In
most countries with which it has diplomatic relations, the
U.S. maintains an embassy, which usually is located in the
host country capital. The U.S. also may have consulates
in other large commercial centers or in dependencies of
the country. Several countries have U.S. ambassadors accredited
to them who are not resident in the country. In a few special
cases –such as when it does not have full diplomatic relations
with a country– the U.S. may be represented by only a U.S.
Liaison Office or U.S. Interests Section, which may be headed
by a Principal Officer rather than a Chief of Mission.
The Chief of Mission –with
the title of Ambassador, Minister, or Chargé d'Affaires– and
the Deputy Chief of Mission head the mission's "country
team" of U.S. Government personnel. Responsibilities
of Chiefs of Mission at post also include:
-
Speaking
with one voice to others on U.S. policy –and ensuring
mission staff do likewise– while providing to the President
and Secretary of State expert guidance and frank counsel;
-
Directing
and coordinating all executive branch offices and personnel
(except for those under the command of a U.S. area military
commander, under another chief of mission, or on the staff
of an international organization);
-
Cooperating
with the U.S. legislative and judicial branches so that
U.S. foreign policy goals are advanced; security is maintained;
and executive, legislative, and judicial responsibilities
are carried out;
-
Reviewing
communications to or from mission elements;
-
Taking
direct responsibility for the security of the mission –including
security from terrorism– and protecting all U.S. Government
personnel on official duty (other than those personnel
under the command of a U.S. area military commander) and
their dependents;
-
Carefully
using mission resources through regular reviews of programs,
personnel, and funding levels;
-
Reshaping
the mission to serve American interests and values and
to ensure that all executive branch agencies attached
to the mission do likewise;
-
Serving Americans
with professional excellence, the highest standards of
ethical conduct, and diplomatic discretion.
