II.

Organization

The personnel of the Foreign Service is divided into two groups. The Foreign Service Officer Corps, composed of the chief U.S. diplomatic and consular personnel abroad, includes ambassadors; ministers; counselors of embassy; attachés for science, labor, commerce, and agriculture; first, second, and third secretaries; and consuls general, consuls, and vice-consuls. The second group includes personnel with specialized occupations such as scientists, engineers, communications specialists, security officers, and clerical staff.

Applicants to the Foreign Service Officer Corps must be U.S. citizens. They must pass written, oral, security, and physical examinations and be confirmed in their appointment by the Senate.