u/CreditWorking3830

I’m wrapping up a 10-year career as a local law enforcement officer and will be fully vested in my pension. I was recently hired for an 1811 position but have not yet officially entered on duty.

Does anyone have experience with or insight into qualifying for Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual under 5 U.S.C. § 6303(e) based on prior local law enforcement service?

From my understanding, if my prior service is approved as creditable, I could start accruing 6 hours of annual leave per pay period instead of 4 hours. Is that correct, and has anyone successfully received this credit when transitioning from local law enforcement to an 1811 position?

I’ve got a pretty thick and course facial hair, with a grow pattern that goes in all directions. I have to shave daily for the next 6 months. I am prone to terrible ingrown hairs on my chin, neck line, and corners of mustache. Does anyone have ANY recommendations. I’ve used Tend Skin, Bump Patrol, Bump Stopper and also purchased Feather Artist Club SS Straight Razor with Proguard Blades and I still get the deep ingrowns I am picking out with needle tip tweezers.

The Gillette Skinguard seemed the least irritating, but it looks like I just have a 5 o’clock shadow when I’m done shaving.

Does anyone have any tips or recommendations?

I shower and steam my face prior, I also put condition on hair in shower to try and soften up course hair…

I was recently hired into a GL-10 position and have nine years of pension contributions from my time as a local law enforcement officer. I understand that I may be able to roll those pension contributions into my TSP.
I also have funds in a governmental 457(b) plan. Would it make sense to roll the 457(b) into my TSP as well and consolidate everything into one retirement account, or would there be an advantage to keeping the 457(b) separate?

Has anyone bought one of these reps, that is an experienced golfer and can attest to the quality of a 5 wood? If so, any recommendations would be great.

I just purchased one of these putters and heard the grip isn’t the best. What grip can I replace it with that won’t throw off the balance of the putter?

This subreddit has been incredibly helpful to me over the past year. The insight, advice, and firsthand experiences shared here have gone a long way in answering questions and easing my mind throughout the hiring process, so thank you to everyone who contributes.

A little background on me:
I’m a 32m with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Computer Science. I’ve spent the last 10 years as a city cop, 6 of those years serving on the SWAT team.

Applied -06/2025
Phase 1 Exam - 7/2025
Meet & Greet - 08/2025
PFT - 11/2025
Phase 2 Written Exam - 11/2025
Phase 2 Interview - 03/2026
Conditional Offer - 03/2026
PSI Interview - 04/2026
Polygraph - 04/2026
Background - 04/2026
Medical - 05/2026
Pending Final Offer - Beginning of 06/2026
The Call - End of 07/2026

Patience is key in this process. Be extra attentive to detail from the jump.

My status in the portal changed to “pending final offer” almost two months ago. I have not been able to get ahold of my applicant coordinator, and I don’t want to be the annoying applicant that keeps emailing/ calling.

I applied back in July of 2025 for reference. I see that the August class has filled up, and they’re offering October classes now. I’ve spoke with some people here who have been on the same timeline as me, and have received FJO’s.

Should I be concerned, or just stay the course? I know “no news is good news”. I am assuming if the portal changed to “pending final offer”, I had a favorable adjudication (just my assumption).

Does it all vary depending on which field office you test out of? I tested out of one of the largest field offices, so I’d assumed they’re pretty busy pushing the August class peeps through.

Also, does each field office get allocated a certain number of spots for Q?

Any insight would be appreciated.

What are some FBI field offices in sunshine states, preferably with an ocean and has a good reputation? The cost of living isn’t too much of a concern, as I’m already coming from a HCOL area.

I’m looking at Miami, and I’ve heard San Diego is pretty hard to get. Anyone who has input/ knowledge, I would greatly appreciate it.

What’s your prediction on the payout for Charles De Ketelaere having the first goal in USA versus Belgium?