US State Department Now Hiring

According to the Associated Press today, the Bush administration's 2009 budget proposal envisions adding 1,076 jobs at the State Department and diplomatic missions in one of the largest one-year boosts to the ranks of the foreign service.

It seems the State Department is facing a critical shortage of diplomats, and many embassies are operating at 70 percent of their desired staffing levels. Some 10 percent of vacant positions remain unfilled this year because of a lack of personnel.

The new positions will include 450 new jobs intended to free diplomats for intensive language and national security training; 350 posts for a new "Civilian Stabilization Program" aimed at improving conditions in post-conflict zones; 200 diplomatic security agents; and 50 political advisers for military commands.