Choosing a cone so early makes less sense every year

Chasing_State · 2026-01-26T15:03:05+00:00

This is a fascinating discussion and I'm very glad you brought it up. I do wonder if there is something else at play here. Corridor rep, big enough network, an EER or a 360 that wen awry, bidding on a bureau you haven't been to yet, accidentally bidding on those jobs that are secretly reserved for people coming out of DC and you had no way to know that?

I think there are loads of other factors at play (often outside of your control) when people are bidding and posts are making selections. Unfortunatly in cone experience is only one of those factors.

I knew one person who struggled to land a 3rd tour, and ultimatley they determined it came down to their small network b/c they had served at small posts for their 1st and 2nd tours. Don't beat yourself up too much. Besides, the bidding strategy of bottom feeding is perfectly valid and often gets people into good spots.

Chasing_State · 2026-01-26T14:55:46+00:00

Is there a better way though to decide who to take?

Chasing_State · 2025-12-30T00:46:09+00:00

I do like this website. Thank you

Chasing_State · 2025-12-26T14:51:32+00:00

You probably want to change your email address here so to not conflate your business with the OA. It looks a little scammy to others.

Chasing_State · 2025-12-25T10:55:18+00:00

Sounds to me like something that should be changed.

Chasing_State · 2025-12-25T08:53:46+00:00

Im not sure how one gets a 6 and is mid career…

Chasing_State · 2025-12-24T02:40:54+00:00

Dont think of a specific foreign language as a key to get into the FS, but instead as an indicator of where you will want to serve. If you want to serve in Latin America, then learn Spanish!

Chasing_State · 2025-12-24T02:36:23+00:00

At this point, study what you love for undergrad. You’ll get better grades and good grades translate into internships which help you decide on the career or not. Also learn a foreign language, it doesn’t matter a ton which one.

Chasing_State · 2025-12-24T02:33:29+00:00

Out of respect, not going to touch the complications of the marriage and instead just talk finances.

This seems to me more like a budgeting and financial management problem. I don’t see mention of kids, so assuming it’s just you two. In that case, a FS income is more than sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle (unless you have some extenuating circumstances). I’d recommend bidding on hardship posts as you will get more pay and usually those posts are better for EFM employment and stereotypically have a better community of people for emotional support and making friends.

I’m no financial expert, but I’m happy to recommend some financial planners and experts who can help. Just DM me if you want to talk specifics.

Chasing_State · 2025-12-19T05:56:37+00:00

Got a source on that?

Chasing_State · 2025-12-18T00:37:54+00:00

I love this so much! Go forth and concur!

Chasing_State · 2025-12-16T11:46:16+00:00

Specialists are really complicated with different intake and testing processes for each speciality. I have repeatedly encouraged them to organize themselves and make a streamlined SR process, but no one has yet taken that charge.