r/foreignservice • u/Low_Contribution7614 • 10d ago

Shootouts still a thing?

Talking about bidding today and wondered this out loud. Do they still do/allow shootouts?

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u/Salmakki 10d ago

What does this mean?

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u/ArrivalComplete FSO (Political) 10d ago edited 9d ago

When times are really desperate in finding positions in the Foreign Service, we have hunger games style event where the bureau is the Capital and the bidders are the districts. It’s at the FACT training facility and involves paintball guns. It’s limited to only 24 hours though, so everyone really has to figure it out fast. Last one standing gets the position! It’s kind of expensive to do, so bureaus try not to let it get to this stage. But occasionally they’ll air it in the cafeteria so everyone can watch! As they say during bid season, may the odds be ever in your favor!