US Foreign Service & FSOT Megathread: Where Dreams Come True & Even Lawyers Get Jobs

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problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Are there any resources online for reading up on the FS IMS position closing Feb 1st; perhaps anyone here is an IMS? I've read the career page a few times but wanted some feedback on what the position really entails. Is it a glorified IT support position or what is it exactly comparable to in the private sector. I'm wondering what the career path of one would look and what types of opportunities there are for specialization in IS security, audit, compliance work?

# ¿ Jan 29, 2010 01:35

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# ¿ Apr 29, 2024 03:39

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

TCD posted:

Sometimes, the QEP works

Keep in mind, the IMS staff at an Embassy or Consulate can be anywhere from 1-9+ FTE.

What does this mean?

AKA Pseudonym posted:

All your major installations are done by teams that come in so you're mostly just keeping things patched and running and also keeping your customers happy.

Who does these? Is this State or outside contractors? If they are contractors, are they SAIC/Booz/ type of firms?

# ¿ Jan 30, 2010 18:31

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Anyone is interested in the IMS position? I applied for the Feb 1st vacancy. While doing the application I got some great information from a current IMS. Here is his anonymous information.

-I've read the job description for the IMS position a few times but
wanted to get your perspective on what the job really entails or what
it would be comparable to in the private sector? From what I can tell
it looks like a broad system administrator position with varying
levels of responsibility based on the size of post. Is this an
accurate statement?

anonymous IMS posted:

Here's the breakdown of the Information Resource Management (IRM) positions:
IMO -Information Management Officer. Top dog for the IRM sections in the country. Oversees not only the big picture for the Embassy but also for the countries Consulates. Handles the focus on what everyone should be working towards.
IPO - Information Programs Officer. Reports to IMO. Works in the Consulates only. Oversees local and American staff. Supervises projects that ISO's and IMS's need to focus on. In larger posts, only deals with the daily operations a bit. In medium to smaller posts, they usually are involved just as much in the daily work.
ISO - Information Systems Officer. Reports to IPO. Works in Embassies and Consulates. Usually handles all the network administration, software applications, setting up user accounts and granting security permissions.
ISSO - Information Systems Security Officer. Usually this is just another title given to the ISO. But it can be any of the IRM staff. Duties involve auditing and reviewing security standards at post. Making sure everyone abids by the rules and regs when using the Internet, Intranet and network resources. I'm an IMS that took the ISO position here in Vlad, and I'm also the ISSO. More on that later.
IMS - Information Management Specialist. The grunts . Anyone applying for the 2880 job position comes into the Dept of State/Foreign Service as an IMS officially. IMS's report to everyone from an ISO, IPO, IMO and even another sections Manager if there's no other IRM staff at post. IMS's can handle anything. At bigger posts, they may have a speciality and rotate with other IMS's every so many months at post. At smaller posts, they end up wearing many hats. Duties involve any form of communication at post; helping manage/administrate the server networks, fully responsible for radios, telephones, mail, etc. They are trained before they start their first tour on all the technical aspects of the job. They could manage local staff depending on the size of the post. Bigger posts - no, smaller posts - yes.

Your statement is correct. IMS's not only work on the system admin side but also with Dept of State's other IRM duties, like Diplomatic mail, digital telephone switch systems, HF & VHF radio systems, etc.

-You mentioned your an ISO. DoS is not very clear on the types of
specializations and career paths available, are there many or is it
linear? I've read up on other IMS that are ISSO. How does one become
focused in a certain area or focus? I have a background in IT audit
and security and would like to further my career toward IT
security/networking, how would this work at DoS?

anonymous IMS posted:

DoS is definitely a couple steps behind state of the art tech. We're still running Windows 2003 server if that gives you an idea. Most posts finished upgrading to it after extensive security testing.
I broke down the job titles earlier. So let me explain how people move around. I started out as an IMS. After my first two tours as an IMS, I "bid" on a tour in **** for the ISO position. Since this title is above the IMS, it's called "bidding on a stretch assignment". Since **** is one of the several hardship or difficult to staff posts, there wasn't a lot of competition from other DoS IRM'ers. I spent a little time getting to know the guy doing the job at that time and talked about what I wanted to do for my tour there. The post decides who they want to pick from the available candidates and I was selected. Even though it was a govt grade higher than what I'm currently at. I wanted a post where I had more control over what gets done and also thought it would let me learn more being in charge. After a couple years, I can say it has.

So to answer you question, there's no set pattern on what path you have to take as long as you're doing a tour at your current grade or something higher. If you get promoted, then it looks bad if you go from a higher position to take a lower position. Like an IMO at a big post to an IMS at a small one. You could get by being the IMO at a small post and doing an IMS tour at a big post. But there's not too many small Embassies around so that doesn't happen very often.

To help guide you in the training and education advancement, there's a Career Development Officer (CDO) that touches base with all his/her clients. They will help advise you on what you should focus on to help get promoted, bring job skills up to date, what posts are available and when it's time to bid for your next tour. With your background, that can be used in several of the different IRM positions. Mainly the ISO and ISSO duties. After you reach the IPO and IMO positions, you're more of a supervisor and director and spend more time with staff.

-Is it true the first two assignments are fully directed and don't
take into account preferences? After this point (3rd tour like yours
in ****) is it easier to give a preference to not just the
location but wanting to pursue a specific type of position? In more
senior levels, 5-10 years in, are you expected to continue doing tours
or some take work in D.C?

anonymous IMS posted:

You're correct, our first two assignments are directed. But we do get a list of all the available "directed" openings. The first tour only had a list of about 20 different places. So the class I was in basically had 17 people all picking from that list. Some people wanted the same posts, while others we're the only ones bidding on a place. I know I was the only one that bid on Sudan and I was given that as my first assignment. I figured I'd do a hardship tour and if I survived that, everything else would be easy. I ended up enjoying it very much and I'm glad I did it. I worked with two other guys at the Embassy there in Khartoum, the captial. The second tour gives you a longer list to choose from. You still have to select a directed tour post from it. I picked **** since I was coming out of a hardship tour and I had a better chance of going to a nice post compared to someone that's already serving in London, Rome, or Tokyo.

My 3rd tour was my first pick, since it was a hardship, I had a better chance of getting the "stretch assignment" than if I was competing with someone who was already at grade trying to go to a post like Paris or Buenos Aires. So it can be difficult to match up the job and the place starting out. But after you get promoted and put in a few years, the chances get better.

I've seen some guys that get promoted and never serve a tour in DC. But that's rare, usually your CDO will advise you after 3-4 tours it's best to come back to do a domestic tour in DC. I think it's wise, because it gives you a chance to put your face with your name. You get to work on developing projects that will be rolled out to post world wide, or can work in several different groups that handle the domestic side of things for foreign posts, like telecommunications, messaging centers, training facilities, even joining a team that travels with the Sec. of State to setup communications for her and her staff when traveling and visiting foreign heads of state.

In five years, I've met Sec of State Rice, Pres. Bush, and the Prime Minister of Australia. So there's a lot of interesting things that can happen when you work in the Foreign Service no matter what post you end up at.

He also recommended this book: http://www.amazon.com/Inside-U-S-Embassy-Foreign-Service/dp/0964948826

# ¿ Feb 6, 2010 02:27

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

TCD posted:

A few things, IPOs can be found at Embassies and ISOs can also report directly to the IMO and or the Mgt Officer. "Depends" essentially.

Otherwise pretty accurate. Our bid list was 14 posts for 13 people, and a bureau axed a spot so it was 13/13. Depending on the class, you can essentially work out your picks ahead of time, and then nearly everyone gets their preference. Just a warning, if you're single, CDOs often won't consider you for Seoul but Lagos looks mighty good!

I'm trying to get an all goon comm center. That would be hilarious.

What sort of experience did you have before becoming a 2880? Are you an Information Officer now? I ask because while I technically reach the requirements (1 year work post IT/Systems bachelors, no certs) a lot of 2880 seem to have 5-15 years of system admin experience.

TCD posted:

A few things, IPOs can be found at Embassies and ISOs can also report directly to the IMO and or the Mgt Officer. "Depends" essentially.

Otherwise pretty accurate. Our bid list was 14 posts for 13 people, and a bureau axed a spot so it was 13/13. Depending on the class, you can essentially work out your picks ahead of time, and then nearly everyone gets their preference. Just a warning, if you're single, CDOs often won't consider you for Seoul but Lagos looks mighty good!

I'm trying to get an all goon comm center. That would be hilarious.

Did you do the standard pick a really lovely hardship tour your first time to get a better pick on the second tour? I'm also surprised that all 13 of you wanted to go to different posts with no contention.

problematique fucked around with this message at 16:39 on Feb 6, 2010

# ¿ Feb 6, 2010 16:17

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Vilerat posted:

That last part is basically correct.
If anybody has any questions I can answer from an IPO perspective at a small one man IT post, as an IMS, or as an IMTS/R radio tech.

I'm assuming you're on your 3rd tour now? I'd love to hear your shed light on how your tours went overall in respect to difference in
-Job responsibilities/duties (IPO/IMS/IMTS tech)
-Post difficulty/felicity

Did you start as an IMTS? How do you look working as a one man operation? How does the size of the IT group factor in kind of work you do? Do you enjoy the additional responsibilities and flexibility? Any observation or advice for someone who recently applied for an IMS position?

Vilerat posted:

I don't see a high divorce rate, but I do see a high rate of people resigning because they find they just can't handle the environment.

Are you married? Is this the number one people leave? Are there any other internal issues that you've noticed make people leave (career development, stifling from superiors, promotion potential, etc) or is it mainly related to the harshness of FS life? I guess I'm asking if its a overall enjoyable, good place for you to work? Are you happy with your life?

Vilerat posted:

If you want to spend most of your time in Washington you probably won't have too many issues but at that point you're gonna have to ask yourself why you are doing this job. From my perspective I don't ever want to be stationed in the states. I make a lot more money moving every 3 years and I'd lose the fun part of the job that I really enjoy.

Really the best answer is no, if you join the FS be prepared to enjoy the world until you retire.

Sort of along the lines of my previous question. When people quit, when do they quit? Is the job generally regarded, once you tenure, as a `I'm staying till I retire/die` or do people leave 4-6 years? The private IT sector has a lot of churn, is it noticeably different at State?

Vilerat posted:

I'm in Montreal, I have a friend who's in Kigali. That person might want to leave Kigali after 3 years whether or not I'm really ready to leave a nice place. Thems the breaks!

So you could really be posted in Kigali or somewhere else you may not want to be for 3 years? It doesn't qualify as hardship post for 1-2 year tours? While I understand I could be placed in literally any spot I'm told to go to, is there no mechanism to prevent someone being posted for 3-4 years to the last place they'd ever want to go (during bidding process), does that happen?

# ¿ Feb 9, 2010 00:59

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

I applied for the 02/01/10 ITMS posting months ago and the status has been at "Referred to Hiring Official" since March.

Is it pretty standard for the process to take this long with no updates?

# ¿ May 9, 2010 22:37

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

I applied for a Information Management Specialist back in February and it's been stuck in "Eligible � Application Referred to Selecting Official" since then.

I'm not really sure what to expect or what this means but it seems like a rather long to be stuck in limbo.

Also, just applied to take the FSOT which will occur sometime in Jan/Feb.

# ¿ Nov 5, 2010 04:21

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Got FSOT exam results! Wahoo! I signed up 2 days before exam and passed on 1st try. I was VERY worried about my essay and rightfully so, I got:

English Expression: 56.48
Job Knowledge: 48.95
Biographic Information: 56.01
Multiple-Choice Total: 161.44

Your essay score: 6/12

I need some major work on my writing ability and need to nail down how to do proper outlines, structure, flow. I need to write better and more cohesively. Are there any quick guides or reads anyone can recommend on improving my writing ability? I wanna make sure I nail down the personal narrative.

Also, what sort of exam scores to people see? Trying to gauge a 161. Does the exam score effect the QEP panel or do they only look at everything post FSOT exam?

problematique fucked around with this message at 14:15 on Mar 4, 2011

# ¿ Mar 3, 2011 22:30

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Management

# ¿ Mar 4, 2011 14:08

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Found these numbers interesting from the Yahoo board...

"If you'd like a silver lining, a longer security clearance isn't a bad thing right now - the registers of FSOA passers waiting for an A-100 class are VERY full (200+ people for PD and POL, nearly 200 for CON and over 100 for MGMT and ECON)."

I wonder what % each cone represents in each A-100 class or if it varies per class?

# ¿ Mar 8, 2011 16:07

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Hearing highlights need for Foreign Service training, lack of congressional interest

Coburn's single focus was saving money. He dismissed State's plans for a 25 percent Foreign Service increase by 2014, saying, "It's not going to be ramped up because we don't have the money to do it."

About overseas locality pay for Foreign Service officers, Coburn said: "It's going to go away. People ought to be expecting that."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/08/AR2011030805749_2.html

# ¿ Mar 9, 2011 16:04

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

SCRwM posted:

I applied for the IMS opening that closed back in Sept. Wednesday I got an email congratulating me on passing the QEP and I should keep my eyes open for the information on when I will be scheduled to travel to DC for the OA's. This is my third time applying and honestly I was expecting to get the "We're sorry but" email - plus I was really surprised I got it the day before Thanksgiving.

Same here. I've applied for FSO Management twice, passed exam but have not been invited to Orals. This is my second IMS application as well and the last one didn't pass the PN section. I'm pretty excited to get to Orals! Any ideas on when they might be occurring - does January sound likely? Have there been any big changes or trends in the hiring process over the last 3-4 years - my last application was IMS-2010-0001.

I briefly looked through the thread and it's incredible how it's evolved. I used to be a prolific SA member from since like 2004 [had another handle] but stopped using it when Digg/Reddit evolved. I was able to get some advice about the process from current a IMS when I'd first applied, I don't want to drop name but he was a DC based info. assurance focused IMS, acting CISO of a division (though I think he may have gone to civil service here). I also just looked over the posts about Vile Rat and had no idea that he was the IMS from September. Though I didn't know him personally, it truly a terrible loss for the community at large. drat.

# ¿ Nov 24, 2012 00:43

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

AKA Pseudonym posted:

There are field-related requirments for Specialists so they're generally a bit older than FSOs. I was 29 when I came in as an IMS but the average was probably more like 40. New-hire FSOs are generally in their early thrities in my experience.

What field-related requirements are these? The only requirements I'm aware of are from the job applications that indicate someone could join as an IMS with a few years of IT experience.

For any current IMS, do you think more experience and older IMS make better specialist? What would you say is indicative of success as an IMS when it comes to peoples prior work experience and personality? I'm trying to get a better feel for the type of people that join.

# ¿ Dec 6, 2012 04:24

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

IMS OA date went out for me today. Three weeks. Need to stop rereading the FSS OA guide over, and over, and over.

# ¿ Dec 21, 2012 00:40

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

I haven't seen State do a good job of explaining this question for job applicants - if it has been answered in this thread I'll look back on the thread and try to find it.

I'm interested in understanding how the FP system works. As I understand, as a new IMS I start at FP-05 and get noncompetitively promoted to FP-04 after 18 months after which everything is competitive. Step promotions are given every year for 1-10 and take longer from 11-15.

I come from civil service, is this a good way to look at the GS/FP equivalency?

GS-11 / FP-05
GS-12 / FP-04
GS-13 / FP-03
GS-14 / FP-02
GS-15 / FP-01
SES 1-4 / SFS 1-4

Few questions:

-How do FP grade promotions work and how are the different levels staffed across State?
-Is FP like the military with an up or out culture?
-How would an embassy be staffed (numbers wise) with differing FP levels, especially for FSS, and more specifically IMS/IMO?
-Would a larger embassy have say an FP-03 with a few FP-04 and FP-05 billets? What are FP-02 and FP-01 billets - are those reserved for very large embassies or regions/bureaus?
-What are some of the functional job duty changes of moving into FP-1/FP-2?
-I've seen people discuss how they bid over their level at a hard post in order to get experience, say an FP-04 bidding for a FP-03, is this common?
-Do the majority people promote into FP-03 and spend many years getting step increases, even retiring at that level, i.e its considered sort a terminal grade for those not seeing to move into more responsibilities?
-How many years of experience and seniority do FP-03 to FP-01 have, on average?

# ¿ Dec 26, 2012 19:03

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

TCD posted:

As for staffing break down, problematique PM me your .gov email and I can go into detail our staffing patterns.

Sent!

# ¿ Dec 26, 2012 23:53

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Skandiaavity posted:

sorry if it wasn't clear.. DOS and DOD look for different criteria in issuing clearances. In theory if you have one, you shouldn't have a problem with the other as long as they're equal or below. In practice, it depends on your investigator.

OPM is only the issuing authority, so you'll have State TS, which USAR will recognize, but your Army/DOD clearance won't be bumped to TS to reflect that. (guessing, because you don't have the appropriate need to know in the Army? Likewise if you have an Army TS, it doesn't give you the appropriate need to know in State)

The Clearances stack (meaning they remain separated), so you can have an Army TS, a USMC TS/SCI, a State TS, a DOE TS/SSBI, A Treasury Secret, Congress PT, etc. In that case, you will have to go through the process each as many times as all look for different things.

edit: but say you have <Agency> TS and need to update it to TS/SCI, /SSBI, or whatever; in practice there is a focus on only the added content (SCI/SSBI aspects) as there's no need to put you through the entire TS process over again. Unless it's been 15 years or you're going from TS to TS/Full Scope, which requires a polygraph. They'll put you through the wringer and then some on that one just to keep you honest.

(furthermore, agencies can also issue "suitability"; which accounts for need to know. DHS is well known for doing this to keep it compartmentalized. So you can have a DHS TS/SCI and work for TSA. You'd not be able to look at ICE/CBP stuff since you haven't been looked at by authorized agents from ICE/CBP.)

To clarify there is no such thing as a "TS/SSBI".

An SSBI is a single scope background investigation that is conducted when someone receives a TS, TS/SCI, DOE "Q" clearance, or above. It's simply a type of investigation. OPM may, and usually does, conduct the SSBI investigation for most agencies. Certain places in the IC community, FBI and perhaps State (not sure) perform their own investigations.

Each agency performs it's own adjudications which is step 2 of the process - this authority is given to a Central Adjudication Facility (CAF). Some of the big ones include DISCO for DOD contractors, Washington Headquarters Services Consolidated Adjudication Facility (for DOD civilians, DOD field activities), IC has their own, State, ect.

Clearance is a clearance but at the end of the day there is a need to know which means I can have an active TS clearance and literally have access to zero TS information.

problematique fucked around with this message at 01:51 on Jan 4, 2013

# ¿ Dec 28, 2012 21:14

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

The official State FSS OA gives the following guidance for the CM section, "You will have 45 minutes to complete this section". FSOA yahoo boards have people indicating they get 90 minutes for the FSO OA (read 30, write 45, review 15). Is there a significant difference in how the CM section is structured for FSO and FSS? I was curious as to why we had 45 minutes less?

# ¿ Jan 3, 2013 00:58

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

TCD posted:

Heard that another goon passed his IMS orals... our ranks continue grow!

Just got back from OA with a 5.5 :toot:

Not the highest score but I'll take it after all the stress! I'll hopefully be knocking out my Polish fluency test soon for some more points. Also hoping that with my current clearance can move things a little quicker.

Serious hats off to all the people here. I can't believe I started seriously considering FS after seeing this thread many, many years ago.

I must have poured through the entire thread in the last week. Off top of my head, thanks the_chavi, Diplomaticus, BoF, Skandiaavity, 1of7, Tyro (especially TCD for helping answer questions via email) and anyone else I missed -- you all deserve a large :cheers:

problematique fucked around with this message at 22:22 on Jan 7, 2013

# ¿ Jan 7, 2013 21:48

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Fact: most of the cool kids already know where they're going once the bid list gets released (after EL, 3rd tour and up).

My question is how does bidding work from the other side at this level? Meaning, how do the people that do the selecting, select? Do generalist section heads, or, say an IMO simply get to choose anyone they want -- if you didn't network properly you just wont get that job, even if your review marks are superior? Is there any kind of 3rd person check on this? For an organisation that seems to emphasize meritocracy when initially hiring, it seems like a bit of a diametric approach.

problematique fucked around with this message at 03:05 on Jan 9, 2013

# ¿ Jan 9, 2013 01:52

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Diplomaticus posted:

Congrats! What cone?

IMS

the_chavi posted:

Oops, missed this earlier. Congrats!! Glad we've been helpful - so glad to see more Goons at State! We should make a Corridor group.

Let's not stop until we have an entire bureau filled with just goons and/or BoF becomes deputy secstate.

# ¿ Jan 9, 2013 23:15

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

What's the ratio of 1/2/3 year posts during bid season? Are there any downsides to bidding for one or three year posts?

# ¿ Jan 11, 2013 02:21

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

TCD posted:

Depends on grade and cone/specialty. And there's really no downsides for bidding on 1/2/3 (the upside for 1/2 jobs are the possibility of linking assignments, bidding opportunities and usually more hardship/danger pay).

Gotcha, how does it look for IMS?

# ¿ Jan 11, 2013 04:34

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Are there any incentives for bidding on HTF posts beside standard hardship or danger pay being higher?

Unrelated question, what's an "IMS Rover"? It's listed in an OIG report for RIMC Frankfurt staffing (http://oig.state.gov/documents/organization/125267.pdf).

problematique fucked around with this message at 02:59 on Jan 12, 2013

# ¿ Jan 12, 2013 02:08

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

I don't know of many places where wiping your rear end with poison ivy leaves could come up as a question in the hiring process.

The best part is she ostensibly used her real name...

http://careers.state.gov/engage/forums/careers-state-gov/embarrassing-medical-issue/2?func=rate;rating=1#id1gf07H-zRqxZX1Lu34Gwcg

# ¿ Jan 13, 2013 18:05

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

So it seems like FS goons are either married or in a LTR before getting in the Service. I don't have any problems dating locally here in DC but as a probably-will-be-single hopeful IMS, how hosed am going to be going aboard and meeting locals/expats? I can only imagine the opsec problems involved meeting anyone locally (don't need to get into here). I'm assuming like everything FS this is a "it depends" thing -- but do you guys have any insight from how you've seen others roll?

TCD, side question from earlier in thread - what kind of motorcycle do you ride? Is it locally bought or did you import from US?

# ¿ Jan 14, 2013 04:49

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Anyone have an idea how potential budget cuts might effect FS numbers; or at least, historically, how has FS fared with budget cut?

It seems to me that the FS is part of the "core mission" of the Department and would be *slightly* less effected by cuts.

# ¿ Jan 16, 2013 00:40

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

So medical clearance zipped pass super quick: OA on the 7th, cleared on 18th :hfive:

State medical office has to be the best federal government interaction I've ever had. Everyone is super nice and the whole process was incredibly smooth.

psydude posted:

How does job placement for IMSs work, anyway? I know there's the four distinct paths, but do people with more experience in the field get placed into higher-level positions from the start, or do you always have to start out at the bottom?

I'm still in the post-OA process but I believe only political appointees and civil service can be placed into higher positions from the get-go. Every career foreign service employee, from specialist to generalist, starts off at the same level as someone who is say, straight out of college, or has just a few years of experience. The only difference being that generalist can come in between FP-6 to FP-4 based on experience and as such may be up for promotions sooner than others. As far as initial EL bidding and jobs the work would be much the same.

SCRwM posted:

Thanks! My big fear is that I completely freeze up or I come across sounding like a complete idiot.

You'll be fine. Just keep reminding yourself that you were selected for OA because you are qualified for the job. They want you, just show them you want it.

Biggest thing that helped me for my IMS OA SI was preparing before hand by correlating two or three life/work experiences for each of the dimensions. I wasn't thinking stuff up but already had a framework for responding. Another thing that helped was having a general idea of how to respond to situational interview question (x happened, what do you do) by remembering a flow chart of: gather more information, develop action plan, have alternative, communicate what your doing, action, follow up. It wasn't exactly that but the basic premise is to never give the work off to someone else, just assume you're in charge of everything and solve all the problems.

The OA SI was definitely challenging but if you remain calm and in control you'll do fine. Also, the OA FSS guide wasn't kidding around when they said the interviewers are trained to not give off any feedback, they seriously were super stone faced madly scribbling down notes :colbert:

. As someone who is a pretty social person, even in interviews, I'm used to casual chit chat around the meat but that was definitely not the case here.

The good news is if you pass :dance:

you get to chat with the interviewers and find out that the Foreign Service doesn't consist of only robots and people are super friendly! In my case, I spent a good 15 minutes talking about the job with my guy and exchanged contact info for mentor type follow up questions.

the_chavi posted:

I'm back in DC on R&R. Woohoo, booze and Chipotle! Anyone wanna get together for lunch or a beer the week after next? (Gonna be down south visiting family for most of next week.)

Would this be open to people still in hiring process? I'd be down if so, I live in DC around Logan Circle.

problematique fucked around with this message at 20:17 on Jan 18, 2013

# ¿ Jan 18, 2013 20:09

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

SCRwM posted:

First, congrats on passing the medical clearance That's the other part I'm kind of worried about. I have asthma, so I'm not sure how that will be viewed by the medical clearance board. But that is another concern for another day.

We actually got on that topic. Apparently, if you have a severe case of asthma they won't send you to certain areas with high air pollution, like Beijing or Dhaka. I won't speculate any further as it's all highly dependent on your personal situation and other factors.

# ¿ Jan 18, 2013 20:48

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

SCRwM posted:

Understood. I know with medical that standard reply of "it depends" does apply.

Out of curiosity, for those who are currently an IMS good or in the process of getting on the register (such as problematique) what is/was your IT background and for how long?

Wrapped up CIS degree in '09 and have three years of IT audit/security compliance work and one year at my current job working in a federal computer incident response operation center. I would consider the work I do entry level - abit very specialized - and I've never managed anyone or led a large program or effort. My background is definitely on the security side of things and IMS type networking/system admin/computer janitor helpdesk work will be new to me.

I'm personally taking a large page cut from my current job and future earnings. But it was never about money for me, I just have an irrational desire to not stay planted and see the world, something my current trajectory wasn't moving me towards.

problematique fucked around with this message at 22:21 on Jan 18, 2013

# ¿ Jan 18, 2013 22:19

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

TCD posted:

A pretty well done video on Rwanda.

http://vimeo.com/57465392

I did almost all of those things. I know a few State and DoD officers who went on the military patrol boat.

The suspension canopy bridge was a USAID project. My good friend was the project officer for it.

I did Presidential election monitoring in the north. At one poll site at the base of the mountain with the gorillas, I walked to the end of one class room and looked out the window and saw two-three dozen military troops ready to go. We were used to seeing 4-6 soldiers and police on routine patrols all around the country, but when you see a platoon plus of dudes with full gear about 1-2 miles from the border - during the Presidential election, it brings home where you are and what's going on.

Now, I don't miss the constant food poisoning, going to the store only to find out that butter has been sold out in the 6 stores we went to on Friday, and many of the other hardships, but the expat community was great and we had some awesome friends there.

As an IMS, how prevalent or difficult is it to get involved in non work related functions when abroad (like what you did with election monitoring)? I think I'd enjoy getting involved in lots of different projects, on a purely volunteer basis, in areas that are outside my IT background. I guess I'm asking are these things generally through the post or do most find them on their own?

This is more of a financial question, maybe not best for this forum but how do people approach things like owning a home in the states? Moving around so much it would seem that not many people would have a home besides a few that could consider it as an investment option. Do people buy homes when abroad or do most generally live in government housing? I was personally thinking of approaching the fact I don't pay for housing not as "oh free money", but that I'd square away an X amount of money equal to what I'd normally be paying in DC for rent/mortgage. I'm getting to the age when many of my friends are putting down for a home and I hate the idea that I'd be losing out on not building equity and diversifying my investments.

# ¿ Jan 20, 2013 21:16

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

the_chavi posted:

which doesn't help our cause when the Loyal Opposition on the Hill calls us commies.

Did I miss something from the recent hearings? Commies?

# ¿ Jan 24, 2013 19:14

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

TIL there are four people in the Foreign Service that are "printing specialist" - http://www.usdiplomacy.org/state/athome/employeecats.php. I wonder what the 26 "others" are...my guess is carryovers from USIA or BBG related.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/post/12015930:

quote:

I'm a foreign service printing specialist. USIS (now part of State Dept.) has run a large full service printing facility on the Embassy compound in Pasay City since 1950 which prints public diplomacy books, pamphlets and exhibits which are shipped to US Missions around the world. My first four-year assignment in 1983 was as its production manager, my second starting in 1990 was a five-year stint as its Admin. officer, and my final two-year tour from 1999-2001 was as its Director. Opps I guess that adds up to 13 years not 11. Time flies when you are having fun :-).

Side question for those that came from civil service, is there anything funky that happens when converting from FERS to FSRS? I know you get creditable federal service for leave accrual purposes but I'm guessing time in FERS doesn't count toward FSRS as it's a different annuity and pay-in structure.

problematique fucked around with this message at 05:26 on Jan 28, 2013

# ¿ Jan 28, 2013 05:24

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Gumog posted:

I have a lovely problem.

Back in 2010 for my State Department internship I filled out one of those massive personal history questionnaires of all my travel, overseas contacts, and activities. (SF-86?) The investigator told me to hold on to it.

I can't find it anywhere.

I did not lie or deliberately falsify anything. But, I'm really concerned that there may be some discrepancies if and when I re-do the form. What should I do if I get another interview? Can I get a copy from the investigators? Do they have a website?

Did you submit the eqip last time you held on to it?

I'd previously submitted an SF-86 a year ago for an unrelated thing and when I logged in to redo it for State all the information was magically already there.

That being said, ALWAYS save archival copies of anything you submit or do with the government. Taxes, investigations, medical records. Things will be lost or needed again.

# ¿ Jan 30, 2013 23:47

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

HiroProtagonist posted:

OPM administrates the e-QIP site; the Defense Security Service (DSS - not to be confused with Diplomatic Security Service) Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office (DISCO) adjudicates clearance applications, but OPM performs the actual investigations. It's a little odd, but basically the process goes like this:

SF86 and application for clearance submitted in e-QIP --> application information validated by DISCO (including fingerprint cards, etc.) --> application forwarded to OPM for background investigation --> OPM completes background investigation, returns application to DISCO for adjudication --> DISCO reviews findings and issues a final determination (clearance granted or denied).

edit: this is the normal process. Not sure who does initial verification for State but DS does the background check.

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv Yeah. Thanks for clarifying me

I think that's basically correct except replace DISCO with State DSS.

# ¿ Jan 31, 2013 22:03

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

TCD posted:

Crazy world... stay safe dudes.

Bad day for us in Ankara

gently caress. Two killed. Photos of attacks...

http://dawn.com/2013/02/01/explosion-in-front-of-us-embassy-in-ankara-wounds-several-tv/

problematique fucked around with this message at 13:58 on Feb 1, 2013

# ¿ Feb 1, 2013 13:54

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

SCRwM posted:

Just got back from my OA in DC.
Add one more IMS-wannabe Goon who passed. On to the medical and security hoop!
My sincere condolences to those effected by the attack in Ankara.

Congrats! I think we're in the same vacancy, I passed the Jan 7th OA., I'm at , had a question for ya...

HiroProtagonist posted:

This business in Turkey sucks. I hope the RSO's are putting in extra safety measures already.

I wish I didn't have to post a question after a terrorist attack on an embassy, but this loving world, I guess.

I'm in the process of interviewing for new jobs right now, and one of them that I like involves work with classified material, and hence if I came on board, I'd be upgrading my Secret to TS.

That lead me to a slightly more hypothetical question, which is, if I so happened to get a job that required a TS/SCI, would that satisfy that requirement for my future DS application?

The clearance process comes after the difficult part in the DS recruitment process (as I see it, at least) anyway, but it'd be nice to check something off the list in advance regardless. I figure there's a good chance that DS would like to do a reinvestigation regardless of my current clearance status, but there's also a chance that a TS/SCI would pass muster where lower clearances wouldn't, whether or not DS did the background investigation.

I wouldn't worry about hypotheticals over steps in the process you have no control over. A lot of clearance stuff is opaque and doesn't make sense. Just take it step by step.

problematique fucked around with this message at 17:00 on Mar 15, 2013

# ¿ Feb 2, 2013 03:33

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Coin posted:

I took the FSOT and ran out of time halfway through the final sentence of my essay. How hosed am I?

A little bi

In other news, found out today I received my class 1 and passed a .17 language, not even 4 weeks after OA :toot:

And all this time I'd been mentally preparing that it might take until May/June

Other other news, did anyone see JK's opening remarks at main state? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdFMJcXB9w8

I thought it was a great speech. It's awesome that a diplobrat is at the helm, bodes well for FS. Kerry is going to be a great secstate, incredible poise, very eloquent, right priorities and experience in foreign affairs. He's got a great sense of humor to boot, loved the story about riding a bicycle on a diplomatic passport to the DDR - 'Kerry's early Communist connections!'

# ¿ Feb 5, 2013 05:09

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

IMS shadow register for those in the process...

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0An5l-Kw9Zm-GdEJVXzduSWF4UWtfMTRlSkNoenB0cWc&usp=sharing#gid=0

# ¿ Feb 6, 2013 01:03

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# ¿ Apr 29, 2024 03:39

problematique: Apr 3, 2008; What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.

Continuous posted:

Just got my March A-100 invite! I don't know that there are words for how excited I am right now.

Congrats! Going to A-100 or Specialist training?

# ¿ Feb 7, 2013 02:11

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Ask/Tell > US Foreign Service & FSOT Megathread: Where Dreams Come True & Even Lawyers Get Jobs

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