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)