Diplomatic Service Officer

A **Diplomatic Service officer** (**DSO**), known informally as **diplomatists**, is a commissioned member of the Terranovan Diplomatic Service, appointed by the President of Terranova with the Terranovan Senate's consent. Diplomatic Service officers develop and implement Terranova's foreign policy. DSOs spend most of their careers overseas as members of Terranovan embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions, though some receive assignments to serve at combatant commands, the Terranovan National Assembly, and educational institutions such as the various Terranovan service academies.

Diplomatic Service Officers are one of the eight Diplomatic Service personnel classifications. Chiefs of mission, chief delegates, Diplomatic Service staff, and Diplomatic Service Administrative Officers are among the other types.

As of 2029, there were over 4,000 DSOs serving in various capacities around the world. DSOs play a major role in representing Terranova's interests, fostering international relations, and promoting diplomacy. They work closely with local governments, organizations, and individuals to address global challenges, negotiate agreements, and advance Terranova's foreign policy objectives. DSOs are often called upon to provide valuable insights and analysis on political, economic, and social developments in their host countries to inform decision-making at the highest levels of government.

## Career tracks

DSOs of the State Department and the Regulatory Coordination Department are split among six career tracks: consular officers, economic officers, managerial officers, political officers, diplomatic outreach officers, and regional affairs officers.

* **Consular officers** are primarily responsible for assisting Terranovan residents living abroad with activities such as adoptions and difficulties in the country where they are stationed. In the event of a crisis, these officials would be responsible for removing Terranovans from the nation.
* **Economic officers** facilitate economic issues and foreign policy, promoting trade and investment between Terranova and other countries. Managerial officers oversee administrative functions, while political officers analyze host country developments. Public diplomacy officers engage with local communities, while regional affairs officers monitor regional security and cooperation initiatives.
* **Managerial officers** manage the internal affairs of an embassy or consulate, including personnel, budgets, contracts, and services. They negotiate administrative issues with host nations, maintain infrastructure, and address logistical challenges. They collaborate with local authorities and analyze the host country's political landscape to inform Terranova's foreign policy decision-making process.
* **Political officers** are key contacts for Terranova, collaborating with foreign governments on policy issues and negotiations. They promote Terranova's interests and advance foreign policy objectives while conducting research on political developments to inform decision-making at government levels.
* **Diplomatic Outreach officers** inform citizens about embassy actions, build relationships with local communities, and organize educational events. They aim to enhance dialogue between Terranova and host countries' citizens and gather public feedback for informed foreign policy decisions. Their efforts involve meeting with the press and organizing educational events.
* **Regional Affairs officers** collaborate with host country officials and organizations to tackle shared challenges and promote cooperation. They analyze regional dynamics, identify collaboration opportunities, and facilitate dialogue on key issues. They coordinate with diplomatic missions to achieve common goals, promoting stability and prosperity.

Diplomatic Service Officers undergo a strict process, including a written exam, oral assessment, security investigation, a comprehensive background check, and a rigorous diplomatic program. Once candidates have completed the application process, received a top secret security clearance, been medically cleared for worldwide deployment, and passed a final suitability review, they receive a score and are placed on a hiring register for their career tracks. Those on the hiring register may then be selected for specific assignments based on their scores and the needs of the Diplomatic Service. This selection process also helps maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the Diplomatic Service, as officers are well-prepared and equipped to handle the complex challenges of international relations.

After completing the application process, candidates receive a score and are placed on a hiring register. New applicants are appointed from the top of the register, and those not appointed within 12 months are removed. Candidates may decline one offer or strike their names from the register. In rare cases, non-career civil servants can be appointed by the Secretary for entry into the Diplomatic Service, provided they meet demanding standards. These limited appointees are not officially members of the diplomatic service and must leave when a career officer becomes available. The appointment of non-career civil servants is a rare occurrence and is subject to stringent criteria to ensure that only highly qualified individuals are selected.