Foreign Service 101
If you’ve ever traveled abroad and lost your passport, fallen ill in a foreign country, or needed urgent help in a crisis overseas—you’ve likely been helped by a member of the U.S. Foreign Service.
Who We are
The Foreign Service is a corps of some 17,000 career diplomats and development professionals who serve at more than 200 posts around the world. From embassies in major capitals to remote conflict zones, they work on the front lines of America’s foreign policy—promoting national security, supporting U.S. businesses, responding to global health threats, and helping Americans in need.
Members of the Foreign Service come from every state in the nation and work across six federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Foreign Commercial and Agricultural Services, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
These dedicated public servants are the face of the United States overseas—representing America, advancing our interests, and protecting our people every single day.
Fast Facts
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Global Reach
The U.S. Foreign Service has personnel in nearly every country on Earth, with more than 200 posts worldwide.
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Small but Mighty
There are only about 17,000 members of the U.S. Foreign Service, compared to 1.3 million active-duty U.S. military personnel—about 76 service members for every diplomat.
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Nonpartisan
Foreign Service members are nonpartisan professionals who swear an oath to the U.S. Constitution and serve under presidents of both parties.
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A Century and Counting
The modern U.S. Foreign Service was born in 1924. For a century, diplomats have helped shape history—from supporting the fall of the Berlin Wall to defending national security after 9/11.
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Regional Experts
Diplomats are experts on the countries where they serve and on U.S. and international policy. Their reporting helps shape critical decisions in Washington.
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Many Faces of Diplomacy
Foreign Service members work across six foreign affairs agencies, covering fields like public health, cybersecurity, business, economics, and agriculture.
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Our Front Line
When overseas, diplomats work from U.S. embassies and consulates. Embassies are led by ambassadors who serve as the president’s personal representatives and the highest-ranking U.S. officials in their host countries.
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Prepared to Serve
Before deploying, many diplomats spend months training at the Foreign Service Institute, learning the language and culture of their country of assignment.
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U.S. Department of State
Foreign Service officers and specialists at the State Department serve as diplomats, consular officers, and security experts around the world. They build alliances, negotiate treaties, support American citizens abroad, and represent U.S. interests at every level of international engagement.
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U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Dismantled
At USAID, Foreign Service members lead America’s global development efforts—from combating poverty and hunger to responding to humanitarian crises. Their work strengthens health systems, promotes democratic governance, and builds resilient communities in more than 100 countries.
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Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), U.S. Department of Agriculture
FAS Foreign Service officers promote U.S. agricultural exports, open new markets, and enforce trade agreements to protect American farmers and ranchers. They also support global food security by advancing science-based policy and responding to agricultural emergencies.
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Foreign Commercial Service (FCS), U.S. Department of Commerce
Foreign Service members at the Foreign Commercial Service help U.S. companies export goods, navigate foreign regulations, and compete in international markets. Their work creates American jobs, boosts small business growth, and strengthens the U.S. economy.
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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture
APHIS Foreign Service Officers protect U.S. agriculture by monitoring animal and plant health threats abroad. They work with foreign governments to prevent the spread of pests and diseases that could endanger U.S. crops, livestock, and food supply chains.
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U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM)
Under Threat of Being Dismantled
At USAGM, Foreign Service professionals support independent journalism and counter disinformation in some of the world’s most closed media environments. They help broadcast truthful, unbiased news that supports democratic values and freedom of expression.