To the editor:
As a retired foreign service officer with 31 years of experience both in Washington and abroad, I share the concerns of many about the intention of President Trump and Secretary of State Tillerson to slash the budgets of the foreign affairs agencies.
But since my retirement from active duty, I have been appalled at the staggering number of special coordinators, ambassadors at large and other non-line operators appointed over the past 20 years.
The American Foreign Service Assn. lists 50-plus special positions and offices, some of which, I admit, address critical issues such as cybercrime, Iran nuclear nonproliferation and sanctions policy.
But what is the State Department doing in such fields as criminal justice, global engagement center (what’s that?), global youth issues and international religious freedom. If these issues are so important to an administration, find a home for them. Don’t just tack them onto State and hope for the best.
All these special positions and the bloated number of private contractors on State’s payroll seem legitimate objects for the budget ax.
Timothy Deal, Newport Beach
