AFSA Raises Alarm Over Indefinite Delay of 2025 Selection Boards

We want to alert you to a serious development affecting the Foreign Service promotion process. This week, the State Department abruptly informed previously selected members of the 2025 Foreign Service Selection Boards (FSSBs) that their services will no longer be needed. The boards, which were scheduled to begin May 27, have been indefinitely postponed. 

This sudden action is deeply concerning. Responsibility for convening the boards lies clearly with the director general of the Foreign Service (22 U.S. Code § 4002; 3 FAM 2326.1-1). The department’s failure to fulfill this obligation not only violates its own regulations—it undermines the integrity of our merit-based performance system. 

As you can imagine, the consequences are wide-reaching. Foreign Service members who were counting on their files being reviewed this summer now face uncertainty that may affect their career progression, promotion timing, and the upcoming bid season. We are already hearing from members who are frustrated, anxious, and looking for answers. 

The indefinite nature of this delay sends a troubling message about the department’s commitment to professional advancement. AFSA is calling on State Department leadership to explain this decision to the workforce, clarify when and how the boards will be convened, and take immediate corrective action to uphold the principles outlined in the Foreign Service Act and the Foreign Affairs Manual. 

Failure to act swiftly threatens to erode confidence in the promotion system and in the department’s support for its workforce.

We will provide updates on this issue as soon as we have them. In the meantime, thank you for your continued support of AFSA and our mission to defend the interests of the Foreign Service.