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Yeah, what I've heard is that you have access to the distance learning, & may be able to squeeze some class language training in at the same time as your regular training (ie early morning or late night) but IMS don't get a period of just language training like generalists or other specialists that are more public facing such as DS. Guess I'll find out for sure in a few weeks. :-)
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Apr 1, 2011 05:04
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1of7 posted:Is there any possibility of a break between training & deploying? Just wondering if I'll have a chance to visit my family 1 last time etc... My experience ... The position I filled was vacant. When I completed training (about 4 months total) I headed off to post. I did take a couple of days of leave and a weekend to visit home on my way to post. Once you are done with training you have a few days of "Consultation" but then it's time to head to post. Issues can hold you up ... like timely issuance of a visa by the host nation. So as we all say ... it depends ... but the bottom line is DOS won't just have you sitting around with nothing to do. They will find something for you to do ... even more training if necessary. Good Luck and Enjoy
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Apr 1, 2011 12:30
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Thanks SWAT. I was a little out of it so I wasn't sure if I was being clear but it looks like you understood. How is week one going? What exactly are you doing so far besides all the routine paperwork you said day one was.
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Apr 1, 2011 15:48
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1of7 posted:Thanks AKA & SWAT. For the most part the IMS positions don't have language requirements or training though, right? IMS for the most part do not get language training nor are you required to maintain a language. Kinda sucks actually.
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Apr 1, 2011 19:20
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Yeah, the opportunity to learn another language was one of the draws for me until I found that out. But, you do have to get proficient in a language to get tenure, right? And, I believe I read that in some posts you get a sort of bonus pay for language proficiency too. But, it's pretty much up to you to learn it on your own.
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Apr 1, 2011 20:25
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1of7 posted:Yeah, the opportunity to learn another language was one of the draws for me until I found that out. Not if you're a specialist. Generalists, yes.
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Apr 1, 2011 20:50
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Is that no to both the tenure requirement & the language incentive pay? I'm sure I read about the latter in the FAM (3910 I believe) & it specifically mentioned specialists as well as generalists. But, if you say that's not right I'll defer to your experience. :-)
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Apr 1, 2011 21:27
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Whelp, four parties in the four nights since coming back from R&R.  I've never taken so long to get over jet lag! 
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Apr 1, 2011 21:29
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1of7 posted:Is that no to both the tenure requirement & the language incentive pay? I'm sure I read about the latter in the FAM (3910 I believe) & it specifically mentioned specialists as well as generalists. But, if you say that's not right I'll defer to your experience. :-) Specialists are still eligible for the language pay, they just don't get the training.
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Apr 1, 2011 21:31
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Ok zzman, let's see if I can help you out here:zzman posted:
The foreign language skill IS important and knowing a second language does improve your chances of entering the foreign service. About 95% of entering officers can speak a second language on at least a basic level. That being said, you have genuine experience and other assets that are going to more than compensate for that. Spanish is spoken in more countries, but for you I would recommend going for German, as you already have real-world experience in it. Being able to have restuarant German is still pretty good. Just get some Rosetta Stone software and brush up on it overtime. zzman posted:2. How limiting a factor is it to come into FS at a ripe old age? If I wait until military retirement, I would be 52 (or older). I do see that you can join up until you hit age 60, but are those of more advanced age treated differently by supervisors, peer group, and other co-workers? I assume that reaching Senior level is not possible in the short period before mandatory retirement age, so I guess departure at age 65 is a foregone conclusion. Not to get all hung up on status, but is attaining Senior level in 20 years a feasible goal in the case I were to try to come in earlier? If you want to apply for the foreign service, I recommend starting now, not in your fifties. I've been applying to the State Department for five years now and I still haven't made it to the orals yet. Most people fail the written exam at least once. Clearances and register wait can make this a long process. Another reason to come in earlier: Remember that your first one or two tours are often consular work. So if it takes you two years to get in, and then your first tours, you basically will only have one or two tours in your desired cone before mandatory retirement comes up (although extensions for up to five years are possible). If you come in at around age 45, getting into the senior levels is certainly possible with the experience you already have. zzman posted:3. Has anyone worked with someone who has retired from the military before joining FS? Can't help you on this one, sorry. zzman posted:
Hmm, I don't think that's correct. Sounds like you fit the veteran's preference criteria pretty solidly. http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx
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Apr 1, 2011 22:15
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I'm almost 90% certain that I know a retired full bird colonel who is an FSO. The only reason I'm not 100% is I simply can't remember where I got that from. As for the retiring, do you want to finish your 20 and get out? Because there are ways to transfer your military retirement over to the federal pension plan. I kinda zoned out a bit because I was enlisted and only did a few years, but it should be possible for you to get your 10 years credited to your federal retirement. I *think* it's called "refunding" or something close to that. There's got to be a guide out there on it somewhere. I would recommend that, unless something about your situation makes it untenable. Not everyone will make SFS status and your time window to check the boxes required to be eligible will decrease the older that you are. Plus, just like the military, you have mandatory retirement age. What if you get a post you hate, but you're already 50 and don't have many more to look forward to?
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Apr 1, 2011 23:46
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Also I think it's about time for a new name.
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Apr 3, 2011 09:57
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Diplomaticus posted:Also I think it's about time for a new name. Why, is there some meaning to it I'm not aware of? It is just a random thing I picked years ago on another forum and use again for sake of simplicity. I hope I didn't "show my rear end" on the forum already... Thanks to those who responded to my long thread. Unfortunately it does look like military retirees, who are not disabled) and retired at rank of major or above, are not eleigble for military hiring preference. "If you are a "retired member of the armed forces" you are not included in the definition of preference eligible unless you are a disabled veteran OR you retired below the rank of major or its equivalent." Ah well. But if I decide to try it before military retirement I can get the points. zzman fucked around with this message at 20:07 on Apr 3, 2011 |
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Apr 3, 2011 19:54
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zzman posted:Why, is there some meaning to it I'm not aware of? It is just a random thing I picked years ago on another forum and use again for sake of simplicity. He was referring to his own username which he just changed 
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Apr 3, 2011 20:01
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Tyro posted:He was referring to his own username which he just changed Haha. I should have recognized the avatar.
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Apr 3, 2011 20:21
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Oh! Yeah sorry, it's not you, it's me! Also I don't understand the reasoning. Do they think something magically changes between MAJ and LTC that you suddenly no longer need help finding employment? I know that's kind of a point for up-or-out, but I didn't think it was that bad.
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Apr 3, 2011 23:16
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I like the new name. Makes me way to shout "No, I am Diplomaticus!"
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Apr 3, 2011 23:22
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I have the perfect avatar for it too but I'm leaving the old one up for a bit until people figure it out.
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Apr 3, 2011 23:26
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Diplomaticus posted:I have the perfect avatar for it too but I'm leaving the old one up for a bit until people figure it out.
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Apr 3, 2011 23:28
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nm posted:Grumblefish XX: The diplomatic corps? Nah, Grumblefish would probably think it's beneath him.
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Apr 3, 2011 23:32
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Well, things are certainly looking up, though! Like Spring, new developments blossom! I've been reading the FSOA yahoo groups for my orals in addition to practicing some writing :|
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Apr 4, 2011 17:07
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I graduated with a BSEE back in December and applied for the FSS job Engineering Security Officer without really realizing what I was getting into. A few months later and I'm going to take the test on April 13th. The contents of the test seem to be a lot more hush-hush then the FSO test. I've been studying things like radar, the EM spectrum, explosives detection and the like. I've also been keeping up to date on current events. Anyone have some specific advice? I'm a bit worried that when I get there all the other applicants will be in their 30s with a decade of experience in the security field but I figure it's at least worth a try.
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Apr 4, 2011 20:31
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If I have done "hard drugs" once and been to Cuba will this significantly hamper my chances?
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Apr 4, 2011 22:33
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Quodio Stotes posted:If I have done "hard drugs" once and been to Cuba will this significantly hamper my chances? For security clearances? No way to tell. It depends on mitigating factors. In the OP, there is a link to a bunch of prior cases that might help you get an idea what mitigates and what doesn't, but you never really know until your clearance comes through (or not).
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Apr 4, 2011 23:51
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I was supposed to be in Italy on my RandR right now. But I'm in London with my wife in the hospital on a medevac. The joys of Foreign Service life. Getting meningitis in Central Africa is a bitch. Also, I should be getting 2 months of language. Some IMS positions actually have a 1/1 or 2/2 requirement. Another guy in my hire class snagged 2 months of Russian and 1 month at Post. I think he's now 2/2 or 3/3 and has been acting PAO at the consulate. Need to follow up on the orders.
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Apr 5, 2011 11:40
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TCD posted:I was supposed to be in Italy on my RandR right now. Yeah so basically no matter what any of us tell you guys, the only real answer is "it depends".
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Apr 5, 2011 15:40
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So, if you go in speaking the language, do you have a large advantage in the job pool/assignment? I've been browsing the thread and there seem to be a few conflicting opinions on what exactly it will do for you.
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Apr 5, 2011 17:05
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Just read this quote:Applicants for FSO jobs go through a highly competitive written exam, oral assessment, and security investigation process before they are eligible to be hired. Of the more than 100,000 applicants for State Department FSO positions between 2001 and 2006, only 2,100 became Foreign Service Officers I still plan on taking the test in June however. Lets hope a lot of less than intelligent people are taking the exam! Quodio Stotes fucked around with this message at 22:47 on Apr 5, 2011 |
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Apr 5, 2011 22:43
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Quodio Stotes posted:Just read this Damnit, I'm going to sign up for that. You better not be taking my slot!
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Apr 5, 2011 23:59
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quote:This is in reference to your upcoming assessment for the Foreign Service Security Engineering Officer position. As you are aware, you are scheduled to appear before a Foreign Service Board of Examiners to be assessed/examined for this position on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 in our Rosslyn, VA office. 
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Apr 6, 2011 19:16
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I didn't get that e-mail (yet?), but my invitation letter also mentioned that. Just think of it as more time to practice, if it happens.
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Apr 6, 2011 20:32
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I'm being furloughed while here in London. Bit expensive.
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Apr 6, 2011 21:46
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TCD, sorry for my ignorance, but can you explain what that means? Are you just stuck there on your own with no pay indefinitely?
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Apr 6, 2011 23:33
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Ouch. I'm praying that if there is a shutdown that it ends before payday.
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Apr 6, 2011 23:34
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1of7 posted:TCD, sorry for my ignorance, but can you explain what that means? Works out to leave without pay. My wife is medevaced here in London. I could make a point I'm essential but then I'd have to leave her here alone. We have return tickets that are open-ended due to the medevac out of Africa. This isn't all bad because I won't have to use my vacation time which I need more than week or two of pay. Now if this goes for over a month....
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Apr 7, 2011 00:50
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Initial word is I'm exempt. I'd say yay but gently caress this whole thing sucks.
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Apr 7, 2011 02:02
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Yup ... Life could be very interesting in a few days. Haven't been advised as to my status yet ... just have to wait and see. But it does seem that some at our mission are going on furlough status if a shutdown occurs so it going to be a challenge. To all ... hope it works out regardless of your circumstances
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Apr 7, 2011 12:58
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We just received word here that if you are on leave status as of the start of the furlough you are automatically furloughed. I do not know how this translates to other agencies.
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Apr 7, 2011 14:50
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http://rothkopf.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/04/06/death_panels_for_diplomacy_why_does_paul_ryan_hate_american_leadership Haha, we are so hosed in 2012. If we lose control of the Senate and White House TCD fucked around with this message at 18:06 on Apr 7, 2011 |
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Apr 7, 2011 18:01
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TCD posted:http://rothkopf.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/04/06/death_panels_for_diplomacy_why_does_paul_ryan_hate_american_leadership
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Apr 7, 2011 21:49
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