Foreign Service and Department of State Civil Service personnel.
- Modernization includes creating the position of a provost and forming a Board of Visitors within the Foreign Service Institute.
- The incentive program will impact Foreign Service members with critical foreign language skills, prompting them to maintain these skills.
- Increased professional development and training opportunities will affect all members of the Foreign Service and State Department Civil Service.
- The creation of fellowship programs will provide new development paths for officers in the Foreign Service and Civil Service.
- There is an indication that some congressional staff will also benefit from State Department professional development opportunities.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to enhance training, which can improve job satisfaction and performance for Foreign Service and Department of State Civil Service personnel.
- Enhanced training programs may indirectly benefit U.S. citizens through improved diplomatic efficiency and effectiveness.
- The budget limitation will require prioritization of training facilities and personnel, likely focusing on critical skills like foreign languages first.
- Personnel who are not directly involved in foreign language skills or are not prioritized in the fellowship programs may see little to no immediate impact.
- Some congressional staff will benefit from expanded training opportunities, though they aren't the primary targets of the policy.
- The implementation of cutting-edge training techniques (e.g., computer simulations) can lead to long-term improvements in diplomatic training quality.
Simulated Interviews
Foreign Service Officer (Washington D.C.)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhancements in training are much needed, especially for language skills which are vital in my role.
- The use of technology in training will help keep our skills sharp.
- I'm excited about the fellowship opportunities outside the traditional diplomatic spheres.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
State Department Civil Service (New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see direct benefits to my role but increased training could improve overall office efficiency.
- I'm curious about the new computer-assisted training methods.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Foreign Service Officer (Los Angeles)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improvements in training are overdue and will make a significant difference.
- I hope they'll consider training for retirees who still contribute in consultancy roles.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Foreign Language Instructor (Chicago)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An incentive for maintaining language skills will encourage more advanced and sustained proficiency among diplomats.
- I'm hopeful about the expansion of my role with the new fellowship programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Congressional Aide (San Francisco)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having access to State training could really enhance our legislative understanding of foreign affairs.
- This training is a great opportunity for aides to grasp complexities in State Department operations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Project Manager, State Department Civil Service (Houston)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved training will potentially streamline processes and project execution.
- Eager to leverage new technologies in our ongoing projects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Foreign Service Regional Director (Boston)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The modernization is critical; I've advocated for this for years.
- The fellowships could be an excellent way to bring in fresh ideas and perspectives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Commercial Attaché, Foreign Service (Atlanta)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased training could better prepare us for modern challenges like cyber threats.
- I'm enthusiastic about potential language incentives even as a trade-focused officer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Civil Service HR specialist (Seattle)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I expect to see an increase in workload with expanded training offerings.
- The emphasis on technology might mean more streamlined processes in recruitment eventually.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Technology Consultant (Miami)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could lead to more projects for me if they ramp up technology usage.
- Important for the State Department to embrace digital transformation for training.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $14500000 (Low: $11500000, High: $17500000)
Year 3: $14000000 (Low: $11000000, High: $17000000)
Year 5: $13500000 (Low: $10500000, High: $16500000)
Year 10: $12500000 (Low: $9500000, High: $15500000)
Year 100: $11000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $14000000)
Key Considerations
- Ongoing evaluation of the program's effectiveness will be necessary to ensure cost efficiency and desired outcomes.
- The balance between one-time setup costs and ongoing operational expenses.
- The potential need for additional appropriations if initial estimates fall short based on actual implementation needs.