Understanding Your Job

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Diplomatic Security is arguably the most diverse and unconventional organization in the federal government (and perhaps outside the government as well). The organization is dynamic and the environment in which it operates fluid and often times uncertain, if not hostile. Whether you are an FMA RSO OMS, a PSC HQ budget analyst, GS logistician, or a TPC instructor at DSTC (or any other FS, GS, PSC, or TPC skill code), your work—and impact—fits neatly into a strategic framework to advance US foreign policy. As such, it is imperative that you see your work in that context.

The basis for understanding the importance, context, and impact of one’s work is rooted in the organization’s mission, values, priorities, and objectives. This information is articulated in our strategic documents; the DS Functional Bureau Strategy (FBS), for ARSO-Is CA’s FBS, for those serving abroad an embassy’s Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) and the regional bureau’s Joint Regional Strategy (JRS), and for anyone working on global issues a myriad of other bureaus’ FBSes (all available at the click of a mouse on Open Net).

At the onset of each rating period—and no less than once per year—review these strategic plans and see how your work enables those objectives. If you feel that it is impossible to do at your level, nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, the promotion panels emphatically shatter this myth as underscored by the excerpt from 19 State 28528;

"Some argue that employees encumbering certain positions have a tougher time making the link to State’s policy goals than others. Not true! A few examples of the kinds of deliverables you can mention: how an OMS facilitates the Ambassador’s implementation of the President’s agenda; how the distribution of funds supports the Mission’s policy and outreach agenda; how a Political Officer reporting a local election over which she has no control can impact decisions in Washington; and how DS ensures that the Mission has a safe and secure platform on which to work."

But it is not enough to just understand how DS enables these strategic objectives; it is paramount that DS personnel shape policy and outcomes by breaking the traditional mold of our roles. Virtually every geo-political and socio-economic policy issue has a law enforcement and/or security nexus, making our opportunities to drive foreign policy boundless. Whether it is shaping the future of our workforce by serving on a Board of Examiners (BEX) panel or the Diversity Working Group (DWG), developing and implementing methods for the organization to operate more efficiently, or leading efforts to combat Trafficking in Persons, building host nation capacity, or enhancing bilateral collaboration on cyber security, you must be unique, break new ground, and demonstrate how DS is a capable partner in enabling and advancing US foreign policy.

Strategic Work

Wildlife Trafficking

The importance of getting engaged on strategic issues and working outside the day-day parameters of your jobs can not be over-stated. The link below is to a January 2017 Security Management article on wildlife trafficking. It references State several times. This is just one of countless examples of how you as a DS agent can get involved in what on the surface likely falls into a POL and/or USAID portfolio, but has LE aspects (perhaps more so than POL/USAID). While this is easier to do overseas, it can also be done domestically. Be innovative and look for opportunities like this to redefine what DS is and what it brings to the table.

Link To Article

Corruption

This June, 2016 edition of the FSJ focuses on corruption and State efforts/strategies to combat it. Unfortunately (but not surprisingly) DS is noticeably absent from the three featured articles. This can be attributed to two main causes; first, it is likely that many DS types are not involving themselves in such work and/or secondly, that the few which are involved are not being recognized for it. This is a perfect example of a strategic issue/priority that RSOs should be involved with. It has predominant law enforcement and security aspects to it. In fact, other offices should be seeking RSO involvement if they are to address this issue comprehensively and effectively. This is yet another avenue for DS to elevate our career field, professionally develop themselves, and demonstrate to the rest of the FS its versatility. If you are in an overseas role, ask your supervisor if you can be the office lead on corruption. Ask to join working groups and/or initiatives by other sections to address corruption issues. Partner with the resident or regional LEGATT to bring in an FCPA specialist to train law enforcement and brief the business community (AmCham/OSAC). Tie in your ILEA (anti-corruption) courses to the larger (Mission) anti-corruption strategies/goals. Ensure you leverage the PD angle for any work you do.

Link To Article

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

FCPA is a huge issue in business today and something DS agents should be familiar with. One of the unique aspects of the OSAC program is that it opens the door for agents to do events and work on issues across the wide spectrum of security and law enforcement. The FBI investigates FCPA violations and has experts that your OSAC Country Council can leverage (partnering with your LEGATT). Below is a link to an article about an FCPA investigation into the ride-share company Uber.

These are just some of the issues businesses are eager to learn about, areas in which you can add value and demonstrate the breadth of agent capabilities, work collaboratively with the IA and Country Team, and create great input for your EERs.

Business Continuity

Product Counterfeiting

Brand Protection

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

Supply Chain Security

Fraud

Asset Protection/Loss Prevention

Personnel Security and Pre-employment Screening

Workplace Violence

Competitive Intelligence

Corporate Espionage

Insider Threats

Risk Management

Cyber Security

Travel Security Management

Due Diligence

Political Risk

Human Trafficking

Link To Article

Law Enforcement As an Instrument of National Power

In this article, retired SSA Ronnie Catipon articulates the unique strategic role DS plays in foreign policy. It gives great context for those seeking to understand how their daily works enables strategic objectives.

Link To Article

Projecting the DS Brand

Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs)

Outreach & Recruiting (Formal and Informal) - Coming Soon

The OSPA is a little known (but growing) body recognizing security professionals and organizations for outstanding performance. These awards provide yet another avenue for DS employees and teams to be recognized for their unique and exceptional work. Nominations also project the DS brand, mission, and accomplishments, educating others about our critical role in foreign policy and national security. Consider nominating an individual and/or team. Award categories include:

Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director
Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director
Outstanding Security Team
Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding)
Outstanding Security Consultant
Outstanding Security Training Initiative
Outstanding New Security Product
Outstanding Customer Service Initiative
Outstanding Information Security Company
Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer
Outstanding Security Officer
Outstanding Young Security Professional
Lifetime Achievement Award

Find out more

Outreach & Recruiting (Formal and Informal) - Coming Soon

WHY THE MAJORITY IS ALWAYS WRONG

If you do what everyone else is doing, you're not distinguishing yourself and you're probably stuck...This is what we know. We know that 3% of people are able to achieve extraordinary results and each of you can become one of those 3% by deciding as of today to break industry standards and to break your industry norms. The alternative is of course is that you become part of the 97% who in the end works for those 3%. And as of today, that choice is completely yours.

Articles of Interest

Be Unique & Challenge the Status Quo - Miracle!

Twelve Indicators of Successful Security Programs

When we are not constrained by other's thinking and actions, and when we challenge conventional wisdom, we can accomplish what others cannot.

LinkedIn Article

Twelve Indicators of Successful Security Programs

This Security Executive Council (SEC) article illuminates 12 common traits of successful security programs. These traits can be used as tenets for DS programs, domestic or abroad, security or law enforcement.

Often times suggesting the application of private or non-profit sector concepts and/or practices for government—law enforcement in particular—is met with resistance and unfortunately dismissed without consideration. Criticisms include assertions that these principles cannot be applied to government programs because the mission, systems, goals, and/or cultures are too different. One of the greatest contentions is that security, and especially law enforcement, should not adopt or exercise a “business” approach to their fields.

Such a mindset is inaccurate and antiquated. One of the greatest friction points is that law enforcement does not have “customers.” This perception is naïve at best. Every organization serves a greater purpose and its products and services therefore serve a “customer.” However unobvious it may be, even local police departments exercise a business approach to policing, providing a service to their community (their customers) who pay taxes (fee for service), leveraging marketing through community outreach and public relations, and aligning its goals with that of the community to enable strategic objectives such as community growth through investment and development.

The concepts in this article have never been so important for an organization like DS. As foreign policy rapidly evolves and changes, it is paramount that the security and law enforcement component inform, influence, and shape this change to assure the maximum efficiency and effectiveness of US policy.

Whether you are a STS delivering technical services at overseas posts, a domestic-based resource manager, an intelligence analyst, a logistician, or a special agent conducting investigations (or any other job skill), leverage these concepts to improve and advance your programs.

Link To SEC Article

Understanding Your Job

Strategic Work

Wildlife Trafficking

Corruption

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

Law Enforcement As an Instrument of National Power

Projecting the DS Brand

Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs)

Outreach & Recruiting (Formal and Informal) - Coming Soon

Outreach & Recruiting (Formal and Informal) - Coming Soon

Outreach & Recruiting (Formal and Informal) - Coming Soon

Outreach & Recruiting (Formal and Informal) - Coming Soon

Outreach & Recruiting (Formal and Informal) - Coming Soon

WHY THE MAJORITY IS ALWAYS WRONG

Articles of Interest

Be Unique & Challenge the Status Quo - Miracle!

Twelve Indicators of Successful Security Programs

Twelve Indicators of Successful Security Programs

Twelve Indicators of Successful Security Programs

Twelve Indicators of Successful Security Programs

Twelve Indicators of Successful Security Programs

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