Upon completion of Orientation, my workgroup will spend much of the remainder of the year in what is known as follow-on training specific to our position. There remains a pass/fail component to this furthered education, much like how police officers, firefighters, and military personnel still need to pass basic training before graduating from recruit/candidate status to the real deal. This is not the case, however, with many other positions in our organization. Sure, everybody must go through additional on-the-job training, but their positions are guaranteed and therefore at the conclusion of onboarding they are notified as to what foreign nation they are initially being assigned to. This has aptly been named Flag Day because the new employees are traditionally presented with small flags representing the country of their first overseas assignment. The people in my position receive flags indicating the U.S. state we will be sent to first.
Flags and similar symbols are believed to have been in use as early as the 11th century BCE. These banners became particularly prominent throughout Ancient Roman civilization, thus explaining the etymology of the word vexillology to describe the study of flags; the Latin root being vexillum which can be translated as flag or banner. Modern day use of flying a fabric ensign to indicate a country or region of origin didn’t become commonplace until the emergence of nationalism in the 18th century CE. The tradition stands as we know it today, with flags representing countries, states, cities, industries, businesses, status, direction, religion, and decoration. All this history came to bear as I stood in front of hundreds of these emblems about to be distributed to me and my coworkers. Their colors, cantons, and crosses exuding more spirit and significance to me than ever before.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In our line of work, a flag is worth a thousand worries. Apart from the distinct geographical and sacred historical context, each little banner sitting next to the speaker’s podium will dictate someone’s life for the next several years. What city will they live in? Is there petty crime, terrorism, or armed conflict? Will their spouse and/or children be allowed to accompany them? If so, what is the quality of local schools and healthcare? Is there an anti-American sentiment? Does the region’s predominant religion conflict with the employee? Can they import their personally owned vehicle or pets into the country? Are they now required to learn a new language? People in this business ordinarily find love or have a child overseas. Thankfully, it is significantly less common but not to be forgotten that some also get ill, injured, or worse while in country. Needless to say, this announcement is a very stressful and simultaneously exciting experience.
Not unlike the coveted black and white checkered flag flying over the finish line of the Daytona 500, these scaled-down banners symbolize both a monumental accomplishment and a commencement. This is because, unbeknownst to most who don’t follow NASCAR, the “Great American Race” is actually held at the beginning of each racing season rather than the end. Likewise for our organization, Flag Day marks an achievement that has been years in the making but is also only the beginning.
However, Flag Day has a different meaning for my workgroup. It signifies that the administrative work is done and the real training is about to begin. We are reminded that everyone else holding a miniature flag at the ceremony will soon rely on us to watch over them while abroad. This is but one of many little moments that will bring the weight of our new career to rest on our shoulders over the next several months of advanced instruction. But for now, we aren’t worried. After all, there is celebrating to do!
The Dark Passport 