Attributes/skillset for 'rugged' diplomats

[DGreen]

I worked in southern Afghanistan for a year as a U.S. Department of State (DOS) political advisor at a PRT and I just completed a tour as a mobilized reservist in Iraq working as the tribal/leadership engagement officer for a SEAL Team in the Fallujah area. I've seen a lot of the "deployed" DOS, a lot of whom I liked and a lot I didn't, but here's what I found that worked the best in terms of skills and attributes.

1. Physically fit
2. Knows how to operate firearms
3. Is a team player both inside and outside the wire
4. Is personally brave
5. Knows first aid, communications, military culture, and military operations
6. Sees their job as trying to defeat the insurgency and not just reporting on it.
7. Prefers to be outside the wire than inside it.
8. Shows constant initiative
9. Builds governing institutions, facilitates development and reconstruction, creates situational awareness among military units
10. Isn't shy about advocating U.S. interests
11. Isn't professionally afraid to say something is screwed up
12. Lacks arrogance
13. Is realistic about what can be done
14. Looks to achieve concrete results and measures progress to achieve those goals
15. Is an anthropologist, political scientist, ward boss, mayor, city manager, and political leader
16. Doesn't whine.

I'm sure I could add more but this is a start.

-Dan

[Tom Odom]

I worked in southern Afghanistan for a year as a U.S. Department of State (DOS) political advisor at a PRT and I just completed a tour as a mobilized reservist in Iraq working as the tribal/leadership engagement officer for a SEAL Team in the Fallujah area. I've seen a lot of the "deployed" DOS, a lot of whom I liked and a lot I didn't, but here's what I found that worked the best in terms of skills and attributes.

1. Physically fit
2. Knows how to operate firearms
3. Is a team player both inside and outside the wire
4. Is personally brave
5. Knows first aid, communications, military culture, and military operations
6. Sees their job as trying to defeat the insurgency and not just reporting on it.
7. Prefers to be outside the wire than inside it.
8. Shows constant initiative
9. Builds governing institutions, facilitates development and reconstruction, creates situational awareness among military units
10. Isn't shy about advocating U.S. interests
11. Isn't professionally afraid to say something is screwed up
12. Lacks arrogance
13. Is realistic about what can be done
14. Looks to achieve concrete results and measures progress to achieve those goals
15. Is an anthropologist, political scientist, ward boss, mayor, city manager, and political leader
16. Doesn't whine.

I'm sure I could add more but this is a start.

-Dan

Dan

Great list.

I would add:

a. Does not care what the latest shopping cart survey says (or at least does not consider the survey to be a priority).

b. Prefers a multi-pocket vest to a bow tie.

c. Considers cussing part and parcel of multicultural communications

Stan, I know has his own.

Tom

[Stan]

1. Physically fit
3. Is a team player both inside and outside the wire
11. Isn't professionally afraid to say something is screwed up
16. Doesn't whine.
-Dan

Dan

Great list.

I would add:

a. Does not care what the latest shopping cart survey says (or at least does not consider the survey to be a priority).

b. Prefers a multi-pocket vest to a bow tie.

c. Considers cussing part and parcel of multicultural communications

Stan, I know has his own.

Tom

Now that you mention it, I've reduced the initial list to 4 items and add Tom's 3.

I only really have one other. Their first 2 tours must be a nightmare, which would null and void item 16. Otherwise, I'd settle on any given day for items 3, 11 and 16 and still add Tom's 3.

His or her PT scores can be exchanged for 'ability to get along with others'.

Stan

Hi Matt and welcome !
Please take the time to introduce yourself here.
Stan

[selil]

His or her PT scores can be exchanged for 'ability to get along with others'.

Hey where do I sign up... I'm old fat and happy!

[Rob Thornton]

how about:

Will not let their political convictions prevent them from deploying to do the mission?

Best, Rob

[RTK]

how about:

Will not let their political convictions prevent them from deploying to do the mission?

Best, Rob

I agree, if what you mean by "political convictions" also translates losely to "fear."

[Rob Thornton]

even more then the "a person could get killed there" comment - the one that got me was the nature of the comment "you should not have to go it you don't support the policy" - I guess the "service" piece should be dropped and we'll just call those who fell that way "FOs" -oops, my latent knuckle dragger tendencies just popped out.
Best, Rob

[RTK]

even more then the "a person could get killed there" comment - the one that got me was the nature of the comment "you should not have to go it you don't support the policy" - I guess the "service" piece should be dropped and we'll just call those who fell that way "FOs" -oops, my latent knuckle dragger tendencies just popped out.
Best, Rob

Ai-ee-ya, Rob.

[Stan]

Thanks Guys, brings me to prerequisite number 17, separate personal honor from political convictions !

As the redcoats retreated helter-skelter to Boston, they were riddled by sniper fire that erupted from behind hedges, stone walls, and fences, leaving a bloody trail of 273 British casualties versus 95 dead or wounded for the patriots. The news reached New York within four days and a mood of insurrection promptly overtook the city. People gathered at taverns and street corners to ponder events while Tories quaked. The newly emboldened Sons of Liberty streamed down to the East River docks, pilfered ships bound for British troops in Boston, then emptied the city hall arsenal of its muskets, bayonets, and cartridge boxes, grabbing a thousand weapons in all.

Inflamed by the astonishing news from Massachusetts, Alexander Hamilton, then a student at King’s College (later Columbia University), was that singular intellectual who picked up a musket as fast as a pen.

how about:

Will not let their political convictions prevent them from deploying to do the mission?

Best, Rob

I agree, if what you mean by "political convictions" also translates losely to "fear."

[slapout9]

Biscuits..they need to know how to make Biscuits!