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the_chavi posted:Geez, glad you're okay, and glad the RSO overslept! I'm friends with one of the A/RSOs out there (well really his wife) and they were definitely doing the "oh my God we could have been on that trip" second-guessing game while they were standing outside their apartment building, waiting for the all clear. Stay safe, friend. Ah, that's cool & she is awesome (her husband is too). It's funny because a lot of people ended up congregating at the compound housing because after we had to go in we didn't want to go back to our high rise apartment where the aftershocks are much more noticeable. The sky was actually blue and we were all just hanging out in the shade of the trees and it ended up being a pretty nice day. I just wish we'd had some burgers or steaks or something to throw on the grill. :P
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Apr 20, 2013 13:25
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Doesn't the mantra "don't be a dick" pretty much apply to any job you have? At least, any job I've had I have tried not to be a dick...
SCRwM fucked around with this message at 13:36 on Apr 20, 2013 |
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Apr 20, 2013 13:33
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1of7 posted:Ah, that's cool & she is awesome (her husband is too). It's funny because a lot of people ended up congregating at the compound housing because after we had to go in we didn't want to go back to our high rise apartment where the aftershocks are much more noticeable. The sky was actually blue and we were all just hanging out in the shade of the trees and it ended up being a pretty nice day. I just wish we'd had some burgers or steaks or something to throw on the grill. :P That's how we respond to tragedies or crises at State, folks - impromptu BBQs. 
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Apr 20, 2013 13:49
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the_chavi posted:That's how we respond to tragedies or crises at State, folks - impromptu BBQs. Sadly, that's true. As an institution, we're embarrassingly bad at dealing with grief.
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Apr 20, 2013 14:51
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Business of Ferrets posted:Sadly, that's true. As an institution, we're embarrassingly bad at dealing with grief. Actually, this sounds like the best way to deal with grief, institutionally or not. Maybe with the addition of some good scotch.
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Apr 20, 2013 20:40
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I think that's SOP. I'm looking to invest in a portable grill just for situations like those  SCRwM : yeah, don't be a dick. It applies to any job, really. But it's magnified in this job. (At times in this job, some people may Give You poo poo; it's important to be the 'better' person and not necessarily the louder in those cases. i.e. Keep Calm and Escalate)
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Apr 21, 2013 05:35
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I have a friend of mine who is considering applying for a generalist position and is researching specialization. His current job involves work closely with the milgroup at posts (networking with foreign military officials, provide recommendations to embassy on agency capabilities, military training opportunities, military sales, reporting). He's trying to best leverage is past experiences into the FS application. Would the political cone be something that would preform the most work relating to reporting on and engaging with foreign militaries or am I totally off kilter and this work is primarily preformed by OGA like DIA/DOD defense attache? Anyone have experience with this in their portfolio?
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Apr 22, 2013 16:17
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problematique posted:I have a friend of mine who is considering applying for a generalist position and is researching specialization. His current job involves work closely with the milgroup at posts (networking with foreign military officials, provide recommendations to embassy on agency capabilities, military training opportunities, military sales, reporting). He's trying to best leverage is past experiences into the FS application. I have extensive experience with this. At post, the State side of this is handled by political, so that would be the cone with the most relevance , if that's what he's looking for. Larger embassies in strategic countries sometimes will have a discrete political-military unit, or even a stand-alone pol-mil section. All are staffed by political. We work closely with the DAO, which does most straight mil reporting, but there is a lot of overlap and even oversight by State. It sounds like maybe he's filling a pol-mil slot currently.
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Apr 22, 2013 16:30
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Yeah definitely PM, or just Pol if there's no explicit PM position. Keep in mind though it may also be a different kind of reporting than he's used to, as the defense attache's office will cover a lot of what it sounds like he does now. For instance, he may be liaising with a foreign military on human rights issues/Leahy vetting, especially if you're somewhere like AF. You may be working with militaries that have their own in-house "industrial complex" -- where the military/generals directly own businesses, like Rwanda. You may be dealing with policy and troop movements, or you may be dealing with apologizing for a training accident. In other words, the military engagement may be different than what he may be used to. And finally keep in mind that if he goes Political there's no guarantee he'll necessarily be dealing with military issues in his first two tours, since they're directed assignments and he has less control over what position (and therefore what portfolio) he gets to cover.
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Apr 22, 2013 17:24
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Hey Chavi, saw some pics on reuters of your French colleagues. Stay safe over there.
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Apr 23, 2013 13:48
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TCD posted:Hey Chavi, saw some pics on reuters of your French colleagues. Stay safe over there. Yeah it's been a pretty rough day all around. We're hunkered down and keeping our eyes/ears open a little wider than normal.
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Apr 23, 2013 17:40
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Bruxism posted:Strongly consider attempting to get into the Presidential Management Fellowship program: http://www.pmf.gov/ Cool, thanks. I'll definitely look more into this the closer I get to my start date. I don't get out of the military until Novemeber, so it's a little bit of a waiting game right now Giodo! posted:I'm finishing my PMF and am a Foreign Affairs Officer. Feel free to PM me or ask specific questions. This is awesome too, thank you, I feel this might be a good route for me, as I will be a veteran by then.
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Apr 23, 2013 23:05
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mypseudonym posted:I am a total newbie here and an IMS hopeful. I submitted my app last week and have been deemed "Eligible" to proceed. So here's my question to all the Generalists and Specialists on this here Interwebs; Is there much truth to this "us versus them" mentality I keep seeing pop up every so often? I have read two articles, one from 2003, but can not seem to find again, and "Pride and Prejudice", Pg 55, found here http://www.afsa.org/fsj/1209/files/assets/downloads/publication.pdf. The specialists that are dicks are treated like dicks. The generalists that are dicks will treat specialists like dicks. Both dick populations are universally regarded as dicks by everyone else. Don't be a dick and it's not an issue. Ordinary, friendly, civil and professional folks are celebrated.
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Apr 24, 2013 18:14
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the popes toes posted:The specialists that are dicks are treated like dicks. The generalists that are dicks will treat specialists like dicks. Both dick populations are universally regarded as dicks by everyone else. Don't be a dick and it's not an issue. Ordinary, friendly, civil and professional folks are celebrated. This needs to be on the 1st page.
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Apr 24, 2013 20:58
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I've got a general B2 question that I'm hoping someone here can give me some insight on. My wife and I are expecting our first child, due at the end of September and we invited her parents, who are Indonesian and haven't ever visited here before, to come and stay with us for a couple of months before and after the birth (3-4 total). Neither we, nor they, have any desire to remain in the US, they have a son who is about to graduate from college and he's got a serious girlfriend and they'll probably get engaged next year. Their interview was on Tuesday morning, and at the end of the short interview they were given a pink card, indicating that they were denied. I haven't gotten a copy of it yet, but her father said that the reason listed was, "Economy," which I think means lack of evidence that they can support themselves. I'm just hoping someone can give me an idea of what needs to change in our evidence before we re-apply. The evidence we compiled was: Purpose of Visit: Invitation letter from us stating that they could stay with us and we'd pay for the plane ticket and all expenses. Reason to Return Home: (1) Deeds to multiple properties, a farm and several rental houses. (2) Birth Certificate of their son, who is staying behind. (3) Graduation Notice for said son, who is graduating from college in December. (4) Letter from father's employer, stating that he wants him back when he returns to Indonesia. Means to Support themselves whilst in the US: Bank statement showing $5k in savings.
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Apr 25, 2013 14:59
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Scipio posted:I've got a general B2 question that I'm hoping someone here can give me some insight on. Well, I don't want to turn this into the visa advice thread, since I hate visas and I got as far away from them as fast as I could once my visa tour ended. It's been almost ten years since I've touched a visa. Not knowing the details of the case, and not wanting to know them, my comments are general and not specific. There is really only one question: what kind of refusal was it? Refusals are defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act (as amended, etc.) If it was refused under section 221(g), you're (maybe) in luck; it means the visa isn't being issued because the officer still needs more information. More likely, it was refused under section 214(b), meaning that the officer found the applicant not eligible for a visa. If it was the former, check to see what information the officer has requested (it should be on the sheet). If the latter, then it probably would be best not to reapply, at least for quite a while. It's not that the officer misunderstands the situation, it's that, considering the current situation in that country, including visa use (and abuse) trends by compatriots, your in-laws do not qualify for visas. There is no mechanism to appeal the decision. A friend and fellow FSO likes to say, "At the root of every truly awful day in our line of work, lies a visa."
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Apr 25, 2013 16:03
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Business of Ferrets posted:Well, I don't want to turn this into the visa advice thread, since I hate visas and I got as far away from them as fast as I could once my visa tour ended. It's been almost ten years since I've touched a visa. Not knowing the details of the case, and not wanting to know them, my comments are general and not specific. I understand, and sorry for the attempted threadjack. The denial was a 214b, so I guess we're stuck for awhile. I'm just still in shock over the denial, probably just because my wife and I had such an easy time when we went through our K-1 visa.
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Apr 25, 2013 16:54
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Welp, I'm heading out from Tripoli a month early - not a formal curtailment, but definitely a "I've hit my fun limit and need to go home right now" adjustment of my departure date. (Not related to the French embassy bombing, actually - made my decision the day before, and that just confirmed my choice.) I'm trying to wrap everything up and get out of here within the next week. I'm both ecstatic to be going home and heartbroken to be leaving the team here, especially the local staff who have been through so much, much of it inflicted by us. It's hard not to feel like I'm abandoning the mission, but at a certain point you have to do what's right for you and your family, even if it inconveniences your bosses. On the plus side, assuming the HR gods don't dick me over, I'm going to have 5 weeks of home leave. I have never been more excited to have a full menu of homeowner chores to handle for weeks on end.
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Apr 25, 2013 19:20
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I'm amazed how small our community is even if we're spread out all around the world. I think for the most part, it's only 1 degree of separation in this community. I'm amazed of how many, "Hey do you know Jane Doe?" "Yeah, we had a good time at our last post" or, "TCD, a goon says hi". Another reason why it's good to be both low maintenance and not a dick.
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Apr 26, 2013 18:49
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Flag day came and went and... I'm going to be spending a couple years in Sudan!!
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Apr 27, 2013 02:06
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TCD posted:I'm amazed how small our community is even if we're spread out all around the world. I think for the most part, it's only 1 degree of separation in this community. I'm amazed of how many, "Hey do you know Jane Doe?" "Yeah, we had a good time at our last post" or, "TCD, a goon says hi". I've noticed over the years that the major players in office politics eventually get fired, transferred, shunned, or 'promoted' into exile. Being nice to people and doing my job has helped me survive elections, power-shifts, and scandals in local government offices.
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Apr 27, 2013 02:30
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the_chavi posted:Welp, I'm heading out from Tripoli a month early - not a formal curtailment, but definitely a "I've hit my fun limit and need to go home right now" adjustment of my departure date. (Not related to the French embassy bombing, actually - made my decision the day before, and that just confirmed my choice.) I'm trying to wrap everything up and get out of here within the next week. I'm both ecstatic to be going home and heartbroken to be leaving the team here, especially the local staff who have been through so much, much of it inflicted by us. It's hard not to feel like I'm abandoning the mission, but at a certain point you have to do what's right for you and your family, even if it inconveniences your bosses. Glad you are getting out of there. You have done your fair share in that place. Don't stress your departure, celebrate it. Let's get a beer in DC this Summer.
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Apr 27, 2013 02:47
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Continuous posted:I'm going to be spending a couple years in Sudan!! Hey, congrats man. I think that's a way better option than Saudi. Tough, but you'll appreciate it I think.
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Apr 27, 2013 09:58
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Bruxism posted:Glad you are getting out of there. You have done your fair share in that place. Don't stress your departure, celebrate it. Let's get a beer in DC this Summer. Can do. Last night we had a going away happy hour for one of our A/RSOs who's been here for 14 months, and it morphed into a farewell for me as well. We have a TDYer out here now who was manning the Tripoli TOC the night of the Benghazi attacks, so it was a chance for everyone who's been here through all of the poo poo to get together and celebrate/mourn.
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Apr 27, 2013 10:01
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It's our farewell party tonight as well. My buddy is bringing a sheep. My wife ordered a caterer. I have multiple cases of beer. Let the games begin.
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Apr 27, 2013 10:24
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Diplomaticus posted:It's our farewell party tonight as well. My buddy is bringing a sheep. My wife ordered a caterer. I have multiple cases of beer. What's the sheep for? Do you have a pair of Wellies?
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Apr 27, 2013 11:27
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Sound like it's gonna get stump broke.
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Apr 27, 2013 11:52
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Business of Ferrets posted:Sound like it's gonna get stump broke. That's a new one - thanks for alerting me to the term!
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Apr 27, 2013 11:55
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the_chavi posted:That's a new one - thanks for alerting me to the term! We are wordsmiths, one and all. . . .
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Apr 27, 2013 12:23
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Continuous posted:Flag day came and went and... Woot! I'm heading there in a couple months and I know an IMS who is awesome and is headed there this summer as well. Was it one of your top choices? It was my #1 and no one else wanted to go.
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Apr 27, 2013 19:10
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the_chavi posted:Hey, congrats man. I think that's a way better option than Saudi. Tough, but you'll appreciate it I think. Miscreant Fromage posted:Woot! I'm heading there in a couple months and I know an IMS who is awesome and is headed there this summer as well. Was it one of your top choices? It was my #1 and no one else wanted to go. Yeah, Sudan was my #1 choice, both because it's bound to be more interesting than SA, and for that sweet, sweet equity. I head out in October, though something tells me that my actual departure may be subject to change. I'm looking forward to taking the Crash/Bang course, which I hear is learning to shoot guns, drive defensively, and be a medic. MF, will you be taking the course as well? Chavi, congrats on managing to pop out of Libya early! I'm sure it will be a nice change that the worst that can happen to you is traffic.
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Apr 28, 2013 00:56
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Hello Everyone! I am new here and I found this thread by searching for more info re fso career. I actually read this entire thread from page one in a few days. All of the info was incredibly helpful, and I decided to join here because everyone seemed so down to earth and real. I plan on taking the FSOT in june. I am currently wrapping up my second year of law school (exam time) and will finish next may. I doubt i will get into the fs right away, so i figured i might as well start applying now! I still have lots of questions about the whole process and experience. I have two school-aged daughters and I am hoping that IF I ever get into the fs, that I would be sent somewhere safe with adequate medical and educational facilities. Am I expecting too much? Especially since I have two young daughters, I would honestly not want to go live somewhere like saudi arabia, for example. We have 2 siberian huskies, so I dont think they would like the desert too much either lol :-) Nonetheless, I would be happy nearly anywhere unless it was inherently dangerous for my family. I have always loved learning about different cultures and languages. I majored in spanish in undergrad and minored in political science and german. Currently, I am focusing my law school electives in immigration, international, and national security law. I signed up for the consular cone, and it sounds really interesting to me, even though I read that a lot of people dont like it too much or find it boring. Im looking forward to joining the community here
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Apr 28, 2013 17:32
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wagnergirls posted:Hello Everyone! I am new here and I found this thread by searching for more info re fso career. I actually read this entire thread from page one in a few days. All of the info was incredibly helpful, and I decided to join here because everyone seemed so down to earth and real. I plan on taking the FSOT in june. I am currently wrapping up my second year of law school (exam time) and will finish next may. I doubt i will get into the fs right away, so i figured i might as well start applying now! I still have lots of questions about the whole process and experience. I have two school-aged daughters and I am hoping that IF I ever get into the fs, that I would be sent somewhere safe with adequate medical and educational facilities. Am I expecting too much? Especially since I have two young daughters, I would honestly not want to go live somewhere like saudi arabia, for example. We have 2 siberian huskies, so I dont think they would like the desert too much either lol :-) Nonetheless, I would be happy nearly anywhere unless it was inherently dangerous for my family. I have always loved learning about different cultures and languages. I majored in spanish in undergrad and minored in political science and german. Currently, I am focusing my law school electives in immigration, international, and national security law. I signed up for the consular cone, and it sounds really interesting to me, even though I read that a lot of people dont like it too much or find it boring. Im looking forward to joining the community here Welcome! At most posts State will pay for your children to attend high quality American or international schools. During the bidding process, your Career Development Officer (CDO) will ask you what your priorities are, and work with you to find something that fits for you and your family. Naturally, you shouldn't expect to work in Western Europe your entire career, but if education is important, then you can certainly ensure that your children get a great education wherever you go. I've heard it repeated anecdotally that FS kids can get educations that surpass what you could provide here in the U.S. With that said, keep in mind that you may end up being separated from your family a 1 year unaccompanied tour, particularly if you want to get into the higher ranks (it's a criteria for the Senior Foreign Service). Hope that helps and best of luck with the process!
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Apr 28, 2013 18:12
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Would the state department pay partial/full tuition for your child to go to a boarding school in the US? I could see how some FSOs might want to send their high school aged children to a boarding school in DC (or elsewhere) so that their academic/social lives are not disturbed by the constant moving.
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Apr 28, 2013 22:26
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laxbro posted:Would the state department pay partial/full tuition for your child to go to a boarding school in the US? I could see how some FSOs might want to send their high school aged children to a boarding school in DC (or elsewhere) so that their academic/social lives are not disturbed by the constant moving. If I recall correctly, they will pay (up to whatever the "Away from post" educational allowance for your post is) for boarding school in the US. But, boarding school is the only way that they will pay for school in the US. If the child lives with relatives, then they would be expected to attend the public school.
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Apr 29, 2013 03:44
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Continuous posted:Flag day came and went and... Congrats on getting your choice! Seems they had a lot of openings at this post for your class.
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Apr 29, 2013 14:38
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Woohoo! Just got my invite for the July 15th Specialist Class!
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Apr 29, 2013 18:50
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SCRwM posted:Woohoo! Just got my invite for the July 15th Specialist Class! Congrats! See you in DC!
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Apr 29, 2013 18:58
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Bruxism posted:Congrats! See you in DC! Me too! Edit: Just had a pretty big success with PD where everybody wins. At one point, I was close to writing OF-117s, but, cooler heads prevailed. Thanks goon who helped me! TCD fucked around with this message at 19:05 on Apr 29, 2013 |
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Apr 29, 2013 19:03
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Consular register!!!!!! I am number 19/116 with a 5.6, so I'm feeling confident about July, even with the sequester. My OA was 3/7, so they really blew through the clearances!
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Apr 29, 2013 19:39
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