Tradecraft > The Deputy's Checklist
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For us apprentices, a DCMship (Deputy Chief of Mission, or Deputy Ambassador) is a top job many of us shoot for and, if attained, offers a chance to lead a team while representing our country overseas. Below is a checklist we compiled based on input from the board and from legends that lists the skills and experiences an apprentice diplomat should aim to develop as they build their career and head for a DCM position. The challenge is that many of the skills needed are hard to practice so hope identifying some of the most important will help you chart a path to success as a DCM.
Keep Calm, Keep Safe: In crisis, the DCM is responsible for the team and responsible to keep everyone focused on safety for themselves and for Americans that could be affected by a particular crisis (terror attack, plane crash, weather event, etc). Be ready to calmly assume command immediately and conspicuously. Some, even experienced officers, may not have dealt with a crisis; people react differently to stress. Therefore, the DCM should grab control of communications, planning, AmCit/mission safety, chart next steps—ASAP, through the Emergency Action Committee, reporting to DC and connection to Ops. Your clear and calm action could and should lead the entire team to respond professionally.
Care of Staff: Be ready to invest in the team—BBQ/breakfasts/mentoring—this can/should take a lot of time so figure out how to do so according to your skills, availability and the culture at post.
Press: Some DCMships come w an inexperienced press team. Even if not the case, huge help to have had some exposure to press—pay attention to statements, interviews, social media, etc as every word matters and when you are DCM, it is often you who determines our public stance on policy.
Dealing with DC: Hugely important; work on a related desk or in the bureau is invaluable preparation.
Managing Up: Always key; can be especially challenging so take time to prepare by seeking advice from DCMs who have worked for career and political ambassadors alike.
Quasi DCMships: DPO, APP and similar jobs allow you opportunities to develop the skills needed as DCM without requiring a passage through the D committee. Note—good practice, but no dcm training comes with these jobs so make an extra effort to prepare yourself.
Serve in Tough Places: Beyond the fair share requirements, with thousands of officers serving solo and/or dangerous tours, a credible leader and mentor should have served in a tough and/or solo posting.
Multiple Bureaus: One of the key tasks for a DCM is to recruit good people and to help your team find good onward assignments. Experience in multiple bureaus and in DC is critical to being good at this key component of the job.
Multiple Cones: Serving in different cones or at least an IROG position (or POLAD or other non-traditional assignment) helps give credibility and experience to management of a variety of cones and team members from various agencies. Goal should be that your team sees you as “coneless” or equally adept at managing and mentoring team members no matter whether they are generalists, specialists, political or econ, or from another agency.
Management of Resources: HR and money—there is more time spent on HR issues and money than expected. Find time to get training, discuss how to deal with tough HR issues, how to find money for representation, travel, OBO, etc
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