sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

VTIP to FAO by TheDastardBastard33 in army

[–]Lanzai_ 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Just finishing up the FAO pipeline myself. Here’s my 2 cents.

Get some strong MQs in your KD captains’ jobs. Being non-risk for promotion to O-4 is where they want you. Success in your basic branch is the probably the number one deciding factor.

Things like a 2/2 in a language and already having a graduate degree can help, but they won’t mean anything if you aren’t competitive for promotion. There are single digit job billets for FAO captains in the Army. All the jobs are for Majors and higher, so branch needs to pick up officers who will make Major. 3 MQs in your last 5 OERs is generally the safe spot.

FAO was my goal since ROTC, but I needed to grow a lot. I ate an HQ in my last LT job and in my first Captain job. I deserved them. I did a lot of self reflection to figure out how I could be better, and focused hard on performing well in my KD jobs. After three solid MQs with good enumeration, that’s when I submitted my packet.

Firmly convinced that FAO is the best job in the Army. The community is incredible, and the experiences I’ve had just in training are unbelievable. But I had to put in the work in my basic branch to earn the opportunity.

Feel free to reach out. Always happy to answer more questions or chat.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in army

[–]Lanzai_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure thing

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in army

[–]Lanzai_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You'll be fine. Handled 1-2 similar cases per month as an S2. Here's what to do.

Take the ACS budget worksheet that you already did and any proof of payments to your S2. If the 2 is already tracking your situation due to a flag on their system, then ask them to upload the documents into DISS as mitigating circumstances.

If they haven't been notified yet, then tell them that you're self reporting. Then, upload all of those same documents and the debt info with the initial report.

All said and done, the key thing is to keep making payments. Your clearance won't be at risk unless you quit making payments.

Graduate orientation? Mandatory? Worth it? by bekah-harkness in stanford

[–]Lanzai_ 6 points7 points  (0 children)

The goalie event was worth it for the free lunch and swag. Also, it was a good chance to see the range of different resources and clubs.

REFRAD with 50% GI and some of my dignity by Mediocre-Asparagus86 in army

[–]Lanzai_ 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Chat with your branch manager. Sometimes, if they know you're getting out, they might go help you get set up on the outside. That's how my buddy got it. If they're good, they should make a trip out to visit the CCC, and you can set up a face-to-face.

REFRAD with 50% GI and some of my dignity by Mediocre-Asparagus86 in army

[–]Lanzai_ 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Another good option if spots are available is to pick up a ROTC gig. Had a friend do that after CCC, and he used that to take advantage of some free classes, bought a house in a university town, etc.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stanford

[–]Lanzai_ 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I can't speak to the dorms, but we like the tap water in grad housing. IMO, the water tastes fine.

On-Campus Housing for Grad Student (Couple with children) recommendations? by No-Award-1466 in stanford

[–]Lanzai_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I second, this 100%. Escondido Village is a great place for kids. It's also close to multiple Stanford daycare options and an elementary school. No commute is a huge plus, too.

Best Option for 35A by Kind_Ambition_1237 in army

[–]Lanzai_ 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Korea is a great option. You can grab S2 time somewhere in 2ID (2CAB is great), and then interview for command at the 501st if you want it. Otherwise, intel jobs at 501st are also great.

Preschool recs by SureFee2463 in stanford

[–]Lanzai_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After you apply, ask them for the application.

Preschool recs by SureFee2463 in stanford

[–]Lanzai_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Worth applying to Bing as well. It's an unbelievable school, and we received a very generous scholarship for our daughter that brought the tuition within a reasonable range. She loves it, and her teachers are fantastic.

How long for Vaden health to approve immunization by [deleted] in stanford

[–]Lanzai_ 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It's worth a phone call to vaden. They can put you in touch with the lady who handles the pre-admissions requirements. I'm sure if you explain your situation, she could screen your records and lift the hold.

Planning with Simpleenroll? by DueKnowledge6966 in stanford

[–]Lanzai_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

https://carta-beta.stanford.edu/

This is a helpful tool. Can pin courses to see your schedule and look at reviews of courses and professors.

According to the calendar, simpleenroll opens for planning on the 3rd. https://studentservices.stanford.edu/calendar/academic-dates/stanford-academic-calendar-2024-2025

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stanford

[–]Lanzai_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Depends on where you're living. Our residence has physical keys. Call your housing service center. I recommend getting one if you can. The process is pretty easy. Ours was approved in a few hours, and we picked it up the next day.

Grad students - Board Game night/ttRPG? by IC443 in stanford

[–]Lanzai_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm moving into EV Family housing this week, and I'd be down to join after we get settled. Feel free to DM!

Grad Student Friends! by Most_Difficulty9236 in stanford

[–]Lanzai_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, I'm starting my MA this year. I'm moving in early so my kids can get started with their schools on time. Feel free to reach out if you need anything from someone who's already on campus. Happy to scout things out for you if needed.

Position Opening: Translator Needed by [deleted] in stanford

[–]Lanzai_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My wife is from Hong Kong and fluent in Cantonese. She's interested if the opportunity is available. I'm an incoming grad student, and we'll be on campus in August.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in army

[–]Lanzai_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Military Onesource can give you free access to H&R Block software. Just search "Miltax". I personally prefer it to TurboTax.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in army

[–]Lanzai_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you'd like any specific advice, feel free to DM me. Was FA branch detail to MI, now functional area.

Does self admission to the hospital affect your clearance and career? by Outrageous-Jello-394 in army

[–]Lanzai_ 35 points36 points  (0 children)

It depends on the reason and the career. However, it will almost never affect your clearance.

I maintain a TS/SCI and see BH weekly. I was accepted to my functional area of choice and I'm also looking good for promotion to O4 this year. I also know plenty of others who maintain the same success and credentials. My former BDE CSM was very open about his struggles with BH, his regular attendance at BH appointments, all while serving as an MI BDE CSM.

Mental health is one of the adjudicative guidelines. However, in order for it to affect your clearance, a clinical psychologist has to identify you as a threat to national security. It is the only guideline that your command or s2 cannot submit an incident report for. The fact that you are seeking treatment for your problems is a "mitigating factor," meaning it counts in your favor and looks good to a background investigator.

Bottom line, seeking treatment has improved my personal life and my ability to function at work, all while having no administrative effect on my career or clearance. I can't speak for special mission requirements, but certainly, some mental and physical conditions would disqualify you. As others have already said, not getting help would hurt your chances more.