Post Graduation Timeline

bdenny20

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I try not to put the cart in front of the horse when I can, but the subject is relevant now. I'm going to OKC in 6 weeks and am already in the process of getting rid of/selling the extra belongings I don't want to potentially haul across the country. The rest will go onto a trailer and into a storage unit for 13 weeks. My dogs will remain local and babysat for this time.

If the stars align and I pass, I was looking at the travel times for the facilities I would qualify for. I live near a 12, so I won't be anywhere close to where I am now. Most places call for 3-5 travel days. Are you expected to graduate, drive to a new state, find a place to live and report in to work in 3 days? As a brand new trainee, would I be allowed to take a day or two after checking in to grab my trailer and dogs?

It's relevant because I have to decide what I'm doing with my stuff. Leave it in MN, or store it in OKC as well as find alternative dog sitting solutions/give them up for adoption.
 
I'll be going to the academy in early April. From what I've been told by recent academy grads, graduates receive 8 days of Change of Station (COS) Leave. This can be used in its entirety or it sounds like we can save some for later use once we're at our facility. It also helps if you can butt the COS leave up to a weekend to buy some extra time.
That's what I know....if anyone knows otherwise or can expand on my knowledge please do so!

Good luck at the academy!
 
Depending on where you live they give you 1-4 travel days to go home after you finish at the academy. Then on top of those days you are given 8 change of station days to use within 2 years. So if you wanted to use all your days you can take around 2 weeks to move to your new facility and get situated. Or you can keep some of your change of station days to move more stuff at a later date. That's at least how I understand it, someone will chime in if I'm wrong.
 
Upon graduation you will receive 64 hours of Change of Station leave. When you call your facility to coordinate a report time, you’ll discuss using some(or all) of this leave. As has been said above, holidays, weekends, and travel days; it all plays into how much of the COS you actually need.

When you graduate they will sit down and explain it all thoroughly with you. You will have plenty of time to allocate your things.
 
you get the 3 to 5 days travel time plus 64 hours (8 days) of change of station leave to use within the first 2 years of arrival at your new facility
 
if you’re from MN and in a terminal class leave the stuff up there. Unless you’re set on moving somewhere new. There’s plenty of facilities that you could get in MN, WI, IA, ND, SD.
 
Just to clarify, you get the travel days if you drive. If you fly, you get the option of a ticket to your new facility or a ticket home (and then you have to arrange getting to your facility on your own)—and for both options you only get one travel day.
 
Just to clarify, you get the travel days if you drive. If you fly, you get the option of a ticket to your new facility or a ticket home (and then you have to arrange getting to your facility on your own)—and for both options you only get one travel day.
If anyone lets the faa buy their plane ticket home they are really stupid.
 
Just to clarify, you get the travel days if you drive. If you fly, you get the option of a ticket to your new facility or a ticket home (and then you have to arrange getting to your facility on your own)—and for both options you only get one travel day.
ehhhhh not entirely. The number of travel days are determined based on distance from the academy, regardless of method of travel.
OP, make sure you set your housing option for the day AFTER you have your selections. This will get you an extra day of “travel” and per diem if you decide you don’t want to rush out of OKC right after placement.
 
ehhhhh not entirely. The number of travel days are determined based on distance from the academy, regardless of method of travel.
extra day of “travel” and per diem if you decide you don’t want to rush out of OKC right after placement.
Nope you get 1 travel day if they buy your ticket. If theydon’t buy your ticket u get travel days. They reimburse mileage up to the COST OF A PLANE TICKET if you catch my drift.
 
My question is how does one "research" their facility before selection day? From what I've read on here, between eval day and selection day basically everyone knows where they're going, but how do people choose? Is it mostly just based on location and staffing numbers/training time?
 
My question is how does one "research" their facility before selection day? From what I've read on here, between eval day and selection day basically everyone knows where they're going, but how do people choose? Is it mostly just based on location and staffing numbers/training time?
Depends on what you mean by research....

You'll get your list about a week ahead of evals, this may depend on how close together your evals are to another class though. Once you receive your list those are the options you're given. That will allow you to rank your options based on whatever information you deem necessary whether it's pass rate and check out time at that location or cost of living or if it's a city/town you think you might want to be near. From there it's really based on how you rank in the class and where the people ahead of you (if any) plan on choosing. Don't bother trying to guess what the list is because it can change fairly drastically and slots change weekly.
 
My question is how does one "research" their facility before selection day? From what I've read on here, between eval day and selection day basically everyone knows where they're going, but how do people choose? Is it mostly just based on location and staffing numbers/training time?
They post a facility priority list on here. It shows what facilities are going to be open.
 
ehhhhh not entirely. The number of travel days are determined based on distance from the academy, regardless of method of travel.
OP, make sure you set your housing option for the day AFTER you have your selections. This will get you an extra day of “travel” and per diem if you decide you don’t want to rush out of OKC right after placement.
You're reimbursed a day after classes end?

So the best plan to maximize your travel days is to 1) Tell them you're staying a day after classes end 2) Tell them you're driving 3) Fly back home, on your own dime, immediately after selection?
 
If you're thinking about bringing your own car do it. OKC is like a miniature Phoenix, very spread out. Also doesn't have a ton of public transportation options. Also don't give up your pets! There has to be some options in OKC for bringing them.

Also what 12 do you leave near that's in MN? Not important but I'm a little confused since there isn't a 12 there.
 
If you're thinking about bringing your own car do it. OKC is like a miniature Phoenix, very spread out. Also doesn't have a ton of public transportation options. Also don't give up your pets! There has to be some options in OKC for bringing them.

Also what 12 do you leave near that's in MN? Not important but I'm a little confused since there isn't a 12 there.
Lots of places have options for bringing your pets. Kim's place is VERY friendly towards dogs. There are a lot in the neighborhood and every house has a fenced-in backyard. The only thing to consider is if your pet would be ok alone for 9+ hours a day while you are at school.
 
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