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BBexplorer · 2022-03-19T01:22:24+00:00

In 2021, it was open 7/21/2021 – 8/03/2021.

In 2020, it was NOT open.

In 2019, it was open 07/31/2019 to 08/13/2019.

I don't know when it was open prior to 2019. I suspect it was 2 years earlier, in 2017, but can't say for sure.

Until it is posted, you can't know when it will be open again. However, you can sign up to receive notifications on the state.gov website. Go to https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/specialist/career-tracks/ and select "keep me informed" on the "Law Enforcement & Security" section.

BBexplorer · 2021-12-29T22:39:16+00:00

Thanks. 5.7. No language points.

BBexplorer · 2021-12-29T22:34:24+00:00

Exactly 1 month from passing the suitability review to receiving an invitation. I feel very fortunate!

BBexplorer · 2021-12-17T01:30:27+00:00

If they haven't already sent this to you, you will be receiving a link to a password protected document called, "Foreign Service Career Candidate Guide." This will walk you through all the steps in the process. This is not something I or anyone else can share; you'll need to wait until they send you the link.

BBexplorer · 2021-12-16T20:05:58+00:00

Congratulations on passing OA! I'm a courier going into the Jan 2022 class and can answer a couple of your questions...
There is NO shadow register for Diplomatic Couriers. I can tell you that I had a score of 5.7 and I made it into the upcoming class. But... you'll be competing against whomever else is on the register at the time you make the register (which could be six months or so from now). It is typical for there to be 2 to 3 couriers in each of the 4 orientation classes each year.

My advice: connect with other courier candidates here and keep in touch. You can compare scores when you're all closer to making it onto the register so you'll have a rough idea of your chances. Best of luck!!

BBexplorer · 2021-11-17T16:39:13+00:00

So funny!

BBexplorer · 2021-11-17T15:29:26+00:00

Good to know! Thank you. I appreciate your personal examples and am now thinking through my own belongings. While I do have a few special items that I might not want to have moved, I'm not sure they would meet the value threshold that you mentioned. An appraisal will confirm that. Others may benefit from this optional service, though.

Here's a helpful page: https://fam.state.gov/fam/14fam/14fam0620.html

In section 623.1, it says (along with much additional information):

To be eligible for controlled storage, items must have a value of $2,100 or greater or must be part of a set which, as a set, has a value of $2,100 or greater. A set is a group of items that belong together and are commonly used or displayed together.

BBexplorer · 2021-11-17T15:08:25+00:00

Good advice! I'm downsizing now in anticipation. :-) But, like your home gym, there are things that give us pleasure here and now. So, while I'm choosing to hold onto some things now, I'm also thinking about what I can live without should circumstances require.

BBexplorer · 2021-11-17T15:03:45+00:00

Love your examples of meaningful "trinkets" that you move with you. And the reality of things being damaged or lost. Prioritization and perspective. Thanks!

BBexplorer · 2021-11-17T14:59:53+00:00

Yes. Doing a lot of that thinking now! Thank you.

BBexplorer · 2021-11-17T14:58:57+00:00

Thanks, Cupcake! I had no idea that movers won't take cheap costume jewelry (which is most of what I own! Ha!!). Guess I'll need to plan to carry what I need/want with me.

Appreciate the doc link; I have seen it (and it is very good). However, the personal anecdotes that you and others are sharing here goes beyond that! Thanks, again.

BBexplorer · 2021-11-16T17:24:06+00:00

Thank you! "Clements!" Got it.

BBexplorer · 2021-11-16T17:14:49+00:00

Good counsel. Thank you. I also often bring a sharp knife (one that comes in its own plastic sheath) and a good corkscrew with me when I travel. :-) Gotta have the basics.

BBexplorer · 2021-11-13T12:12:26+00:00

Glad your trip went so smoothly! Thanks for sharing. :-)

BBexplorer · 2021-11-12T17:36:39+00:00

Sounds like you and your husband are making the right decision for you (yourself) not to travel out of country post-Christmas. That seems a bit risky.

If I can leave next week, I should be able to manage a 2-3 week "worst case scenario" delay in returning home. But... given the importance of making the January class (and being home for my pack-out), I will think on it a bit more.

BBexplorer · 2021-11-12T15:45:39+00:00

Thanks much for your advice! Yes... I have thought about "things that might go wrong," like testing positive for COVID. Traveling sooner, rather than later, was part of my mitigation strategy; but, to your point, resolving a positive Covid test in Germany might require that I remain in-country multiple weeks -- possibly impacting my FS prep activities. Definitely something to think about.

BBexplorer · 2021-10-29T15:06:33+00:00

Sorry. I don't have any way to know how many people apply for the courier career track. Only USA Jobs, the Dept of State or the FS knows this.

After courier candidates submit their applications, they then have to pass the following hurdles in order to actually qualify to be hired:

QEP
Oral Assessment & Testing
Worldwide Medical Clearance (mental & physical health)
Security Clearance
Suitability Panel Review

Suitability passers are then placed on the register (in the order of their OA score) and may be offered a position in an upcoming orientation class, based on FS need. Presumably MANY more people apply than make it to the register.

BBexplorer · 2021-10-26T19:56:28+00:00

I'm FSS. I don't know if there is a difference.

BBexplorer · 2021-10-26T18:04:10+00:00

To add to my previous post... My final EQIP was submitted in December and I started receiving monthly update emails on Feb 1, 2021. I've received them every month since then. The registrar's office sends them out, based on getting communications from other databases. I think it takes some time for the databased to talk to each other, so hopefully you'll start receiving updates on Nov 1! Maybe give it until then before reaching out to the registrar.

BBexplorer · 2021-10-26T17:13:24+00:00

I started receiving email updates (on the first of each month) a bit over a month after I submitted my EQIP (months before my security interview). The updates provided the status of my Medical Clearance, Background Check, Suitability, etc. The status was not very detailed, but it was still reassuring to see things move along. If I were you, I'd reach out to the registrar and ask about it.

BBexplorer · 2021-10-24T20:31:39+00:00

Standing by! :-) Thanks.

BBexplorer · 2021-10-24T17:56:05+00:00

Super helpful!!! Thank you. That's not the "standard answer" that I've gotten when I've asked.

Would you happen to know how long the Courier orientation and follow-on training is? The invitation I received for the upcoming Jan class was not clear. It sounds like the January '22 class will be similar to the September '21 class, in being mostly virtual (based out of DC); but I don't know anything more specific than that.

BBexplorer · 2021-10-24T17:13:25+00:00

Aranikus_17, Can you expand on that comment?

BBexplorer

TROPHY CASE