2 FAM 300
PROTOCOL, PRECEDENCE AND FORMALITIES
2 FAM 310
OBJECTIVES AND CONTENTS
(CT:GEN-529; 10-09-2018)
(Office of Origin: S/CPR)
2 FAM 311 BACKGROUND
(CT:GEN-298; 11-22-1999)
a. This chapter sets down for guidance some common mechanisms through which personal relationships are developed and maintained in the diplomatic and consular services of the world. It is not, however, a catalog of the rules of social and official conduct in all their worldwide variations.
b. Protocol and certain long established formalities are customs and modes of behavior which, through long observance, have come to be accepted as necessary or useful in the society in which they are found. Protocol is one of the means by which the programs and objectives of the U.S. Government and the Department of State are carried out.
2 FAM 312 CONFORMANCE
(CT:GEN-298; 11-22-1999)
a. Every officer of the Foreign Service should become acquainted with the general rules of accepted social conduct and, upon arrival at a new post of assignment, with any special local protocol or social customs.
b. Additional guidance in protocol matters may be obtained from any standard book of etiquette and, in the Department, from the Protocol staff and Foreign Service Institute.
c. At larger posts, an officer (or in some cases, a Foreign Service national employee) may be designated as protocol officer to arrange formal receptions and dinners and to answer questions on local social customs and formalities. Questions concerning formalities with local governments may be resolved by consulting the protocol section of the foreign ministry or equivalent local government authority.
2 FAM 313 DEFINITION OF FOREIGN SERVICE
(CT:GEN-298; 11-22-1999)
For purposes of this manual, the Foreign Service consists solely of all officers regardless of field of specialization who are appointed as Foreign Service officers.
2 FAM 314 THROUGH 319 UNASSIGNED