In this report, GAO examined (1) the number, experience, and skills of staff in hardship positions and how these may affect diplomatic readiness and (2) how well State’s assignment system is meeting the staffing requirements of hardship posts. This report makes recommendations to the Secretary of State to improve State’s human resources data, determine staffing priorities, consider a targeted hiring strategy, and develop incentives and implement actions to steer Foreign Service employees toward serving in hardship posts.