Originally Posted by
HangingOver
In fact, thats not actually true. Ive been told at more than one embassy that they "are not here to help Americans traveling abroad, we are here to look out for American interests in the country of whatever"
Yes, looking out for American interests is the goal of the State department.
Yes, some foreign service officers have no interest in consular services, though almost all are forced to spend time doing so at the beginning of their career.
However, services for US citizens are absolutely a part of the mission of the State department. See Strategic Goal 7:
http://www.state.gov/s/d/rm/rls/doss...html/82957.htm