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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?
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Jan 3, 2013 00:58
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So I have been looking at this thread, and this is probably a very stupid question, but I am not sure how the timing works. I am a lawyer (graduated law school in May, passed the bar in October) and I have job that will end in August 2014. Since there are three tests a year, which test should I take so that when my job ends, I could start in the Foreign Service? The February 2014? June 2013? Also, I am a dual citizen with Canada. I found something saying basically that they don't have a policy about this, but that some people may have "serious issues" that prevent them from getting a security clearance. I'm assuming this is referring to people from more troublesome countries than Canada, but I just wanted to check if anyone had any info on this.
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Jan 3, 2013 01:22
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SCRwM posted:Thanks for the info. I didn't realize you could purchase items and have the movers pick them up directly. No concern that the item (s) would have problems but you didn't realize it until you got to post? It's no bother, don't worry. You can purchase furniture - say stuff at Crate and Barrel or whatever, and have them pick it up. Doing so you can claim tax-exempt status and not pay taxes on the goods. However, if you take them home ('drive it off the lot') - you will have to pay taxes on it. If you buy it overseas, depending on the number of cars you buy, you'll also get tax-exempt status. Gold and a Pager posted:Assuming you get posted to a place that has adequate public transportation, how common is it for FSOs to own a car? I know that each post is different, but is housing usually located near public transit and/or the embassy/consulate? Or do they kind of put you outside the city? Are there ever security reasons (other than places like Iraq or Afghanistan) where you wouldn't be allowed to take the subway/bus? A very good portion own cars, I'd say. If not, you'd probably want to invest in one. Even at FSI in DC orientation, it can be useful to own a car as the public transportation isn't the most accessible there. In SE Asia, for example, you may be regulated to basically take a taxi, regardless of where you want to go since all the other public transportation - large bus, tuk-tuk, motorcycle taxi, whatnot) are considered unsafe as Diplomaticus mentioned. Given that, it just seems a no-brainer that people would bring/buy a car to go food shopping, out during the weekends or experience the country. Note a GSO would have a motor pool that you can use to go to official functions.
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Jan 3, 2013 01:25
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OMG BYZANTIUM posted:So I have been looking at this thread, and this is probably a very stupid question, but I am not sure how the timing works. I am a lawyer (graduated law school in May, passed the bar in October) and I have job that will end in August 2014. Since there are three tests a year, which test should I take so that when my job ends, I could start in the Foreign Service? The February 2014? June 2013? a) take the most immediate one. you may or may not pass, (and if you don't, you have to wait a year). Honestly, don't count on entering by X time frame. Take it as it comes, prepare yourself for the next step, etc. your stress levels will drop dramatically (and HR will like you for not calling every other day unlike some people.) b) No, it applies to dual citizens of all sorts. As this is the U.S.G, you need to primarily be a U.S. Citizen. While the law itself is clear, the actual practice of it is vague (i.e. people don't care about you having a dual citizenship; until it comes to a certain line). The issue you will have to mitigate is likely you'll have to show that you have it from your parents (or marriage), but more importantly, you don't exercise it. (I.e. you dont make 3 trips to canada per year, you haven't lived there abroad for 11 years, etc) Several other people ran into the same issues on the DOHA website, you should check that when you get to the point.
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Jan 3, 2013 01:32
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CherryCola posted:Has anyone who took the FSOT in October gotten notification about whether they've made it to the OAs? I know we're supposed to find out this month and I'm getting really anxious! word is coming in January. I'm trying to keep it out of mind at the moment, too  also, once again, thanks to all the active FSOs and other State people who drop so much advice in this thread. It's a fascinating read, and hopefully I get to put it to use someday, too.
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Jan 3, 2013 02:16
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Just got confirmation that I'll be sitting for the FSOT in February but my girlfriend didn't. We both registered at the same time for the same test so I'm not sure what the deal is. Still excited as hell but I'm hoping she'll get her confirmation soon.
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Jan 3, 2013 02:20
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problematique posted: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? They aren't the same. Not sure I can say more, so I won't.
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Jan 3, 2013 03:18
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TouchyMcFeely posted:Just got confirmation that I'll be sitting for the FSOT in February but my girlfriend didn't. We both registered at the same time for the same test so I'm not sure what the deal is. I read somewhere that the scheduling invites go in a certain order by cone and people in differing cones can get the email a couple days apart.
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Jan 3, 2013 03:25
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Isn't the FSOT is administered by ACT; maybe send them an email/call?
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Jan 3, 2013 03:56
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I didn't get mine either yet. Consular cone, fwiw
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Jan 3, 2013 04:41
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That's the same cone she's going for. I signed up for Management so hopefully that's all it is. February 9th, 9am I get to find out how smart I am! Woohoo!
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Jan 3, 2013 04:43
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TouchyMcFeely posted:That's the same cone she's going for. I signed up for Management so hopefully that's all it is. I remember seeing it somewhere in the yahoo group stuff, but hell if I can recall where exactly. Do they display your results as soon as your done on the computer, by the way? Or is that impossible with the biographical stuff?
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Jan 3, 2013 04:54
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Barracuda Bang! posted:I remember seeing it somewhere in the yahoo group stuff, but hell if I can recall where exactly. I took the test in late September this past year and got my results a month later.
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Jan 3, 2013 05:22
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AKA Pseudonym posted:I'm going to be at FSI in February. Just mentioning it cause I know there's one or two people here joining the January classes. I'd be happy to share some beers and give out questionable advice to any brand new IMSs, or anybody else for that matter. Whoops! Looks like this isn't going to happen. Thank you limited training budget.
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Jan 3, 2013 11:29
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Got my FSOT email, totally forgotten I had signed up for consular track. The OP is making me anxious, since I signed up for the consular track for language crap, and to help out fellow citizens, but every other track sounds so DRAMATIC and REPLETE WITH INTRIGUE. A kinda complicated feeling, to put it succinctly.
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Jan 3, 2013 18:18
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Vulich the Subtle posted:every other track sounds so DRAMATIC and REPLETE WITH INTRIGUE. That's just because nobody's yet written a summary of what Management Officers do. 
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Jan 3, 2013 18:41
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Business of Ferrets posted:That's just because nobody's yet written a summary of what Management Officers do. Hah!
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Jan 3, 2013 18:56
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AKA Pseudonym posted:Whoops! Looks like this isn't going to happen. Thank you limited training budget. Was this post or central funds? Sucks :/
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Jan 3, 2013 19:01
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TCD posted:Was this post or central funds? Sucks :/ It was GITM actually. We used once of our trips for this year, we thought it was going to count against last year. We have a really big shop so it sucks that they only allow so much in a year but them's the breaks. I still get regional training though. Not the class I want, and I'd rather go to DC than Frankfurt. But it's not all bad.
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Jan 3, 2013 19:50
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currently chilling, watching the China/Brazil women's vollyball game, sampling some beer that was just delivered (to, you know, make sure it's... suitable for the rest of post) Business Of Ferrets, this job was everything you said it was.
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Jan 4, 2013 08:46
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Skandiaavity posted:currently chilling, watching the China/Brazil women's vollyball game, sampling some beer that was just delivered (to, you know, make sure it's... suitable for the rest of post) You know it.
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Jan 4, 2013 10:14
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Skandiaavity posted:currently chilling, watching the China/Brazil women's vollyball game, sampling some beer that was just delivered (to, you know, make sure it's... suitable for the rest of post) It's a hard life we lead, but someone's gotta do it. You're doing us proud, son.
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Jan 4, 2013 19:01
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Business of Ferrets posted:You know it. I'm currently on R&R. On the day after Christmas, I went to the gun range, had some great Mexican and finished it off with Django unchained. Feels good man.
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Jan 4, 2013 19:25
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Tyro posted:The waiting game doesn't get any better once you're on the Register I think i know how you feel. I took the test in October 2011, passed the OA in May, and only just got word that I have been on the register for a few months now. On an entirely unrelated note, I also wanted to give a huge thank you to Diplomaticus, BoF, TCD, Skandiaavity, the_chavi, Vilerat (RIP), and everyone else for your posts over the years. I stumbled across this thread in early 2010 while trying to figure out how to get past the maddeningly opaque BEX panel, and have been lurking ever since. Reading all of your posts has confirmed what I'd already suspected -- that the FS is a unique experience that attracts the best and the brightest in incredibly interesting ocales. Assuming I ever get off the register, I hope to work with some of you in the future.
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Jan 5, 2013 03:48
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Continuous posted:I think i know how you feel. I took the test in October 2011, passed the OA in May, and only just got word that I have been on the register for a few months now. Ahhh thanks  This career and lifestyle is really unique, challenging and rewarding. It's not for everyone but, it's pretty cool.
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Jan 5, 2013 04:15
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I completely forgot about the FSOT test coming up until I got the email yesterday. Whoops. Are the study guides they try and sell worthwhile or should I just use the other ten million internet sources that seem to be floating around?
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Jan 5, 2013 05:41
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The study guide was more of a practice test. I thought it was worth it.
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Jan 5, 2013 06:50
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I must say, celebrating local holidays OWNS. Especially when the local culture has an alternative calendar with different dates for everything and his highly religious. Two new years, two christmas's, etc.
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Jan 5, 2013 09:18
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Part of what makes the FS so unique is literally; there is no other organization or no other industry that does what the Department of State does. I'm not even talking about the things like drinking beer and watching women's sports, either... Nothing but respect for the men and women who serve. Look forward to that day! Diplomaticus.. I get 21 holidays... your call! :P (I just know one of you gets way more than I do  )
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Jan 5, 2013 13:09
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Question for the FS Goons: What do you think is the best part of your job? On the flip side, what would you say is the worst/least desirable part (obviously without bashing the FS or DoS)? Also what is one thing that surprised you the most once you entered the FS?
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Jan 5, 2013 13:43
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I gave ACT my CC info yesterday but it didn't ever send me the email prompt to sign up for a slot. Also, I'm wondering the same thing as Vas - are the pay for guides worth it?
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Jan 5, 2013 18:32
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Red Crown posted:I gave ACT my CC info yesterday but it didn't ever send me the email prompt to sign up for a slot. Also, I'm wondering the same thing as Vas - are the pay for guides worth it? The email says two hours but it took them a little less than twenty-four hours to actually send me my info. You should get yours by early Monday morning, assuming everything is kosher on your end and the automation isn't wonky.
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Jan 5, 2013 18:42
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Skandiaavity posted:Part of what makes the FS so unique is literally; there is no other organization or no other industry that does what the Department of State does. I'm not even talking about the things like drinking beer and watching women's sports, either... Nothing but respect for the men and women who serve. Look forward to that day! Pretty sure there's a cap on observing local days.
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Jan 5, 2013 19:18
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well, the DCM did mention that they tend to swap out two holidays, depending on festivities. Fireworks hazards, etc
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Jan 6, 2013 02:33
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I thought the combined limit of scheduled holidays was either 20 or 21. It seems they can still throw in an admin day or 2 over that though.
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Jan 6, 2013 04:58
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I know there's a way for FSSs to convert to FSOs, but is there any way for FSOs to change to FSSs?
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Jan 7, 2013 00:35
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Barracuda Bang - yes, it's called a skill code reclassification or something like that. However it's pretty rare, as it requires 1. a necessity to hire for the position you want to move into 2. to be eligible, you must have served in an "equivalent" position for a certain time period (I want to say it's 30 or 36 months of the previous 5 or 6 years?) So, for example, hypothetically, if I get invited to A-100 but I was REALLY interested in being some type of specialist, I might try to recode at some point. However, for some positions, they are never listed as available for skill code change, simply because they ALWAYS fill all their vacancies through the competitive hiring process. More realistically I imagine being a generalist would give you a big boost in the competitive hiring process due to the overseas experience and (presumably) language skills.
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Jan 7, 2013 01:02
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Yes. To clarify on ^^^'s point; you basically need to serve X amount of time, I've heard 48 or 60 months (i.e. 1 to 2 tours); in such a capacity then someone high up the chain signs off on it, and Bob's your uncle. I haven't heard of anyone actually doing it but I am sure it's been done before. Also a way to convert from Civil Service to Foreign Service, and vice versa. However, the catch there is, CS > FS has never been performed. FS > CS usually comes around retirement age. Skandiaavity fucked around with this message at 01:05 on Jan 7, 2013 |
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Jan 7, 2013 01:03
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Skandiaavity posted:Yes. To clarify on ^^^'s point; you basically need to serve X amount of time, I've heard 48 or 60 months (i.e. 1 to 2 tours); in such a capacity then someone high up the chain signs off on it, and Bob's your uncle. I haven't heard of anyone actually doing it but I am sure it's been done before. I've heard of specialists doing the skill code petition program after a tour or two in places like Africa, Port Morsby, etc... o. FYI I have am pretty sure Vile Rat did the petition to add IMS to his employee profile.
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Jan 7, 2013 01:14
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he was FSS -> FSS, though wasn't he? I know of FSS -> FSO.. but I was speaking of FSO -> FSS being unheard of to me. (although yeah the process is the same)
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Jan 7, 2013 02:03
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