Addressing Staffing Challenges

Human capital issues have hampered the Department of State’s ability to carry out U.S. foreign policy priorities and objectives, particularly at posts central to the war on terror.

• State’s efforts to improve overseas operations face several challenges, including the need for better cost and performance data, and communication and technical issues.
  
  Highlights of GAO-06-829 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-06-641 (PDF)
• Staffing shortfalls remain a problem, particularly at critical hardship posts—many of which are of significant strategic importance.
  
  Highlights of GAO-06-894 (PDF)
• Significant language proficiency gaps—particularly in Arabic and Chinese—remain, compromising State’s ability to execute critical duties.
  
  Highlights of GAO-06-894 (PDF)

Until the department takes further actions to ensure its personnel are appropriately skilled and assigned where needed, staffing and language proficiency gaps will continue to compromise State’s ability to carry out its foreign policy objectives and execute critical mission functions.

^ Back to topWhat Needs to Be Done

State needs to take several important actions, including the following:

• Prioritize its limited language skill resources to meet the most critical gaps, based on a risk assessment and projection of needs.
• Consider implementing a staffing assignment system that allows for longer tours, consecutive assignments in certain countries, and more regional specialization in certain areas to better take advantage of and hone officers' language skills.
  
  Highlights of GAO-06-894 (PDF)

^ Back to topKey Reports

Embassy Security: Upgrades Have Enhanced Security, but Site Conditions Prevent Full Adherence to Standards

GAO-08-162, January 18, 2008

Summary (HTML)   Highlights Page (PDF)   Full Report (PDF, 30 pages)   Accessible Text

Department of State: Human Capital Strategy Does Not Recognize Foreign Assistance Responsibilities

GAO-07-1153, September 28, 2007

Summary (HTML)   Highlights Page (PDF)   Full Report (PDF, 46 pages)   Accessible Text   Recommendations (HTML)

Overseas Presence: State and USAID Should Adopt a Comprehensive Plan to Improve the Consolidation of Overseas Support Services

GAO-06-829, September 8, 2006

Summary (HTML)   Highlights Page (PDF)   Full Report (PDF, 52 pages)   Accessible Text   Recommendations (HTML)

Department of State: Staffing and Foreign Language Shortfalls Persist Despite Initiatives to Address Gaps

GAO-06-894, August 4, 2006

Summary (HTML)   Highlights Page (PDF)   Full Report (PDF, 65 pages)   Accessible Text   Recommendations (HTML)

More Reports