|
Continuous posted:I'd be up to meet up. How long are you in DC for? Through the 14th, unless they make me stay longer.
|
#
?
Feb 10, 2013 23:10
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 29, 2024 03:26 |
|
|
Diplomaticus posted:Through the 14th, unless they make me stay longer. I'm off work for the next week at least. Let's do something fun. Monday night trivia at the Mighty Pint in Dupont @ 7pm, for starters. Bunch of goons are regulars.
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2013 01:40
|
|
|
Oh that sounds good. I think by then I'm going to have to start fasting but I can come to hang out a bit.
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2013 03:11
|
|
|
Diplomaticus posted:Oh that sounds good. I think by then I'm going to have to start fasting but I can come to hang out a bit.  good luck dude.
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2013 03:46
|
|
|
Hi all, Haven't been on here in a while - been busy with family stuff + starting PCS preparations for this summer + learning German in what spare time I do have  So I have a question some of you Goons might have experience with - any of you get hitched after joining the FS? If so how long (approx) did it take to add your EFM to your travel orders after you got married? My SO is planning on joining me at post at a later date, and I'm attempting to sort out some of the logistics ahead of time as there seems to be a lot involved (med clearance, passports, visas, etc). Surprisingly no one I've talked to so far has been able to give me a rough estimate. She's a US citizen so at least that keeps it simpler
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2013 03:55
|
|
|
So, I recall there being something stating that an FSO can only receive a full course of a Hard or Super Hard language twice in their careers, with a possibility of a third. But is there a limit to how many times you can receive training for less difficult languages?
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2013 04:06
|
|
|
photoguy posted:Hi all, Funny you should mention it. I just got married about two weeks ago and am currently going through the process now for my move in September. I can only speak to the first step which was filling out a form in HR Online that officially changed my status from single to married. Filling out the form online took about 5 minutes. Following that I sent a scanned copy of my marriage certificate to my HR Tech and received confirmation of the change about 2 days later. This week I plan on having my wife added to my insurance plans and then will begin figuring out the process to to get her health clearances for travel to post. If you come across any handy guides/advice, please share!
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2013 05:09
|
|
|
Bruxism posted:Funny you should mention it. I just got married about two weeks ago and am currently going through the process now for my move in September. I can only speak to the first step which was filling out a form in HR Online that officially changed my status from single to married. Filling out the form online took about 5 minutes. Following that I sent a scanned copy of my marriage certificate to my HR Tech and received confirmation of the change about 2 days later. This week I plan on having my wife added to my insurance plans and then will begin figuring out the process to to get her health clearances for travel to post. If you come across any handy guides/advice, please share! That sounds right. It all blurs together.
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2013 05:31
|
|
|
the_chavi posted:From what I recall, you can test in MSA or Egyptian, those are the only two FSI-recognized variants of Arabic. Slight addendum: when I started MSA training in 2009, they were offering training in Iraqi dialect due to the need at Embassy Baghdad. YMMV now, but I believe that was an option before.
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2013 08:50
|
|
|
photoguy posted:Hi all, Got hitched about 6 months after arriving at post. Getting her on my travel orders was a bit tough because of some personnel shuffles in the relevant offices, that took about a month but realistically should have only taken a couple of weeks max. We started the process right after the wedding (flew up to DC the next day), she flew back up again to go to MED, did the passports and visa by mail (I think. She may have gone to the special issuances office, not sure.) We were married in November, and she joined me at post in February. But, if you pre-arrange as much as possible, you probably could cut that amount of time significantly.
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2013 15:38
|
|
|
Diplomaticus posted:Through the 14th, unless they make me stay longer. I'm free Tuesday or Wednesday. Ideally, would like to meet a few other goons, but if not, maybe go somewhere around Downtown / Dupont for a quick bite?
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2013 18:04
|
|
|
I'm going to the trivia thing tonight, so I'll be there. Can't guarantee that I'll be able to do anything tomorrow or Wed. though. Depending on whether I'm able to eat, I'd be down for lunch if you can't make tonight.
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2013 23:07
|
|
|
Zoots posted:Slight addendum: when I started MSA training in 2009, they were offering training in Iraqi dialect due to the need at Embassy Baghdad. YMMV now, but I believe that was an option before. Thanks all for the info. It seems like I ought to either pick up Egyptain or MSA, ugh. What can be said about actual language use for FSOs? If I learn about how it is use might let me focus on the Egyptain dialect or MSA
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2013 23:44
|
|
|
Diplomaticus posted:Got hitched about 6 months after arriving at post. Getting her on my travel orders was a bit tough because of some personnel shuffles in the relevant offices, that took about a month but realistically should have only taken a couple of weeks max. We started the process right after the wedding (flew up to DC the next day), she flew back up again to go to MED, did the passports and visa by mail (I think. She may have gone to the special issuances office, not sure.) We were married in November, and she joined me at post in February. But, if you pre-arrange as much as possible, you probably could cut that amount of time significantly. Awesome, thanks I'll keep that in mind.
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2013 23:50
|
|
|
Diplomaticus posted:I'm going to the trivia thing tonight, so I'll be there. Can't guarantee that I'll be able to do anything tomorrow or Wed. though. Depending on whether I'm able to eat, I'd be down for lunch if you can't make tonight. Yeah, couldn't make trivia tonight, unfortunately. I can do lunch on Wednesday if you don't mind coming to the the Mcpherson / Farragut area
|
|
#
?
Feb 12, 2013 02:58
|
|
|
Abu Hans posted:Thanks all for the info. It seems like I ought to either pick up Egyptain or MSA, ugh. You're gonna groan, but IT DEPENDS.  Here in Italy I get a ton of mileage out of my language training since English isn't widely spoken where you need it, the job demands it (both in NIV and ACS), etc. etc. In Riyadh, between my limited Arabic and most of my PD contacts having studied abroad, I didn't use it as much. Folks would speak primarily in the Nejdi accent - or just use English. I still tried to use the language as much as possible, but it was slow going. Plus Arabic is way more difficult to learn - I had 8 months of it and only got to a 2/2 in MSA.
|
|
#
?
Feb 12, 2013 12:31
|
|
|
Zoots posted:You're gonna groan, but IT DEPENDS. As a consular hopeful, would I be correct in assuming that I would be getting HUGE workout in the language department at each foreign-language post? Does State require more time in language training for FSOs who are heading to consular rotations, or do they toss you into a visa line to sink or swim?
|
|
#
?
Feb 12, 2013 17:07
|
|
|
d1rtbag posted:As a consular hopeful, would I be correct in assuming that I would be getting HUGE workout in the language department at each foreign-language post? Does State require more time in language training for FSOs who are heading to consular rotations, or do they toss you into a visa line to sink or swim? Dip or Zoots can correct me, but most FSOs are going to get the same. Most spots are designated 1/1, 2/2, or 3/3 with most Consular and FSO (Pol, econ, etc.) being 3s. With that said, my impression is that most Consular coned officers will move off the line after a few tours and normally, don't do daily interviews.
|
|
#
?
Feb 12, 2013 20:24
|
|
|
I got an invite today for the March 25th class (even though I was supposed to be on DNC status). I had hoped to wait till the fall but I think I'm going to go ahead and snag it. Have had lots of discussion with the husband about it, he is in the Army but stationed near DC (no per diem for us). He gets out in a couple years so maybe this will sync up better. This would also put me in more of a better time period I assume with the school year (I hope). It won't seem real until I actually set foot in orientation though. Thinking ahead is it more reasonable to take the MARC train from Odenton then the Metro then shuttle to FSI than Drive from the Ft. Meade area? I hate driving.
|
|
#
?
Feb 12, 2013 21:26
|
|
|
Miscreant Fromage posted:I got an invite today for the March 25th class (even though I was supposed to be on DNC status). I had hoped to wait till the fall but I think I'm going to go ahead and snag it. Have had lots of discussion with the husband about it, he is in the Army but stationed near DC (no per diem for us). He gets out in a couple years so maybe this will sync up better. This would also put me in more of a better time period I assume with the school year (I hope). It won't seem real until I actually set foot in orientation though. Congratulations! I say go for it while you have the chance.
|
|
#
?
Feb 12, 2013 22:39
|
|
|
Miscreant Fromage posted:I got an invite today for the March 25th class (even though I was supposed to be on DNC status). I had hoped to wait till the fall but I think I'm going to go ahead and snag it. Have had lots of discussion with the husband about it, he is in the Army but stationed near DC (no per diem for us). He gets out in a couple years so maybe this will sync up better. This would also put me in more of a better time period I assume with the school year (I hope). It won't seem real until I actually set foot in orientation though. Congrats and hope to see you at the A-100!
|
|
#
?
Feb 12, 2013 23:28
|
|
|
Miscreant Fromage posted:I got an invite today Congrats!! That is great news.
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 00:35
|
|
|
Zoots posted:You're gonna groan, but IT DEPENDS. Such is the fate of what I've seen from people who have learned MSA- they have a hard time talking to the folks but seem to get all the credit of learning it. I'm just jealous.
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 00:39
|
|
|
TCD posted:Dip or Zoots can correct me, but most FSOs are going to get the same. Most spots are designated 1/1, 2/2, or 3/3 with most Consular and FSO (Pol, econ, etc.) being 3s. With that said, my impression is that most Consular coned officers will move off the line after a few tours and normally, don't do daily interviews. I haven't done a consular or language tour yet so I don't know. I
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 00:42
|
|
|
So any of you in the DC area able to break away for an hour or so on Friday afternoon to sign me out of the hospital? Even though my hotel is like not even 3 blocks away they won't let me walk.
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 01:05
|
|
|
Need to figure out how to stop these pigeons from nesting on our laundry room window. It's all cute until they kill each other and then our laundry room and kitchen smells like death for a week.
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 01:16
|
|
|
TCD posted:Need to figure out how to stop these pigeons from nesting on our laundry room window. No joke, pigeon is my kid's favorite meal. You know what you need to do.
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 01:43
|
|
|
Diplomaticus posted:So any of you in the DC area able to break away for an hour or so on Friday afternoon to sign me out of the hospital? Even though my hotel is like not even 3 blocks away they won't let me walk. I will check my schedule, I think I will be in PA but if not I will.
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 04:29
|
|
|
Business of Ferrets posted:No joke, pigeon is my kid's favorite meal. You know what you need to do. huh, funny that. I was at a Korean Embassy function the other day. They served pigeon with kimchi. Spicy Pigeon, who knew you'd be so delicious?
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 05:32
|
|
|
Diplomaticus posted:So any of you in the DC area able to break away for an hour or so on Friday afternoon to sign me out of the hospital? Even though my hotel is like not even 3 blocks away they won't let me walk. Hah, can anyone do it?
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 07:45
|
|
|
Diplomaticus posted:So any of you in the DC area able to break away for an hour or so on Friday afternoon to sign me out of the hospital? Even though my hotel is like not even 3 blocks away they won't let me walk. Which hospital? I'm going to call and tell them you really should stay for a while longer, for your own good!
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 07:51
|
|
|
Yeah hold on with that for a second, because now there's a chance that it's not happening at all.
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 09:55
|
|
|
Diplomaticus posted:Yeah hold on with that for a second, because now there's a chance that it's not happening at all. Bummer. If it's a Friday or Saturday I can drive down from Ft. Meade if you can't find anyone. Weedays are out though 
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 12:50
|
|
|
I live a few streets down and have Friday off from work. I don't know you, but you've been a huge help with this thread so I'd be happy to check you out. PM me if you still need someone.
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 14:49
|
|
|
problematique posted:I live a few streets down and have Friday off from work. I don't know you, but you've been a huge help with this thread so I'd be happy to check you out. This is pretty much how every episode of those unsolved forensic crime shows begins.
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 15:18
|
|
|
Business of Ferrets posted:This is pretty much how every episode of those unsolved forensic crime shows begins. Or awesome parties in college... Your mileage may vary.
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 15:46
|
|
|
Can we have an FSOgoon meetup/dinner this weekend, for whoever's in town?
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 17:52
|
|
|
Business of Ferrets posted:No joke, pigeon is my kid's favorite meal. You know what you need to do. FM AMCOMPOUND TCD AAR: Day1 of formal hostilities with the pigeon terrorist group known as "poo poo on people on heads" aka "filthy flying rodents" aka "stop decomposing next to the kitchen" have ceased. Two of the 3 ring leaders have temporarily retreated after a liquid attack. 1 remains lodged in a corner that is out of the line of fire. Offensive continues tomorrow with no hope for peace talks.
|
|
#
?
Feb 14, 2013 02:40
|
|
|
TCD is standing up a pigeon virtual monitoring group.
|
|
#
?
Feb 14, 2013 04:23
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 29, 2024 03:26 |
|
|
Please restrict all nonessential travel to the area.
|
|
#
?
Feb 14, 2013 04:26
|
|