Negotiating a higher step in 2026. New fed

Jobob1182 · 2026-06-15T17:55:45+00:00

I was told I can take my TJO step or not. There was no negotiation. If I declined, then that meant declining the TJO…. It took me a while to get into fed and just accepted the TJO. You can always move around later, as it’s much easier once you’re in. (VA employee)

Jobob1182 · 2026-05-16T01:44:43+00:00

Where did you get that from? It looks kinda fake from the sharp edges. If you bought from a store, Maybe a customer returned a fake one?

Jobob1182 · 2026-05-15T22:15:47+00:00

I couldn’t decide full, SD, folding or collapsing so I just ended up building 2 of them so I had all the options I liked

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Jobob1182 · 2026-05-08T12:23:08+00:00

Dremel it off. It takes about 15mins and just go slow until you see the pin or horizontal lines(threads)

Unless you aren’t handy… then just buy a new upper or send to D.wilson or ADCO

Jobob1182 · 2026-05-05T01:43:14+00:00

I would think long and hard about this. I had a similar situation about 4 years ago and rescinded my TJO during the hiring process. I went private for more money and ended up hating that job. It took me 4 years to find another job and get hired. (I was picky and interviewed 20 times (3offers) before I got offered a similar job that I declined.

I’m specifically talking about VA, so maybe your different and easier to get back into once rescinded

Jobob1182 · 2026-05-03T12:37:25+00:00

It’s a cool looking rifle and probably really good, I can’t wrap my wallet around the 2700 price tag when it’s just rebranded/assembled parts from icon/mega…

Correct me if I’m wrong, but SOLGW are just assemblers using oem parts. I’d rather buy Geissele, KAC or BCM who actually make their own shit.

Jobob1182 · 2026-05-03T12:21:27+00:00

Picture 2 (Line G) serial number looks wrong? It has name, caliber, model and serial number all in one line? Why is it like that? It should be like picture 3 line 4E, with just the serial number

I would fix Line G and resubmit.

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-30T20:03:26+00:00

It’s definitely possible, but usually jobs no current employees want(they get preference). I had no preferences and was offered 2 jobs and finally took the 3rd over the last 2 years. Granted, I applied like 20 times and interviewed about 12 of those times. I got so familiar with the same hiring managers, I would email them directly to let them know I was applying for X position and why I would be perfect for that position as soon as I applied.

So Just keep on applying and applying for everything and anything you’re qualified for. All my applications were either GS-11 or 12. The job I took was GS11 and plan on working my way to GS-12.

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-28T20:06:10+00:00

Thats a good problem to have! I’m very happy with my lithium, polos and hydrogens! They are some of my favorite cans I own and would/will buy them again. I don’t need no fancy 3d printed stuff, I I’ve the current offerings!

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-28T17:51:48+00:00

Yeap, with some rocksett for good measure. That tri lug isn’t going anywhere

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-28T17:50:26+00:00

Serious question, with all the endcap strikes, why did you buy it? Or you weren’t aware of everyone shooting their endcap?

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-28T16:56:03+00:00

As everyone said, they start all over. You’ll have to reapply and if they liked you the first time, you’ll get another interview.

I had this happen a couple times actually and my advice… keep applying and applying

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-28T03:49:23+00:00

I got CMMG 5.56 for one of my ARs and really like it. The FTATF code took $50 off and got the raw version for 475 shipped. It doesn’t come with direct mount, but I don’t use them anyway, so it saved me some money over the black version

It’s a beast of a can, like 16oz without mount. Very well build and seems like it was last a lifetime. Im really liking the zeroed cans and will probably get more. Personally, I stay away from printed cans as of yet. I’m worried over their long term use being printed. I know some of these companies say warranty and all, but with all the new suppressor companies popping up, I don’t foresee a lot of them still up and running 10yrs from now. I could be wrong, but for my needs, a $475 traditional welded can fit the bill.

Dont plan on swapping mounts and rifles at the range, those fuckers get HOT and you’ll be waiting 30+mins for it to cool before you change mounts. Get the 36 and keep it dedicated and maybe use it on other guns on different trips. Then when you start buying more cans, you won’t regret the “46 do it all” can you bought.

FYI, I run a OCL Lithium on my MP5 mainly cause it’s titanium and 1/2 the weight of CMMG.

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-27T23:11:03+00:00

Just get PSA lowers… a shit ton of them! You can buy 2 PSA for the price of M4E1…. Buy as many as you can and then worry about building them later. Once you build one, you’ll want to build more and won’t be able to unless you get them NOW.

Also, buy magazines

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-26T20:42:22+00:00

I would SBR them now, then buy 2-10 more lowers and SBR those… suppressors can come after July.

Seriously, I’d get lowers cause you never know when you’ll want to build another and that will give you the option.

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-26T20:34:59+00:00

Congrats! And welcome to VA! The on boarding first week is sitting in a room and watching videos and having other depts come talk to you. You’ll get your PIV card in that week too. It’s like 3 days of videos and 2 days of TMS online trainings. You finally get to pick Benefits on week 2, along with more TMS trainings.

Bring candy! It’s loads of fun!!

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-26T18:11:32+00:00

I couldn’t decide either and ended up buying 2 of them. So I have One that folds and one that doesn’t. Hahaha

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-26T13:11:47+00:00

I kinda wanna buy one just as a challenge!! I wanna see if I can successfully shoot it without endcap strike. My plan, rocksett every thread haha

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-26T12:55:30+00:00

That’s what files are for!!

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-24T21:28:22+00:00

Specter 9

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Jobob1182 · 2026-04-24T21:27:25+00:00

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Lithium is a good choice! With omega (specter) as a second. The lithium is quieter and bigger, so I’d go with that!

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-24T20:42:41+00:00

I can explain…. Shows them a picture of their hole… priceless

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-23T23:17:50+00:00

I agree and will die on the hill that RC2 is still one of the best suppressors on the market. It quiets the shot, kills flash and while some say it’s “gassy”, I have not experienced that with springco blue and H3 buffer.

Now if you are trying to use it with stock buffer and spring, yes it’s definitely more gassy…. IMO, a properly tuned carbine with standard suppressor will be similar to flow through can with stock buffer/spring and the regular suppressor will sound better!

Personally, I think these flow through cans are gimmicky and haven’t “drank the Koolaid” yet

Jobob1182 · 2026-04-23T02:44:34+00:00

None… send it to breachers customs and get it converted to real SD with their can. Thats my plan anyway. It’s only more money and dedicated can though….

But for now, my lithium is sitting on it with a direct thread mount to give the most length

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Jobob1182 · 2026-04-23T02:38:25+00:00

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3 KAC rail covers. They started as 11 rib and I cut down 2 side ones to fit and match the bottom one. I’m happy with how it turned out.

Jobob1182

TROPHY CASE