The DipNotes

Drew,

If I can’t come into a salary agreement with the SRC, then there will be no job.  You can appeal one time as long as you have new information that was not listed on your original application – but if you can't come into an agreement – then you'll have to move on.

I have no idea why accepting an orientation class date comes first.  I have never met anyone who gave it any thought, so I really don't have an opinion about that.  I don't see it as an issue.  Until you sign the salary statement they will not spend any money on moving you to Washington fort training.

If students can’t pass the 16-week IMS class what happens to them?  I believe they get one chance to make up the failed parts.. but as I am not in that career field I do not have an accurate answer.  I will ask some of my colleagues.

I do not know of the DOS English classes.  Again, I will ask around and see if anyone has ever heard of this.

Post edited 7:08 am – July 16, 2010 by Peter

Sam, orientation to the Foreign Service is 3 weeks, and it crams a lot in that short time.

They will give you a nice FS book to take home, and I highly recommend you keep it and read it.  OMS training is also 3 weeks, and that seems too short too.   But you will be posted only in positions designed for new hires, and in most cases you will not be working alone.  Most of these slots have a more experienced OMS working along side you.   Be sure that once you get to post you quickly become good friends with the other OMSes in the Embassy.  They will be your lifeline!

Also, and this works for any new hire in any field, the FSN's or Foreign Service Nationals (local hires) following sections are critical to your success and enjoyment at any post.

• GSO, especially housing!
• Facilities Maintenance
• Financial Management, especially the person in charge of time sheets!

Meet them, learn their names, greet them often, and most importantly listen to what they have to tell you!  They have been working at post for many years, and some for many decades!  They know what works, and what doesn't.  If you have some bright new idea to make things better – they have seen it done before.  They will tell you if it works or not.  The sad part about U.S. Government employees is that we feel we have to always IMPROVE some process, as if the current process is never the best solution.  Thus good ideas last a short while and then get reverted to something ugly and ineffective by a new employee.  The FSNs see this cycle all the time!

And never forget the Marines!   Be sure you always greet them each morning with a smile and wish them a "goodnight when you go home.  Often, the same Marine will be there both times, as they often work 12 hour shifts in a small box with stale air, no internet, and usually no reading material.  They have the hardest job of all.

Oh about Pakistan, no language was required, however I did have to take Foreign Affairs Counter Terrorism (FACT) course, which was a week long.  I have a big write-up on this on this blog.  Being assigned to Pakistan is not like any other Embassy, except perhaps Afghanistan or Baghdad.  It's more of a military base!  You'll make a lot more money, but learn less about the Foreign Service.  I don't recommend it as a first tour; I did it because I had already worked within FS as a spouse-hire for 6 years.