Looking for advice from other Operations Specialists that have been deployed to Bahrain. Thanks in advance.

Without going into too much detail on the internet, its certainly a unique opportunity for an OS1.

From an OS world of work perspective, I consider the job almost out of rate. Yes you handle the job of EKMS Custodian, but its something that the BM1's over there, all aspiring to be XPO's for their follow-on tour, should be able to manage. That aside, I would highly recommend you seek out the opportunity to serve a tour if able. Its a nice break out of the Command Center world, which allows you to seek out small boat coxwain, boat crewman, U/W OOD, BO/BTM, and of course working a joint op with Coalition Forces is not something that comes around everyday.

One point to consider, I'm not sure I would take the tour if you are an OS A school grad needing two years of sea time. It works out well for legacy members only needing 1 year. But to get 1 year of seatime, and then have to use a priority 1 just to pick another cutter with a new 3 year tour is a not the greatest proposition to be faced with, considering with pre-deployment training you will have 15 months or so invested once your tour is complete, or about at the half way point of a normal stateside tour, instead of stareing at a new 3 year tour.

Just something to consider, which it seems many are, since this year OS's were essentially being selected and directed to fill the last couple of billets versus volunteering.

But what happens at the end of the year when it's TAX TIME?? How does that workout, do you wind up getting hosed at the end for getting all that tax free money? It just sounds too good to be true???

TAX Free is TAX Free. It doesn't get taxed. That is why the employer does not withhold taxes.

Roger, like I said it just sounded too good to be true. I'm looking at putting in for one of the 110's in 2010. Thanks for the quick response!!

Go to Bahrain at your earliest convenience, you won't regret it.

And be sure to tell the ladies at the Desert Rose that "Pimpson" says hi.

I Spent a year there as well and honestly loved it.

I did a 110 and at the time was the only OS underway (out of all the cutters).

I got the billet as a OS3 even though it was slated for a OS1 spot.

Great job and I had a lot of fun actually.

Greta bars and night spots and for the most part the people were very nice (a couple of issues) but all in all a nice experience. I actually volunteered to go back, but my command would send me over there again.

I would go back just for the Gulf Air girls..

They love Coasites.

Are there a good amount of billets open over there for an OS?

I've put in for the last two critical fill solicitations and am hoping that there will be a position open when Im due to rotate.

Any/All insight/suggestions would be greatly appreciated regarding obtaining a billet.

There are 7 OS1 billets (6 afloat/1 ashore) and 1 OSC (ashore) billet. They are one year tours, so they are open every transfer season. Given the fact that last year they were selecting/directing, I wouldn't think it would be tough to get if you volunteer, especially if you are tour complete.

Excellent news!

Thanks for the insight.

I can tell you one thing, you are going to see my name on the list every year for one of those.

quote:

Originally posted by UnderwayMakingWay:
There are 7 OS1 billets (6 afloat/1 ashore) and 1 OSC (ashore) billet. They are one year tours, so they are open every transfer season. Given the fact that last year they were selecting/directing, I wouldn't think it would be tough to get if you volunteer, especially if you are tour complete.

seeing that i got a sea duty notification, ill be on the list for next year, im really hoping i get this, all the billets will be my tops. Seems like a very interesting opportunity and a great experience. Especially since im single, no kids.

quote:

Originally posted by cgnizmo:
Especially since im single, no kids.

Not after the Gulf Air girls get ya!!!!

It's quite an assortment of beauties.

Asian
Italian
Indian
Swedish
Spanish (Spain)
Albanian
Greek

and those are just the ones I dated. You'll get pampered by them. Totally different attitude than what you may be used to.


Have fun!

Wow... didn't know that deciding on your next unit you'd take into account the fact that you can get your bottom powdered and told how pretty you look.

Wow....

A list of girfriends spanning 2 continets and a sub-continent.
I have a new hero.

quote:

Originally posted by JekelKat13:
Wow... didn't know that deciding on your next unit you'd take into account the fact that you can get your bottom powdered and told how pretty you look.

Every decision in my life has been based on those factors

quote:

Originally posted by derek1134:

quote:

Originally posted by JekelKat13:
Wow... didn't know that deciding on your next unit you'd take into account the fact that you can get your bottom powdered and told how pretty you look.

Every decision in my life has been based on those factors

I'm truly and sincerely sorry to hear that your self-esteem and self-confidence are that low.

quote:

Originally posted by JekelKat13:

quote:

Originally posted by derek1134:

quote:

Originally posted by JekelKat13:
Wow... didn't know that deciding on your next unit you'd take into account the fact that you can get your bottom powdered and told how pretty you look.

Every decision in my life has been based on those factors

I'm truly and sincerely sorry to hear that your self-esteem and self-confidence are that low.

Wow, stranger that doesnt know me at all, you nailed it!!!!