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I've been watching this thread for years, I've been wanting to start the application process for ages but my husband's job has always taken the front seat. So after much discussion and me getting fed up with just taking whatever job I can find every time we move, I signed up for the June 2012 test. I have a library degree so I'm hoping I can get in as a specialist but I'm applying as a generalist now. I'm not worried about the initial test, but I dread the QEP.
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Mar 5, 2012 22:03
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TCD posted:Don't worry too much about the QEP, as it's really out of your hands. Payback then.  Seriously though, the ultimate goal is for both of us to be in FS, he's in IT and currently attached to DISA (Army 25B), his enlistment is up in 2016 so I'm hoping to be in the FS by then. I know we might face times when we wouldn't get assigned to the same place but we're used to separations. With his experience and veteran's preference he'd probably have a good chance getting in as a specialist.On the plus side, having to move and change jobs so often has given me a really wide range of experience which should come in handy. Miscreant Fromage fucked around with this message at 15:21 on Mar 6, 2012 |
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Mar 6, 2012 15:10
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OMS just opened up. I'm over qualified but figure I'll give it a shot and maybe get lucky. It looks like a hell of a pay cut though which will suck but hopefully my degrees and experience would land me higher on the pay scale? If I can get in that way though at least it is a foot in the door and perhaps I can keep working on trying to go FSO or librarian.
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Mar 23, 2012 12:48
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TCD posted:I think you have a chance to negotiate your salary during the HR hiring process. If they won't give you enough steps, I'd just walk away. Cool good to know. Of course I also have to consider the benefits like housing so that's a plus. Right now I make $50k as a project manager/office manager so dropping down to $35k would suck.
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Mar 23, 2012 13:20
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The OMS position is closed. Edit: Just checked on my application status, it says "Eligible – Referred to Next Step in Selection Process" I assume that means I just passed the basic screening questions and they still have to review my PNQs?
Miscreant Fromage fucked around with this message at 14:57 on Apr 4, 2012 |
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Apr 4, 2012 14:31
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the_chavi posted:Saudi stuff I wondered how rough it would be being stationed somewhere like that as a woman. I find this stuff pretty interesting, I'd love to hear more experiences and post reports from different places and different goons. It's interesting to hear all the different perspectives and personal experiences at various posts.
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Apr 9, 2012 19:44
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Business of Ferrets posted:There is a good collection here. Free membership required, but very much worth it. Yeah I've been combing through those over the past couple months, haven't yet ventured onto the message boards though. It's helpful but the post reports are kinda impersonal.
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Apr 9, 2012 21:11
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Library science goons...Information Resource Officer positions are open, they havent recruited for this since 2009! This position is the reason I went for a library degree in the first place. I applied for OMS in March (still waiting on results for that) and am taking the FSOT this Friday but IRO is what I really want to do. I don't know how many openings they are budgeted to fill for IROs. http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/317237600
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Jun 5, 2012 12:47
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I got the email saying that I'd be invited to the OA for OMS. I'm taking the FSOT today and I've applied for IRO since that's what I really want to do. Heck that job is the main reason why I got a library degree. But I figure I'll take whatever route can get me in and if it's not IRO then I can keep trying for it later. Really not keen on going back to being a secretary but it'd be nice to have a job where you don't have to constantly worry about being laid off.
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Jun 8, 2012 13:48
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Just got back from taking the FSOT, it took about an hour and a half. It wasn't bad at all, I'm definitely glad I did a quick brush up on constitution amendments, the regular history and government questions were stuff I already knew. Grammar part was easy. Had a lame question for the essay but I think I did ok on it. Now just to wait.
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Jun 8, 2012 21:46
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Business of Ferrets posted:How was the bio section? The only hard part there was the 200 word limit.
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Jun 9, 2012 12:58
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Diplomaticus posted:Reading the AIP compensation/benefits cable. It looks....really good. I might want to do this for my third tour, especially if I can link something awesome for #4. My friend (currently in Iraq) said that as an incentive they're trying to secure your follow on assignment before you even start your AIP tour. She's part of a tandem couple and they both knew where they were going after Iraq at least 2 months before they got to Iraq.
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Jun 21, 2012 18:17
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I just got the letter saying that I passed the FSOT...on to the dreaded PNQs! OA for my OMS application is next month and a couple days after that the recruitment for Information Resource Officers closes so my fingers are really crossed for that one. At least for that one I had to submit the PNQs as part of the application process. IROs are still considered specialists even though they're called "officer" right?
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Jun 27, 2012 15:47
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Diplomaticus posted:
Congrats! It'll probably be expensive but the country is so gorgeous it'll be worth it. Lucky! Miscreant Fromage fucked around with this message at 00:48 on Jul 4, 2012 |
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Jul 4, 2012 00:44
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1of7 posted:Got my next assignment today & was totally shocked to only get my 16th choice. Not in a completely bad way though. Cool! You'll have to go stay at the Poseidon Underwater Resort!
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Jul 15, 2012 13:34
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Just got back from my OA, got a 5.9. I think the structured interview was the hardest for me because I tend to ramble when I get nervous. Now onto the medical & security clearance!
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Jul 18, 2012 22:40
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OMS. There were only three of us there and I was the only one who passed. I just finished my FSO PNQs 2 days ago, they were due yesterday so we'll see what happens there. The librarian position closes on the 20th so I'm really hoping that one pans out. But heck, I'll take whatever route I can. The interviewer told me after they gave me the good news that if the IRO thing doesn't work out, give it a year as an OMS and then they have a program to help try to move into other areas or something and after tenure I could do the Mustang program if I wanted to go that route...I was still in OMG I PASSED mode so I don't remember her exact words.
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Jul 18, 2012 22:59
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Tyro posted:Congrats to any Specialists who had Flag Day today. Post results!!!! I know we've got at least one person here, an OMS right? Where are you going?
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Aug 1, 2012 19:42
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I'm going in tomorrow for my medical clearance, as far as I know my contacts for my security clearance haven't been contacted yet. Fun part, my husband took my son in for his medical clearance since they recommended the whole family do it now. He's 4 so too young to use the State Dept doctors. His pediatrician screwed it all up (I didn't go with) and just wrote n/a on most of the tests and said that she'd never filled out that form before or seen it before so CLEARLY we had the wrong form. Military doctor, military health facility. Even though the hubs brought the letter saying all tests are required and I freaking HIGHLIGHTED that part and he explained it was for the State Dept, NOT a command sponsorship deal with the military. It will be interesting to see how mine goes because I'm using the military facility too, but I'm not as easily brushed off. Probably going to have to put my demanding bitch hat on for it all. I don't have enough vacation time at work to take off to go back down to DC for 2 days to have it all done. And we don't get sick leave.  
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Aug 2, 2012 15:20
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Diplomaticus posted:Updated the OP with some of the new people (I had no idea Saho was in!) And most of them probably as a result of this thread! BTW I'm awaiting clearances, not in yet. OMS.
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Aug 2, 2012 15:51
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Zoots posted:Overheard on the line today: This is awesome. It'd be amusing to see a list of some of the best and craziest responses to that question. My security clearance investigation has just started, I have my interview next week. My medical clearance might be a problem. I just got back from having my test results filled in on the form. BP 118/62. Kidney and liver functions top notch, blood sugar excellent. Cholesterol HDL 58 LDL 101. A bunch of other numbers that show I'm doing good with my eating and exercise and all that crap. Pretty drat good for a fat chick. In excellent health except...the drat anemia. I've always had it but as I've gotten older it has gotten worse. Since my husband and I started eating mostly vegetarian it's gotten worse despite eating mostly iron rich veggies. The over the counter vitamins I've been taking have not helped apparently. It certainly explains some of the dizziness/lightheadedness I've had and the severe fatigue. It's really really bad, we had to discuss having a blood transfusion. I am concerned it would look bad on my application to have the transfusion so my other option is a more aggressive treatment with prescription iron pills taken with vitamin C pills which help iron absorption, continued focus on fitting in as much iron rich foods as possible. I go back in a month to see if the iron worked. If not I'm afraid I will not pass the medical clearance and if it is still at such a low level they may end up doing a transfusion. I hate needles. Not happy. Gonna go buy some steak tonight. It's medicinal.
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Aug 10, 2012 15:04
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the_chavi posted:Oh god yes. I met people whose job titles were wallet-carrier, dancing midget (part of a troupe), midget tosser, 24/7 videographer, and a professional basketball team - all of whom worked for one high-ranking prince. Well maybe if my anemia disqualifies me I can find a career in midget tossing. This is fascinating stuff. Makes me want to go consular even more.
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Aug 11, 2012 00:13
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TCD posted:When I came in, that used to be the case, now I don't know. You have to be available for worldwide placement to get on the register, it's still a requirement.
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Aug 11, 2012 17:31
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TCD posted:It's possible to be posted to the same place, it's also possible to have to serve in different spots or take bottom end posts to be posted together. And of course if you go the FS for one/EFM job for the other, at some point you'll still probably face an unaccompanied tour and time apart at some point, perhaps more than once.
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Aug 23, 2012 14:51
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TCD posted:Right. 5 months isn't bad...course coming from someone in a military marriage where we've practically spent every other year apart, my perspective is pretty skewed. Either lifestyle is not good for people who have trouble being apart, whether from spouses or from kids or both.
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Aug 23, 2012 21:24
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Absolutely horrible, I am beyond words. He was one of the folks in the ongoing FS threads that really inspired me to get my rear end in gear and go for it. Such a horrible loss.
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Sep 12, 2012 15:56
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I just got the results of my QEP, and although I passed I've decided to not go further on that candidacy since I signed up as PD and have decided that I would really prefer to go consular. My security clearances for OMS are still pending and I haven't heard anything for the IRO position. Who knows, if I go in as OMS I might decided that having actually seen FS work in action I wouldn't want to go consular either. If I Mustang it, I don't have to do the QEP bit again right? I'm gonna save my answers anyway just in case. Now watch if I reuse the exact same answers I probably won't pass QEP next time.
Miscreant Fromage fucked around with this message at 21:54 on Sep 17, 2012 |
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Sep 17, 2012 17:51
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Business of Ferrets posted:If you haven't yet turned off that candidacy, I would advise against it. In the foreseeable future there should be opportunities to switch from PD to CONS, and a switch in that direction is generally pretty easy. Getting in is the main obstacle here; I know a number of officers who switched to CONS from other cones. I haven't cancelled yet. I didn't know you could switch, I always thought you were pretty much stuck once you picked your cone so that's good to know. I'm still hopeful that I pass the QEP for IRO though, they are hoping to send out announcements by the end of the month. That's where I really want to be. If I pass QEP for IRO, I'll have to do that OA and ditch the PD, I'll only have enough leave to take off one day unless I can put one off until like March or something. And if I pass OA for IRO I'll be ditching the OMS candidacy (and FSO). I didn't expect to make it through QEP on both the first go. OMS was kind of a backup plan. But better than nothing, sick of always worrying about layoffs in the civilian world. Miscreant Fromage fucked around with this message at 15:12 on Sep 18, 2012 |
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Sep 18, 2012 15:08
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Pine Cone Jones posted:I am wanting to take the FSOE, however I'm waiting on a Medical Discharge from the Army now and haven't gotten to the point where I'd of received any rating for disability. Would it be best to wait for that information before filing the exam application? Your vet points don't count until after you pass the OA and it takes quite a while to get there, so by the time you got there your medical discharge stuff might be completed. I'd go for it.
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Sep 18, 2012 15:10
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Azuth0667 posted:How does the FSOT compare to other entrance exams like the GRE/PCAT/MCAT/GMAT? I didn't study for the GRE and got an excellent score. I studied for the FSOT and got a decent score but if I hadn't studied...probably wouldn't have done as well. I brushed up on a lot of stuff. But it was similar in many ways to the GRE. Except the bio stuff and you never know what you'll get for the essay question so you'll want to just practice writing timed essays. I think it varies because your life experiences and general knowledge are tested more on the FSOT, it's kind of like you either know it or you don't. Unlike with the GRE where you can brush up on math and stuff. I am overweight and it didn't seem to raise any issues, the problem I'm having getting my medical clearance is severe anemia (super low blood oxygen puts too much strain on the body and heart, so it'd make it hard for me in higher elevation assignments) and my hips are screwed up which as I age will continue to get worse and cause mobility issues. I just got notice today that they want MORE tests and MORE medical history. UGH. Miscreant Fromage fucked around with this message at 23:09 on Oct 2, 2012 |
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Oct 2, 2012 23:06
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Security clearance is done, but still waiting on medical. They want even more records, going back 7 years on my bloodwork and treatment for the severe anemia. Ugh. Keep in mind I've moved like every 2 years so that's a lot of medical record requests to get out and get back. I'm working with them and have told them that it will certainly take longer than the 2 week deadline that they gave me. Sooooo still waiting waiting waiting. And still haven't heard the PNQ results for the IRO position, should be any day now. Also I had a good interview for a regular federal position very close to home (I could walk to work in good weather) and they are checking my references now so maybe that will pan out. The people I work with at my current job are awesome but the actual job...meh not so much. It's really fleshing out my resume though!
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Oct 11, 2012 15:06
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Would you guys believe that I am STILL waiting on my medical clearance? Oddly enough I got an email saying the final panel review thingy has approved me, and I have 30 days to get my medical clearance done. I've been fighting with some old doctors to get my medical records to the state. Their concern is if I'm suffering any side effects from the severe anemia like heart issues which would preclude me from high altitude posts. Luckily I haven't had any problems aside from fatigue but getting the records to show that is being a total pain in the rear end. Been fighting with the medical clearance thing since August...they keep giving 30 day extensions because they know I'm working on it.
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Nov 1, 2012 17:57
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I am FINALLY on the register (OMS). Timeline: Application submitted and accepted Feb 2012. Passed the dreaded PNQs March 2012. OA July 2012. TS granted Oct 2012. Medical granted Dec 2012. (took longer than my security clearance) Register Dec 2012. I'm going on do not call status until August so I can see my kid off for his first day of kindergarten. I'm high on the register (5.9 score) so I've got a good chance at getting into the first available class after I come off do not call status (I hope). For comparison since I had 2 other applications going: FSOT passed 6/2012 PNQs passed 8/2012 OA invite declined 9/2012 I think? I applied under PD and then decided I'd rather do consular but still wasn't sure and was out of paid time off so couldn't really go anyway. Decided OMS would get me a really good look at the various cones and stuff so I could make a more educated decision and then mustang it if I wanted. Information Resource Officer Application accepted 7/2012 gently caress you email received about PNQs 9/2012 More proof that the PNQs are a mystery. I thought those were the best I'd written and it's the position I'm most qualified for with the library degree and digital archives and outreach experience. *shrug*. My preference is to eventually transfer to that, mustang is 2nd choice once I figure out where I'd best fit in. That particular IRO vacancy though looked like it wasn't as library focused and more marketing. So no biggie. So yay! Edit: #5 of 19 on the register. Miscreant Fromage fucked around with this message at 17:09 on Dec 17, 2012 |
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Dec 14, 2012 20:11
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My info in the OP is outdated. I'm on the register.
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Feb 8, 2013 18:38
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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.
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Feb 12, 2013 21:26
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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 
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Feb 13, 2013 12:50
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I also recently started a federal job even though I was on the register. I accepted the federal job back in September but they took forever with clearances. I was still in the clearance process with FS at the time and my medical wasn't looking good. I finally started with the feds in January and BAM last week I get called from the register. I hadn't expected it to happen until fall. I came in at a low salary with the fed job because I was just trying to get any federal job on post near home. When the DOS did my salary they gave me a step for my BA, a step for my MS, then I think a step for every year of related experience so I ended up maxing out at step 14. And we get that overseas addition of 16% which isn't too far from the DC locality pay (which is I thnk 19%?) so not bad at all. Of course I don't have to cope with DC rent since we live in military housing so that makes a huge difference. I had anticipated them just matching my federal salary. So I'm getting a lot more than what I make now. I feel like a total jerk though because I'm gonna have to tell my awesome boss here that I'm leaving so soon. I got my packet yesterday, the big huge folder with all the stuff in it. Was hoping some of the wise folks here could answer a question: I'm a local hire, so I don't need to arrange pack out till I know where I'm going, right? Especially since my husband will be stuck here (and possibly my son depending on where I end up going). So I'd just probably be taking some dishes and kitchen stuff, linens, clothing, DVDs, that kind of stuff. Also I can't seem to find the info but I thought somewhere in here someone had said that as a local hire you don't qualify for the public transportation subsidy, but I thought that was something all federal employees got. Can anyone clarify? I'm gonna be doing Marc then Metro to get to FSI. The packet was kind of funny, there was the letters and pages of policies, a big booklet on moving and one on federal benefits and some handy stuff like the shuttle schedule and pocket metro guide then it was like they just threw a couple random tourist brochures in there, one of the National Aquarium and one for Luray Caverns. Just seemed like such random selections.
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Feb 19, 2013 12:57
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I'm like 15 miles shy of qualifying for per diem. The Marc station is right down the street (like 5 minutes) and only a half hour ride to Union station, so time wise, it'll be about the same as driving when traffic is considered and it'll be way cheaper than paying for gas. On days that I have to be there earlier I can drive. It's 45 minutes without traffic, about an hour on MARC/Metro. I hate hate hate driving. 295 is already backed up by like 6:30 am. Edit: know what sucks? My commute right now is 6 minutes if I don't have to drop my kid off at daycare. If it wasn't so drat could I would walk to work. Dropping off the kid adds about 10-15 minutes. I'm gonna miss this commute. Miscreant Fromage fucked around with this message at 14:15 on Feb 19, 2013 |
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Feb 19, 2013 14:10
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TCD posted:My last two posts have both had 5-10 minute commutes. Honestly that is probably going to be the first thing I look at when bidding. That rocks. I've read on some of the Real Post reports that when you have kids you're sometimes stuck with a long commute because you have to leave near the schools or whatever. Edit: FYI State Dept posted on their forums that flag day for the March A-100 is Friday April 26th and for the specialist class is Tuesday April 9th. Miscreant Fromage fucked around with this message at 18:35 on Feb 19, 2013 |
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Feb 19, 2013 18:19
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| # ¿ Apr 29, 2024 00:39 |
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I currently work reviewing security clearances and you'd be amazed how much stuff is caught outside the interview (which is where they try to catch you up first). After the interview there's a lot of background work done and funky stuff turns up all the time. DOD stuff is the worst though, apparently recruiters think that if they don't bother putting those arrests, DUIs, drug use, etc on the recruit's SF86 that we won't find out. Then the investigator finds stuff through various record searches and other stuff and has to file a recruiter falsification report. On average we receive at LEAST 20 of those a day. Makes for some fun reading (and job security). I'm pretty jaded by now, very little surprises me. "Oh, look an indictment for conspiracy to defraud the government, there's a fine upstanding recruit" etc.
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Feb 21, 2013 13:55
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