Blooregard posted:

It'll be soon. I'm IMS, so no silly language training for me. So far I've got hello and thank you under my belt, I'm thinking that will be enough.

SCRwM posted:

[quote="problematique" post="448465942"]
I may be heading to Freetown soon on TDY. Do I get some kind of award for worst TDY?


Dude, how did you get a TDY? I thought first and second tour IMS were exempt?

Bloodnose posted:

Then you will be very busy because Guangzhou Consular's systems melt down every 18 minutes.

But we look forward to having you here because IMS definitely needs the extra help. I think I heard there has been zero growth in IMS positions even though the consulate's staff and workload have like doubled in the last three years.

SCRwM posted:

[quote="problematique" post="448465942"]
I may be heading to Freetown soon on TDY. Do I get some kind of award for worst TDY?


Dude, how did you get a TDY? I thought first and second tour IMS were exempt?

the_chavi posted:

No, the cutoff was the same - they implemented the QEPs to cut down on OA invitees.

AFStealth posted:

So I'm starting this FSO process, but already realized I probably screwed up my application. I checked the 5 point veteran's preference box, reasoning that I will be a veteran if/when I join the Foreign Service. Except I'm still currently active duty. Any way to fix this, or will this not matter much?

zzonkmiles posted:

My State clearance finally went through.

Womacks-JP-23 posted:

Congrats!

When did you start it? Just interested in comparing timelines.

TCD posted:

"It depends"

problematique posted:

There's no strict rule as far as I know. Maybe you're referring to the formal "request for volunteers" cables, which are longer term stuff (think month+, not short staffing gaps of a few days to week like I usually do). Those formal requests go out of their way to let you know you have to be tenured -- not sure why honestly, seems silly but I guess it serves as a baseline and the Department assumes you know nothing till you tenure. I also think it's also a bureau dependent thing, some bureaus are all about those requests for help, other places are more informal based on connections and bandwidth.

Womacks-JP-23 posted:

They are being very generous. Let's just ignore that the JLPT doesn't measure speaking at all. There is no way someone with just N2 level Japanese would be able to get a 3 in reading. R3 implies that you could read through the newspaper at a normal pace and N2 only covers half of the joyo kanji list and the reading passages in the JLPT are basically the 6th grade level.

Just looking at speaking, it would be very hard for many N1 passers to check off all the S3 requirements with a high level of confidence. To share some personal information, I passed N1 four years ago and would still struggle on a lot of the S3 checklist here, depending on the topic. I passed my phone test a few weeks ago but I was honestly expecting a S4 and ended up getting knocked down a notch.

http://www.govtilr.org/Skills/speakingassessment.pdf

SCRwM posted:

[quote="problematique" post="448465942"]
I may be heading to Freetown soon on TDY. Do I get some kind of award for worst TDY?


Dude, how did you get a TDY? I thought first and second tour IMS were exempt?

Skandiaavity posted:

I think BoF can provide more info what qualifies as a "3" in Japanese.

But for what it's worth, a JLPT 1, KK 1 and the business test will only qualify you as a two.


I TDY'ed to Singapore First tour. Another TDYed to Nicosia for 6 months and it was a volunteer cable. Both of us weren't tenured at the time (got tenured right out of PCSing) Honestly, i think it depends on coverage and your IMO. The more coverage (bigger post) you get then the more likely you can get a TDY. It also depends on the IMO. Great IMO, they get development/growth and want you to learn as much as possible and spread your reputation. lovely IMO who religiously practices Crab Theory, then you're SOL.

There is quite a few of the latter in IRM i heard. It's hilarious when you get one of those bad IMO's. I counted and mine is up to (legitimately and verified by D.C. HR), twenty-six (26) EEO violations that someone could use to ruin his day. But, Progress!

edit: you can have a great IMO and coverage, but they may want you to focus on your own skillset first. "it depends" is wildly variable and FAM/FAH aren't always followed even when they should be, so it may have to do something with your personality or how you're perceived. You maybe asking to TDY to a post that has a hostile environment or negative morale. It's tough to pick up on things like that and you might not always be privvy to things. My last IMO (who was great), for example, would have the IMS added to IMO list, with the catch that he did not want us to respond to anything unless told. I found it helpful and good way to learn on what current problems we face at a high level and what to expect for the future. My current IMO strongly believes against that "as its not your job."

I'm trying to say don't take that personally but just keep trying your best and it can/will happen eventually. Then you realize its more of the same job just in a different place.

problematique posted:

Sounds like you need a TDYer. I'll be there Monday.

1of7 posted:

Well, I am in DC for consultations, but the only person I could think of to try and set an appointment with told me to email him closer to the date and then never responded to the later email.

the_chavi posted:

Five days of AL then!

quote:

The Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) Registration Process Has Changed!

The U.S. Department of State has consolidated the FSOT registration process, allowing you to submit an application and select a seat during the same five-week period immediately prior to a specific testing window.

This new registration process begins on September 30, 2015 and will provide the opportunity to update your application during each registration period prior to the FSOT. You may decide to update your education, experience, and/or career track. Once you submit your application, you cannot change it. Your application is valid only for a specific test date and will expire when the testing window closes. You may register up to three days prior to the opening of the testing window. And please remember that you may only take the FSOT once a year!

Additionally, we will offer the October FSOT at specific Pearson Professional Centers abroad and in Embassies and consulates as resources permit.

1of7 posted:

Yeah, maybe I'll see some of the sights I've never seen before. Need to check Atlas Obscura to see if there is anything cool around. After seeing the #1 result, maybe I should rethink this strategy.

zzonkmiles posted:

Stay safe in Turkey, folks.

Tyro posted:

Brb, ordering new business cards with title Regional Lord Commander

problematique posted:

A $2000 bribe to the CDO usually does it.

But seriously, when crafting the bid list remember that it's not just a list in order of where you want to go, which is a mistake a lot of people make. It's all in context of what other people bid. You have that play the game. Have everyone share your bids, try to deconflict #1s. Especially for an IMS class that's not that big this is easy. For example, is everyone bidding a certain place #1 and your #4 isn't getting any takers at #1? Consider moving that #4 to #1 and locking in a more sure choice rather then missing your #1 and sliding down uncontrollably. At the end of the day, that #1 probably isn't all that great and the #4 will be a better tour. I've managed to get two #1s in a row doing it this way.

It's not the place, it's the people that make a post (unless your going to N'djamena or Abuja or something, then it's the post).

problematique posted:

Bruxism posted:

Love it.

Seasonal Candles posted:

So I'm a college sophomore international relations major and given the seeming lack of opportunities that degree affords I'm seeing if the foreign service has any opportunities after I graduate. I've read through about 150 pages of this thread and holy poo poo is it useful but is there any casual advice the old timers in this thread can give?

Seasonal Candles posted:

So I'm a college sophomore international relations major and given the seeming lack of opportunities that degree affords I'm seeing if the foreign service has any opportunities after I graduate. I've read through about 150 pages of this thread and holy poo poo is it useful but is there any casual advice the old timers in this thread can give?