Diplomatic Reserve Corps Act of 2026

The Diplomatic Reserve Corps Act of 2026 creates a new reserve force within the Department of State to provide trained personnel for active service when needed. This independent system is not part of the regular Foreign Service and includes four groups: a senior reserve for current high-level staff, a senior retiree reserve for retired senior staff, a general diplomatic reserve, and a retiree reserve for other former employees. The law establishes specific rules for recruiting members, setting their salaries and benefits similar to active diplomats, and managing their annual training requirements. It also defines how the Secretary of State can call these reservists to active duty during emergencies or to support specific missions, while providing protections for their retirement benefits and employment rights.