American Diplomat How the Sausage is Made: 25YA
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Mar 5, 2026 Henry Haggard, former Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs in Seoul and NSC director who created 25 Year Apprenticeship to guide aspiring diplomats. He explains why practical apprenticeship matters. He shares vivid tradecraft stories from North Korea and Ukraine. He stresses mentoring, getting in the room, and translating diplomatic skills beyond government.
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Build An On The Job Apprenticeship Not Just Classroom Training
- Do build an apprenticeship resource rather than relying solely on classroom training like A100; real craft skills come from on‑the‑job practice with mentors.
- Henry created 25YA to gather practical tips (cable writing, note‑taking, mentorship, A100 choices) from senior diplomats for junior officers.
Tradecraft Needs Bite Size Practical Guidance
- Diplomacy's craft requires granular, practical checklists and lived examples that books about secretaries or treaties don't provide.
- Henry built 25YA to capture bite‑size tradecraft like cable drafting, mentor finding, and practical career choices missing from traditional sources.
Creating An Embassy In A Hotel During Albright Visit
- Henry Haggard prepared Madeleine Albright's advance to North Korea as a junior Foreign Service officer and had to create an "embassy" in a hotel with ad hoc comms and logistics.
- He set up radios, negotiated with local drivers and security, and even convinced Pyongyang guards not to open a surprise gift box for Kim Jong‑il.
