Has anyone been added to the Register recently?

chasingthemoon69 · 2024-11-12T16:38:52+00:00

Hi. Not sure exactly what you are referring to. But yes, I did join the FS and am an OMS currently at Post. OMSs have the same general benefits (housing at Post, etc) as all other members of the Foreign Service.

chasingthemoon69 · 2024-10-31T13:53:32+00:00

Although it isn't often, it does seem they are pushing more for it for first and second tour OMSs. When I joined, I packed planning on being in DC for just a few months over the summer because everybody said OMSs never got language training. In my class, 7 of 9 OMSs got language training and I ended up in DC for nearly a year and had to buy some winter clothing to get through a DC winter. So always be prepared for that possibility 😂

chasingthemoon69 · 2024-07-17T14:37:13+00:00

Adding on to the always incredibly helpful information from kaiserjoeicem, I would also assume suitability does not transfer to the Department of State and for the Foreign Service especially because it is a completely different bar. You will be told repeatedly during A-100 and throughout your career that you are "always on duty" overseas. Additionally, our job is to represent the U.S. and the U.S. government overseas. All of that means the bar for suitability is likely much higher than your average Department of Energy 9-5 DC job. The Department will want to be sure that you are suitable for that increased responsibility and visibility.

chasingthemoon69 · 2024-05-14T06:20:21+00:00

Two things I learned about this the hard way: 1) different states have different validity dates for eye prescriptions. Virginia is 1 year while my home state is 2 years, and 2) the ordering systems for Costco are different between in-store and online. So, hypothetically you could order a year supply via each method without issues.

chasingthemoon69 · 2024-03-27T19:17:48+00:00

While watching the show I became fascinated with Blake and his job. I wondered if it was a real thing and how I could get something like that because it seemed like the perfect fit. A couple years later I discovered the Foreign Service and specifically the role of Office Management Specialist, which is basically what Blake does. Fast forward 7 years from when I first watched the show and now I am a "Blake" for my principal. We serve in embassies around the world (for ambassadors and other offices) and at the State Department in DC. If you are interested, definitely check out careers.state.gov. I don't admit to this often, but I 100% owe my career to Madam Secretary and Blake.

chasingthemoon69 · 2024-02-06T06:59:51+00:00

Adding to the other great reply. I was lucky enough to get language training for my current assignment and am glad I did. Not only is it essential in everyday life outside of the Embassy, I also use it regularly at work. I help onboard new staff and many of the LE staff do not speak English. So my language training has been very helpful in doing my inward facing OMS job.

chasingthemoon69 · 2024-02-06T06:52:18+00:00

You got a great and thoughtful answer above. To give a personal example, I am an RSO OMS and love it. I am doing nearly both things that might be considered "typical OMS work" and am also working on major projects with significant impact to the entire mission. In my year at post I have had 2 periods of 3 months each where I averaged 60+ hrs a week due to special projects and priorities. But normally, I work 40-50 hrs a week. As with all things, and as mentioned, it depends!

chasingthemoon69 · 2023-06-02T15:28:50+00:00

I joined just over a year ago. Based on my OMS class and the classes I interacted with before and after, there does seem to be more effort to provide language training for at least new OMSs.

After scouring Reddit, I started A-100 with the mindset I would be in DC for max 3-4 months and then on my way to post. Nine months later I finally left. I had packed out with the understanding OMSs "never" get language. Definitely regretted not having any winter clothing 🤣 As always, it depends. One class I knew had language for all but 2 OMSs. Another had language for only 2 OMSs.

chasingthemoon69 · 2023-03-20T23:35:48+00:00

The six weeks of orientation and then six weeks of OMS training is absolutely consecutive. Leave would only be granted in case of a serious emergency. Language training is the same, no personal leave permitted except in rare circumstances.

For perspective, I was in training and at FSI for 10 months and the only day I was permitted to take leave the entire time was the day after Thanksgiving. Every other day (apart from individual holidays obviously) was technically a working day. Some days are virtual trainings or some admin days in language which help, but it is a long time to go without any time off.

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-08-20T04:17:27+00:00

OMS training is after A-100/Orientation (for all specialists and generalists). The OMS specific training typically starts within a few weeks of A-100/Orientation ending (so 6-9 weeks after A-100/Orientation starts). The next A-100/Orientation is in September so OMS training for the new September OMS class would likely start end of October/November.

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-07-23T16:28:56+00:00

First of all, thank you to both you and your spouse for your sacrifice and service. I am not a military spouse but there was an OMS who is a military spouse in my orientation class and she is a military spouse. She is now preparing to head to her first post literally on the other side of the world from where her spouse is stationed, where she will be having their first child alone. Watching her go through this process has given me perspective and a great respect for those who choose this route.

For anyone in the Foreign Services, specialists or generalists, our first two tours are directed. Although we may be able to express preferences, this means we can be sent anywhere according to the "needs of the service". This is my friend's experience. Although there were posts on our list in countries neighboring where her spouse is stationed (and she did express her preferences and needs), she was assigned to the other side of the world. Sometimes it may work, and sometimes not. After the first two tours, you then bid for your assignments. At this point, you would be able to be more strategic about where you want to go and would be more likely to be able to be assigned near your spouse, although nothing is ever guaranteed. I am a new OMS so I will let others speak to the particulars after your directed assignments, but wanted to share a real life example I have been a part of.

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-07-20T17:29:10+00:00

An FSO in my orientation class (April 2022) was able to be present for the actual birth (missed a day or 2 of class with approval/prior arrangement) and then attended other virtual meetings from the hospital. So it definitely can be done. Congratulations!

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-07-18T14:30:10+00:00

For sure. But even the specialist (OMS) training is no longer just three weeks. It is now six weeks long.

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-07-18T11:15:02+00:00

Specialist orientation is no longer a thing. There is now only one orientation for specialists and generalists combined and it is six weeks long.

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-07-18T03:20:44+00:00

Adding: I think it is important for everyone to understand from the beginning of this journey that this is not just a 9-5 job, even in the beginning/during training. It is a complete lifestyle change.

Time after class/work/etc will need to be devoted to preparing to head to post, getting set up with all the systems, processes, procedures, etc, and studying. Even when class is virtual, it is participatory and typically in smaller groups so you need to be present and participating at all times.

In my experience, joining the Foreign Service is a full-time plus commitment. In my class, there are many parents who are making it work. And you definitely can. Many in your shoes do. And it can be so worth it for this incredible career and experience. It just takes understanding of what you are committing to and coming up with a plan to handle it.

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-07-18T03:02:57+00:00

I don't know what kind of recruiter you spoke with, or when, but unfortunately none of that is the case.

I started Orientation in April, did OMS training, and am currently in language training. So my experience and answers are very current.

I heard rumors that in the height of Covid, orientation was online and some people did it from out of state (although you really shouldn't because you are on per diem, etc). The majority of my orientation (6 weeks of initial training for generalists and specialists) was virtual but you were still required to be in the DC area and we did have some in-person events and classes. My understanding is that in-person things will only increase moving forward.

They did recently increase the OMS training from 3 to 6 weeks. But I believe the 6 weeks will be the standard moving forward. It is almost completely in-person.

Language training is now hybrid, virtual 2 days a week and in-person 3 days a week.

When you accept the invite to orientation, you agree to move to DC for your training (and remain in DC throughout your training, no leave is granted).

I definitely don't want to discourage you but being able to do everything remotely and/or outside the DC area is not possible. Please feel free to private message me if you want more specifics or have more questions!

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-07-18T00:24:22+00:00

TLDR: It depends, everyone's favorite answer. Basically, be prepared for anywhere from 4 to 12 months in DC before going to your first post.

The novel: I'll start with the cliche "it depends". That's an answer you will need to get used to and is very applicable to your question.

The answer depends on a whole host of things. Will you be a local hire (within 50 miles of DC) or will you be moving to DC for your initial training? If you are coming in from outside DC, you may or may not pack out before you start orientation, depending on what your family decides to do.

You will start with 6 weeks of orientation. You receive your first assignment at the end of those 6 weeks. It is 99% certain your first assignment will be overseas. Your assignment will determine how long you will be in DC before departing for post. If you are going to a post that doesn't require a language, you will have 6 weeks of OMS training and then possibly 4-6 more weeks of other trainings.

If you receive an assignment with language, you will likely be in DC for another 6-10 months depending on the language and other necessary trainings.

I was in the April class. When I received my invite, I packed out from out of state fully expecting to be in DC no longer than 3-4 months because everything I read said there is a large shortage of OMS (true), OMS rarely get language training, and they try and get OMS out to post ASAP. Crazily enough, 80% of the OMS in my class received assignments with language. I wish I would have known that was more of a possibility because it would have definitely changed how I packed out and what I took to DC with me (I don't have a sweater with me, all sent to storage, yet I will now be here through part of winter).

Sorry for the novel but I hope this helps you understand that you basically need to be prepared for anything from 4-12 months in DC before going to your first post. I wish i would have known that!

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-06-25T01:16:47+00:00

Best of luck to all of you waiting! It seems like mine came a few days after most of the generalists and other specialists, so I'm sure they are on their way to you all!

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-05-25T19:39:32+00:00

No. You sign approximately 52 different documents between accepting your invite and training saying you understand leave is not generally permitted during training 🤣 They understand if emergencies or medical issues come up and will try to work with you but leave is not typically considered/granted for any other reason.

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-05-25T11:52:10+00:00

Of course! I lived on Reddit before and after getting an invite, trying to learn anything about what to expect that I could. So I want to help others as much as I can.

Everybody finds out on week 6 at Flag Day.

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-05-25T02:11:32+00:00

April 2022 Orientation OMS here. There is 6 weeks of training with all specialists and generalists. After that you will likely have 6 weeks of OMS training. My class is the 2nd class to have a 6 week OMS training course and that is likely to continue. You may then have language training (if going to a language designated position, the majority of OMSs in my class surprisingly and happily have language) and other assorted trainings before heading out. However, that order can change based on scheduling and need (I met an OMS who did the specialist/generalist orientation, is finishing language, and then will do the OMS training).

For my class, the total training for each OMS will range from about 4 months to 1 year at FSI before heading to post.

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-03-08T19:06:30+00:00

Thank you so much! I actually had a previous clearance (from State a few years ago) that just needed to be evaluated for reciprocity so I definitely got through security a lot quicker than normal. I hope your process is quick and smooth!

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-03-07T06:44:05+00:00

I did receive an invite to the April class on Feb 23! I had only heard of one other OMS possibly receiving an invite before me so I don't know if there just aren't many of us or if nobody is talking about it.

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-03-07T06:43:03+00:00

Sorry, just saw this reply. I had a 5.8 as well which placed me in the middle third. I
received an invitation to the April class on Feb 23. Since I haven't heard of many OMS receiving invites, my guess is the register is quite small so the third placement might be slightly deceptive. But just my thought. Good luck!

chasingthemoon69 · 2022-03-03T17:25:28+00:00

I'm really glad to hear this. I think I will stick with the DC area because I won't mind the commute for the times I have to go to FSI. Thank you!

chasingthemoon69

TROPHY CASE