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Jun 30, 2026
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Revamping the State Department: A New Era of Merit-Based Hiring

By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of CROSSPOLITIC.

The United States Department of State is at a crossroads. With a workforce that is predominantly liberal, the department is struggling to effectively represent the interests of the American people. The lack of diversity in thought and the strong bias towards the left have led to a situation where many foreign service officers are more interested in promoting their own ideologies than in serving the country. This has resulted in a department that is often at odds with the administration and unable to effectively carry out its mission.

The Problem with the Current System

The current hiring process for foreign service officers is a rigorous one, with a difficult test that is administered three to four times a year. However, the process is often skewed towards candidates who have the right credentials and connections, rather than those who have the skills and experience necessary to excel in the role. This has led to a situation where many of the people who are hired are not necessarily the best fit for the job, but rather those who have been able to navigate the system.

According to Toby Sumpter, Waterboy, Chocolate Knox, the host of Crosspolitic, the current system is flawed and in need of reform. In a recent discussion with Andrew Krapischat, CEO of Red Balloon, it became clear that the company’s recent acquisition of Military Hire and their contract with the Department of State may be the key to bringing about change. With a focus on merit-based hiring, the Department of State may finally start to see a shift in its ideological landscape.

A New Era of Merit-Based Hiring

The acquisition of Military Hire by Red Balloon and their contract with the Department of State is a significant development that could have far-reaching implications for the department. By focusing on merit-based hiring, the department may be able to attract a more diverse pool of candidates who are better equipped to serve the country. As Krapischat noted, ‘We believe that humans are made in the image of God, which means that you can’t whittle them down to a piece of paper called a resume. And so it is a distinctly human process to hire someone.’

The use of AI in the hiring process has also been a topic of discussion, with many arguing that it can be a useful tool in streamlining the process. However, as Krapischat pointed out, AI should not be used to make human-based decisions about grit, desire, and work ethic. Rather, it should be used to support the hiring process, not replace it.

The Future of the State Department

The future of the State Department is uncertain, but one thing is clear: change is needed. With a focus on merit-based hiring and a commitment to diversity of thought, the department may finally start to see a shift in its ideological landscape. As the country continues to evolve and grow, it is essential that the State Department is able to adapt and effectively represent the interests of the American people.

In conclusion, the State Department is at a critical juncture in its history. With a lack of diversity in thought and a strong bias towards the left, the department is struggling to effectively represent the interests of the American people. However, with the recent acquisition of Military Hire by Red Balloon and their contract with the Department of State, there may be hope for change. By focusing on merit-based hiring and a commitment to diversity of thought, the department may finally start to see a shift in its ideological landscape.

The full episode of CROSSPOLITIC is available on OBBM Network TV.


Watch the full episode:

Full episode available here through July 05, 2026 — a highlight clip replaces this player after that.

Watch CROSSPOLITIC on OBBM Network TV: https://www.obbmnetwork.tv/series/crosspolitic-208155

OBBM Network Editorial Staff

[email protected]

Editorial team behind OBBM Network — independent, hyper-local journalism syndicated through HyperLocalLoop and OBBM Network TV.

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