United States Department Of State

Contents

1. Overview
2. Etymology
3. Cultural Impact

The United States Department of State , commonly known as the State Department (or DOS, for the uninitiated), is the executive department tasked with the rather unenviable job of managing the United States’ foreign policy and its rather tangled web of international relations. Think of it as the official mouthpiece, the global handshake, and sometimes, the much-needed shove on the international stage. It’s the American equivalent of a ministry of foreign affairs in other nations, though I doubt any of them carry the same peculiar brand of American exceptionalism.

Its primary directives involve whispering advice into the U.S. president ’s ear about the ever-shifting sands of international affairs, maintaining our sprawling network of diplomatic missions across the globe, attempting to forge agreements that usually benefit someone, somewhere, and, of course, dealing with the perennial task of protecting American citizens who’ve managed to get themselves into trouble abroad. It’s also the entity that represents the U.S. at the grand, often theatrical, circus known as the United Nations . The whole operation is housed in the rather imposing Harry S Truman Building , a stone’s throw from the White House in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. . This geographical proximity has led to “Foggy Bottom” becoming something of a shorthand, a metonym for the entire department, though I suspect the reality within those walls is far less foggy and considerably more… calculated.

Born in 1789, it holds the distinction of being the very first administrative arm of the U.S. executive branch . It’s a position that carries a certain weight, a certain prestige. It’s headed by the U.S. secretary of state , a figure who reports directly to the president and sits comfortably within the Cabinet . This secretary is essentially the nation’s chief diplomat, its primary representative on the world stage. They hold a significant place in the order of precedence and the presidential line of succession . As of January 20, 2025, that rather weighty role is filled by Marco Rubio , appointed by President Donald Trump and confirmed with a near-unanimous vote of 99–0 by the U.S. Senate . A testament, perhaps, to the unified front needed in such a volatile world, or maybe just a particularly quiet day in the Senate.

As of 2024, the State Department maintains an impressive 271 diplomatic posts worldwide, a number surpassed only by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China . It also oversees the U.S. Foreign Service , offering diplomatic training to those brave (or foolish) enough to enter the fray. The department plays a role in immigration , handles the issuance of passports and visas , issues those ever-so-helpful foreign travel advisories, and generally tries to grease the wheels of international commerce. It’s also the custodian of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR), the oldest U.S. civilian intelligence agency, and the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), its rather grimly named law enforcement arm.

History

Eighteenth Century

In the nascent days of the United States , under the Articles of Confederation , there wasn’t a distinct executive branch as we understand it today. Foreign affairs were handled by committees, a rather ad-hoc approach that eventually led to the establishment of the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1781, headed by a secretary. The U.S. Constitution , ratified in 1788, formally vested the president with the authority to conduct foreign relations. To operationalize this, the First Congress passed legislation on July 21, 1789, reestablishing the Department of Foreign Affairs. President George Washington signed it into law on July 27, thereby birthing the very first federal agency under the new constitutional framework. This foundational act remains the bedrock of the Department of State’s legal standing.

By September of that same year, further legislation saw the department’s name officially changed to the Department of State. It was also saddled with a rather eclectic mix of domestic duties: managing the United States Mint , safeguarding the Great Seal of the United States , and overseeing the census . President Washington signed this into law on September 15. Over time, most of these domestic responsibilities were absorbed by newly formed federal departments. However, the secretary of state retains a few curious vestiges of these early days, like the official custody of the Great Seal and the solemn duty of receiving a president’s or vice president’s written resignation.

In its infancy, the Department of State, under Secretary Jefferson, was a remarkably lean operation. It consisted of a mere six individuals, with diplomatic representation in just two cities: London and Paris, and ten consular posts. Jefferson himself described the Foreign Office as being managed by one clerk, with another handling the Home Office. Congress eventually authorized two chief clerks, but they were soon consolidated back into a single position. The responsibility for patents, curiously, was also transferred to the State Department in 1793, creating an office of superintendent of patents that wasn’t formally recognized by Congress until 1830. It’s a rather quaint picture, isn’t it? A department handling everything from foreign treaties to the minting of coins and the issuance of patents.

Nineteenth Century

Throughout the 19th century, the State Department’s responsibilities continued to evolve, though its structure remained somewhat fragmented. It was responsible for both consular services and the nascent Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) . These two arms, the diplomatic service and the consular service, operated with a degree of separation. The diplomatic service staffed U.S. legations and embassies, while the consular service focused on promoting American commerce abroad and assisting American citizens, particularly sailors, in distress. Neither service was particularly well-funded, which meant that appointments often went to those who could afford to serve, or to individuals appointed based on political connections rather than any demonstrable skill. This created a department that, by necessity, favored the well-connected and the affluent over the truly competent.

In 1833, Secretary of State Louis McLane attempted a significant reorganization, dividing the department into seven bureaus: the Diplomatic Bureau, the Consular Bureau, the Home Bureau, the Bureau of Archives, Laws, and Commissions, the Bureau of Pardons and Remissions, Copyrights, and the Care of the Library, the Disbursing and Superintending Bureau, and the Translating and Miscellaneous Bureau. His successor, John Forsyth , quickly reduced this to four, all overseen by a chief clerk: the Diplomatic Bureau, the Consular Bureau, the Home Bureau, and the Keeper of the Archives, Translator, and Disbursing Agent. It seems the bureaucracy couldn’t quite settle on a stable structure.

A significant development occurred in 1836 with the creation of the office of Commissioner of Patents. By 1842, the department was tasked with reporting on foreign commercial systems to Congress, leading to the establishment of a clerk dedicated to this task, who later became the Superintendent of Statistics in 1854, with a Statistical Office created within the department. The office of Assistant Secretary of State was established in 1853, intended to provide oversight for the heads of each bureau.

Between 1864 and 1868, there was a Commissioner of Immigration. An Examiner of Claims was established in 1868 to handle claims from American citizens against foreign governments, but it was abolished and then reinstated in 1870 as part of a newly formed Law Bureau. Secretary of State Hamilton Fish undertook another reorganization in 1870, creating twelve bureaus: the Chief Clerk’s Bureau, two Diplomatic Bureaus, two Consular Bureaus, the Law Bureau, the Bureau of Accounts, the Statistical Bureau, the Bureau of Translations, the Bureau of Pardons and Commissions, the Bureau of Domestic Records, and the Passport Bureau. Notably, the bureaus for law, translations, and domestic records each consisted of a single individual. A mail division was added in 1872, and the office of Keeper of Rolls became independent in 1873.

Congress finally provided official recognition and salaries for some of these bureau positions in 1873, and subsequent acts between 1874 and 1882 further refined the structure. By the close of the century, the department comprised the Chief Clerk’s Bureau, the Diplomatic Bureau, the Consular Bureau, the Bureau of Accounts, the Bureau of Foreign Commerce, the Bureau of Appointments, and the Bureau of Archives, with other offices like that of the translator operating somewhat independently.

Twentieth Century

The dawn of the 20th century brought significant changes and a degree of specialization. In 1903, the Bureau of Foreign Commerce was transferred to the newly established Department of Commerce and Labor , with a replacement office created within State to facilitate information exchange. The Passport Bureau was reinstated the same year and renamed the Bureau of Citizenship in 1907. A more substantial reform occurred in 1909 with increased congressional funding, leading to the establishment of separate divisions for Latin American Affairs, Far Eastern Affairs, Near Eastern Affairs, Western European Affairs, and Information. A Division of Mexican Affairs was added in 1915. The Bureau of Trade Relations was dissolved in 1912, replaced by an Office of Foreign Trade Advisers, from which the Office of the Adviser on Commercial Treaties was split in 1916.

During World War I , the Bureau of Citizenship took on the critical task of vetting all individuals entering and exiting the United States, establishing new branches in New York and San Francisco. In the war’s final months, it was divided into the Division of Passport Control and the Visa Office. The Division of Information was transformed into the Division of Foreign Intelligence in 1917, and a Correspondence Bureau was established in 1918. The Division of Russian Affairs emerged in 1919, followed by the Division of Political Information in 1920.

The Rogers Act of 1924 represented a landmark overhaul, merging the disparate diplomatic and consular services into a unified Foreign Service . This created a professionalized personnel system, empowering the secretary of state to assign diplomats globally. The act also introduced a rigorous Foreign Service examination to ensure qualified recruits and established a merit-based promotion system. Furthermore, it created the Board of the Foreign Service to advise the Secretary on management and the Board of Examiners to administer the crucial examination process.

The post-World War II era witnessed an exponential increase in both funding and personnel, a direct consequence of the U.S.’s ascent to superpower status and its ensuing rivalry with the Soviet Union during the Cold War . The department’s workforce, which stood at roughly 2,000 employees in 1940, swelled to over 13,000 by 1960.

In 1984, the State Department established the Rewards for Justice program as part of the Act to Combat International Terrorism. This program offers financial incentives for information leading to the arrest of leaders and financiers of terrorist groups , essentially incentivizing citizens to report on individuals involved in planning terror attacks .

A notable milestone occurred in 1997 when Madeleine Albright became the first woman appointed as Secretary of State, also marking her as the first foreign-born woman to hold a Cabinet position.

Present

The turn of the millennium saw the department actively engaging with the digital age. In 2007, it launched its official blog, Dipnote , and a corresponding Twitter account to foster global engagement. Internally, it introduced Diplopedia , a wiki for internal knowledge sharing, the Sounding Board suggestion forum, and a professional networking platform called “Corridor.” The Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) was established in May 2009, offering remote internship opportunities to students. By 2009, the State Department was recognized as the fourth most desirable employer for undergraduates, according to BusinessWeek .

Between 2009 and 2017, the department spearheaded the “21st Century Statecraft” initiative. Its stated aim was to “complement traditional foreign policy tools with newly innovated and adapted instruments of statecraft that fully leverage the technologies of our interconnected world.” This initiative focused on utilizing digital technology and the internet to advance foreign policy objectives, including an SMS campaign for disaster relief in Pakistan and efforts to assist Libya in developing its internet infrastructure and e-government capabilities.

Colin Powell , who led the department from 2001 to 2005, holds the distinction of being the first African-American to serve as Secretary of State. His successor, Condoleezza Rice , was the second female secretary of state and the second African-American to hold the position. Hillary Clinton followed as the third female secretary of state in 2009.

In 2014, the State Department began an expansion into the Navy Hill Complex, directly across 23rd Street NW from the Truman Building. This ambitious project involved the renovation of buildings on the 11.8-acre (4.8 ha) Navy Hill campus, a site that once housed the World War II headquarters of the Office of Strategic Services and later served as the initial headquarters for the Central Intelligence Agency .

A significant recent development was the launch of the Minerals Security Partnership in June 2022, a new transnational association aimed at addressing critical minerals supply chains.

On August 28, 2025, the State Department announced a new policy mandating the National Visa Center to schedule routine immigrant visa interviews at all overseas U.S. embassies and consulates for eligible immigrant visa applicants, including parents of U.S. citizens residing abroad who have met all documentary requirements. This policy was set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Executive Branch and Congress share constitutional responsibilities for U.S. foreign policy. Within the Executive Branch, the Department of State stands as the principal foreign affairs agency, with the secretary of state serving as the president’s primary advisor on international matters. The department is instrumental in shaping and implementing the president’s foreign policy agenda, aiming to advance U.S. objectives and interests globally. It also provides a wide spectrum of essential services to U.S. citizens abroad and to foreign nationals seeking entry or residency in the United States.

The vast majority of foreign affairs activities, from U.S. representation abroad and foreign assistance programs to counter-international crime efforts and foreign military training programs, are financed through the foreign affairs budget. This budget, however, represents a surprisingly small fraction of the total federal budget, typically a little over 1%.

The department’s fundamental duties and responsibilities encompass:

Protecting and assisting U.S. citizens who are living or traveling abroad. This can range from offering guidance during crises to assisting with lost passports.
Supporting American businesses operating in the international marketplace, facilitating trade and investment.
Coordinating and supporting the international activities of other U.S. government agencies, managing official visits, both incoming and outgoing, and generally facilitating diplomatic efforts.
Informing the public about U.S. foreign policy and its relationships with other nations, while also relaying public sentiment back to government officials.
Administering automobile registration for vehicles belonging to non-diplomatic staff and foreign diplomats who possess diplomatic immunity within the United States. This is a rather mundane, yet necessary, administrative function.

The Department of State carries out these diverse responsibilities through a predominantly civilian workforce, typically utilizing the Foreign Service personnel system for overseas assignments. Employees are stationed at diplomatic missions worldwide to represent the United States, analyze and report on global political, economic, and social trends, adjudicate visa applications, and respond to the needs of U.S. citizens abroad.

The U.S. maintains formal diplomatic relations with approximately 180 countries and engages with numerous international organizations, operating a total of 273 posts globally. Domestically, approximately 5,000 professional, technical, and administrative employees work to compile and analyze reports from overseas posts, provide logistical support, communicate with the American public, formulate and oversee budgets, and issue crucial travel warnings . In performing these duties, the Department of State collaborates closely with other federal agencies, including the departments of Defense, Treasury, and Commerce. Furthermore, it maintains ongoing consultations with Congress regarding foreign policy initiatives and strategies.

Organization

The organizational structure of the U.S. Department of State is a complex hierarchy designed to manage its vast array of responsibilities.

Secretary of State and Leadership Structure

At the apex of the Department is the Secretary of State . This individual serves as the chief executive officer of the department and is a member of the Cabinet , reporting directly to and advising the president of the United States . The Secretary is responsible for the overall organization and supervision of the entire department and its personnel.

Directly subordinate to the Secretary are the Deputy Secretary of State and the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources . These are the second and third highest-ranking officials, respectively. Below them are six Under Secretaries of State , each responsible for a specific policy area or administrative function, overseeing multiple bureaus and offices. Each of these bureaus or offices is led by a senior official, typically an Assistant Secretary of State , though some hold different titles such as Director or Ambassador-at-Large . The tier below the Assistant Secretaries consists of numerous Deputy Assistant Secretaries. Staff below this rank are generally considered “working level” personnel.

All officials from the Secretary down to the Assistant Secretaries are nominated by the President and must be confirmed by the Senate. This process ensures a degree of political accountability and oversight for these key leadership positions.

Staff

As indicated by the Department of State’s website during the Obama administration, its workforce of approximately 75,547 employees comprised 13,855 Foreign Service Officers, 49,734 locally employed staff primarily serving overseas, and 10,171 Civil Service employees, largely based domestically. This diverse workforce reflects the global reach and multifaceted nature of the department’s operations.

The organizational chart of the U.S. Department of State, as of May 2024, illustrates a complex structure with numerous bureaus and offices reporting to various Under Secretaries. Key entities include the Bureau of Intelligence and Research , the Bureau of Legislative Affairs , the Office of the Legal Adviser , and the Policy Planning Staff . The Deputy Secretary of State oversees bureaus such as African Affairs , East Asian and Pacific Affairs , and European and Eurasian Affairs , among others. The Under Secretary of State for Management supervises critical functions like the Bureau of Administration , Bureau of Consular Affairs , and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security , which includes the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) . The Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment oversees bureaus focused on economic and environmental issues, while the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs manages initiatives related to cultural exchange and public outreach, including the renowned Fulbright Program . The Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs leads efforts in nonproliferation and political-military affairs, and the Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs and Religious Freedom oversees bureaus focused on democracy, human rights, and humanitarian aid.

Other significant entities reporting directly to the Secretary include the Chief of Staff , the Office of the Counselor , and the Executive Secretariat .

Other Agencies

Since a reorganization in 1996, the Administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), while leading an independent agency, also reports to the secretary of state. Similarly, the US Ambassador to the United Nations operates under this reporting structure.

Headquarters

The Department of State’s headquarters has a history of frequent relocations, reflecting the early itinerant nature of the U.S. capital. From 1790 to 1800, it was based in Philadelphia , then the national capital, occupying a building at Church and Fifth Street. Upon the government’s move to Washington, D.C. in 1800, the department briefly occupied the Treasury Building and later the Seven Buildings at 19th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Over the ensuing decades, the department moved through various buildings in the capital: six buildings in September 1800, the War Office Building west of the White House the following May, the Treasury Building again from September 1819 to November 1866, the Washington City Orphan Home from November 1866 to July 1875, and finally the State, War, and Navy Building in 1875.

Since May 1947, the Department of State has been located in the Harry S. Truman Building . Originally constructed to house the Department of Defense, it has undergone numerous expansions and renovations, with the most recent occurring in 2016. This building, formerly known as the “Main State Building,” was renamed in September 2000 in honor of President Harry S. Truman , a staunch advocate for internationalism and diplomacy. The department’s location in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood has led to the area being frequently used as a metonym for the State Department itself.

Programs

The State Department administers a wide array of programs aimed at fostering international understanding, promoting American values, and addressing global challenges.

Professional Fellows

The Professional Exchange Fellows program, initiated in recent years, selects individuals who have achieved professional prominence in their respective fields. These fellows are chosen by U.S. Embassies worldwide and spend time in the United States, engaging with their American colleagues, leaders, and counterparts. Notable alumni include Edmond Fernandes and Anoka Abeyratne .

Fulbright Program

The Fulbright Program , a cornerstone of international educational exchange, was founded by U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946. It offers competitive, merit-based grants for students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists, and artists to study, conduct research, or share their talents internationally. The program aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Annually, the Fulbright Program facilitates approximately 8,000 grants. In the 2015–16 cycle, American applicants had a success rate of 17% for research grants and 24% for English Teaching Assistance grants, though these figures vary significantly by country and grant type. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the State Department sponsors the program, with additional support from partner governments, corporations, and host institutions. Administered by organizations like the Institute of International Education , the program operates in over 160 countries, with bi-national Fulbright Commissions managing it in 49 nations. Since its inception, over 360,000 individuals have participated. Remarkably, 54 Fulbright alumni have gone on to win Nobel Prizes , and 82 have received Pulitzer Prizes .

National Security Language Initiative

The [National Security Language Initiative (NSLI-Y)](https://www.nslif Y.org/) is a scholarship program administered by the State Department’s ECA . It targets American high school students, aiming to develop their proficiency in eight critical-need languages: Korean , Mandarin , Russian , Arabic , Hindi , Bahasa Indonesian , Tajiki , and Turkish . These languages are offered through summer and academic year programs, as well as online courses.

Jefferson Science Fellows Program

Established in 2003, the Jefferson Science Fellows Program was designed to create a new avenue for engaging the American academic community in science, technology, engineering, and medicine with the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy. Fellows receive a stipend of around $50,000 and potential bonuses, gaining insight into the operational intricacies of the Department of State and USAID. The application process begins in August and takes approximately a year to complete, with selections based on a combination of intelligence, writing skills, and overall suitability.

Franklin Fellows Program

The Franklin Fellows Program, launched in 2006, aims to bring mid-level executives from the private sector and non-profit organizations into the department to advise on projects and contribute their expertise. Fellows may also engage with other government entities, including Congress , the White House , and various executive branch agencies. Named in honor of Benjamin Franklin , the program seeks to enrich the department’s capabilities by attracting experienced professionals. Unlike the Jefferson Program, Franklin Fellowships are typically year-long volunteer positions, though sponsor support is possible. Assignments are determined by national priorities, the candidate’s seniority, and their personal interests.

Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI)

Launched by President Barack Obama in Manila in December 2013, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is a U.S. Department of State program designed for emerging leaders from Southeast Asia . It targets individuals aged 18 to 35 from the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Timor Leste , focusing on leadership development, networking, and cultural exchange. YSEALI offers competitive fellowship programs in the United States , regional workshops, and seed grant funding. The initiative’s core themes include civic engagement , sustainable development , economic development , governance , and the environment . Notable YSEALI alumni include Vico Sotto , Syed Saddiq , Carrie Tan , and Lee Chean Chung .

Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is a State Department program for emerging young leaders in Africa . Initiated by President Obama in 2010, it promotes education and networking through the Mandela Washington Fellowship, which brings participants to the United States for six weeks of study, followed by ongoing resources and exchange programs. In 2014, YALI expanded to include four regional “leadership centers” in Ghana , Kenya , Senegal , and South Africa .

KL-YES Program

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (KL-YES) program, established in 2002, fosters educational and cultural exchange between the United States and countries with significant Muslim populations. It provides high school students with the opportunity to study in the U.S. for an academic year, promoting cultural understanding and leadership skills. The program involves a selective process, pre-departure orientations, academic coursework, cultural activities , and community service . The reciprocal YES Abroad program allows American students to study in participating countries, with both initiatives aiming to build global connections.

Alumni TIES

Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) are sponsored by the State Department exclusively for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. These seminars offer alumni opportunities to learn about key regional issues, receive training, collaborate with peers, and apply for small grants to implement projects in their home communities. An example was an Alumni TIES event hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Thailand focusing on public health and the climate crisis.

Diplomats in Residence

Diplomats in Residence are career Foreign Service officers and specialists strategically located across the U.S. They provide guidance and advice on careers, internships, and fellowships to students and professionals in their respective regions, with 16 such officers serving in population-based regions nationwide.

Global Health Security

The State Department plays a crucial role in supporting global health initiatives through its Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy. This bureau is the primary entity responsible for the department’s global health programs, including significant contributions to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief . The bureau has set an ambitious goal to ameliorate the HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030. A recent initiative, the Foreign Ministry Channel, was launched to enhance global health communication and coordinated response, enabling foreign ministries to focus diplomatic attention on critical global health security issues.

Military Components

While primarily a civilian agency, the State Department integrates certain military capabilities to support its missions.

Department of State Air Wing

Established in 1978, the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) created an office to utilize surplus military and government aircraft for counter-narcotics operations in foreign countries. Initially using a crop duster for eradication efforts in Mexico, the separate Air Wing was formally established in 1986 as aviation support became more critical in the war on drugs. Following the September 11 attacks and the subsequent war on terror , the Air Wing expanded its operations beyond anti-narcotics to provide security support for U.S. personnel and interests, particularly in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This necessitated the acquisition of larger aircraft, including Sikorsky S-61 , Boeing Vertol CH-46 , Beechcraft King Air , and de Havilland DHC-8-300 models. By 2011, the Air Wing operated over 230 aircraft globally, with counter-narcotics and transportation of state officials remaining its primary missions.

Naval Support Unit: Department of State

In 1964, during the height of the Cold War , Seabees were assigned to the State Department following the discovery of listening devices in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow . This initial unit, “Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR, Detachment November,” was tasked with counter-surveillance. This led to the formation of the Naval Support Unit in 1966, which was made permanent two years later. In 1986, reciprocal expulsions between Washington and Moscow prompted the deployment of Seabees to Moscow and Leningrad to assist in maintaining embassy and consulate operations.

The Support Unit maintains a limited number of specialized billets for non-commissioned officers (E-5 and above). These Seabees are attached to the Department of State and work closely with Diplomatic Security . Their duties include installing and maintaining alarm systems , CCTV cameras , electromagnetic locks , and securing compounds. They also assist in security engineering tasks, such as electronic counter-intelligence sweeps of embassies, and oversee new construction or renovations in sensitive areas. Due to diplomatic protocols, these Seabees often wear civilian attire while on duty and receive a supplemental clothing allowance. Records from 1985 indicate that diplomatic security employed 800 personnel, supported by 1,200 U.S. Marines and 115 Seabees, a number that has remained relatively consistent.

Army Reserve Counter Terrorism Unit

Headquartered near the Harry S. Truman Building, the Army Reserve Counter Terrorism Unit (ARCTU) is a component of the U.S. Army Reserve . While funded and staffed by the Military Intelligence Readiness Command , it operates under the operational control of the Bureau of Counterterrorism . ARCTU is also a senior member of Diplomatic Security’s Foreign Emergency Support Team , which responds to global crises on short notice. Details about this unit are scarce, but like other military personnel assigned to the State Department, they often wear civilian clothing.

Expenditures

In Fiscal Year 2010, the Department of State, in conjunction with “Other International Programs” (such as USAID ), had a combined projected discretionary budget of $51.7 billion. The United States Federal Budget for Fiscal Year 2010 , titled ‘A New Era of Responsibility,’ emphasized transparency in the budget for the Department of State. The end-of-year FY 2010 Agency Financial Report for the Department of State, approved by Secretary Clinton in November 2010, documented actual total costs of $27.4 billion for the year. Revenues of $6.0 billion, of which $2.8 billion were generated through consular and management services, reduced the total net cost to $21.4 billion. The breakdown of program costs included: ‘Achieving Peace and Security’ ($7.0 billion); ‘Governing Justly and Democratically’ ($0.9 billion); ‘Investing in People’ ($4.6 billion); ‘Promoting Economic Growth and Prosperity’ ($1.5 billion); ‘Providing Humanitarian Assistance’ ($1.8 billion); ‘Promoting International Understanding’ ($2.7 billion); ‘Strengthening Consular and Management Capabilities’ ($4.0 billion); and ‘Executive Direction and Other Costs Not Assigned’ ($4.2 billion).

Audit of Expenditures

The Department of State’s independent auditors are Kearney & Company . Since FY 2009, when Kearney & Company issued a qualified audit opinion citing material financial reporting weaknesses, the Department of State has restated its 2009 financial statements in 2010. In its FY 2010 audit report, Kearney & Company provided an unqualified audit opinion but noted significant deficiencies in internal controls related to financial reporting and budgetary accounting, as well as compliance with various financial management and accounting requirements. The Department’s Chief Financial Officer acknowledged these findings, stating that the department is “committed to financial integrity, transparency, and accountability that is the equal of any large multi-national corporation.”

Central Foreign Policy File

Since 1973, the primary record-keeping system for the Department of State has been the Central Foreign Policy File. This comprehensive collection includes copies of official telegrams, airgrams , reports, memorandums, correspondence, diplomatic notes, and other documents pertinent to foreign relations. Over one million records from the period of 1973 to 1979 are accessible online through the National Archives and Records Administration .

Freedom of Information Act Processing Performance

A 2015 analysis by the Center for Effective Government of 15 federal agencies with the highest volume of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests revealed the State Department as the lowest performer, receiving an “F” grade with a score of 37 out of 100, unchanged from the previous year. The department’s particularly low score was attributed to an exceptionally poor processing performance, scoring only 23 percent, a figure significantly below that of any other agency.

Notes

For a brief period, during a yellow fever epidemic, the department was temporarily located in the New Jersey State House in Trenton, New Jersey .
Except for a period between September 1814 and April 1816, when it occupied a structure at G and 18th Streets NW while the Treasury Building underwent repairs.