Clearance, Part II

Finally, security clearance has arrived! I received an e-mail yesterday that I was granted Top Secret Security Clearance on 6/18/2010. With medical and security clearance done, my file now goes back to the State Department HR for “final review.” My peers tell me this process takes 5 – 7 business days, so I should have final word anytime now. When I pass final review, I will be placed on the “list of eligible hires” based on my oral assessment score, foreign language skills and military background. With my 5.5, I should be around 24 on the list of 65. I know there are some people on the list who are unavailable for an official offer, so 24 is a decent spot. Usually, for each new class of Foreign Service Officers, they take between 18 – 20 people from the list, so although not certain, there is a pretty good chance I will get called for the September class. That would mean I will start work in DC on September 12th, 2010. I should know within 2 – 3 weeks.


Melissa still has not received medical clearance. We sent an additional 24 pages of medical records today, so *hopefully* they have everything they need now to make a decision. She can receive class 1, class 2 or no medical clearance. Class 1 is what I have – worldwide availability. Class 2 excludes some of the worst places, and no clearance excludes any place not considered “1st world.” I get my posts no matter what… her clearance dictates if they send her with me or not. Obviously, she is in excellent health, so now that we have jumped through all the hoops, she should get class 1 clearance in short order.