They are members of the United States Foreign Service who provide important technical, support or administrative services in 19 career categories, including Diplomatic Security Agents, Doctors and Physician Assistants, Diplomatic Technology Officers, Office Management Specialists, Human Resource Specialists.
They serve in over 290 Embassies or Consulates abroad, Washington, D.C. or other locations in the continental United States.
FSSs, on the other hand, do not hold commissions and are considered support staff that enable the conduct of diplomacy.
All serve in a series of overseas assignments at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world for much of their careers, with some domestic postings in Washington, D.C. or other locations in the continental United States.
[2] The selection processes for Specialists and Officers differ, although all include an Oral Assessment, medical and security clearances and a suitability review.
Limited Noncareer appointees are not officially part of the Foreign Service and must leave anytime a career person becomes available for their positions.