22 U.S.C. § 2655b: Diplomatic presence overseas

(a) PurposeThe purpose of this section is to—(1) elevate the stature given United States diplomatic initiatives relating to nonproliferation and political-military issues; and (2) develop a group of highly specialized, technical experts with country expertise capable of administering the nonproliferation and political-military affairs functions of the Department. (b) AuthorityTo carry out the purposes of subsection (a), the Secretary is authorized to establish the position of Counselor for Nonproliferation and Political Military Affairs in United States diplomatic missions overseas, to be filled by individuals who are career Civil Service officers or Foreign Service officers committed to follow-on assignments in the Nonproliferation Bureau or the Political Military Affairs Bureau of the Department. (c) TrainingAfter being selected to serve as Counselor, any person so selected shall spend not less than 10 months in language training courses at the Foreign Service Institute, or in technical courses administered by the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, or other appropriate departments and agencies of the United States, except that such requirement for training may be waived by the Secretary.