Coming to DC . . .

[CMDRDAVE]

I just found out that I have been selected for an IA (Individual Augmentee).  This is where the Navy pulls people from their current billets to support the war on terrorism for a period of time.  Luckily, I will be going to DC and not Iraq, Afghanistan, or someplace else.  At least I will be able to drive/ride home on weekends to see my family.  I will be in DC from mid September to mid March.   I don't know the details yet, just that I will be working in Crystal City.  I don't even know exactly where that is in relation to the rest of DC.

When I do know more I will start looking for a place to stay.  If anyone knows of a small/cheap studio/basement apartment/room  that is available during that time, please let me know.  Or if you have any other reccomendations or words of wisdom about the area for a new comer they would also be greatly appreciated.

Yes I am bringing the bikes.  At least the Monster to begin with.  So, as long as you will have me, you should be seeing a new face at Rhodeside.   

[zooom]

awesome and welcome!...Crystal City is a hop,skip,and a jump practically from DC and is similar distance to Rhodeside!

[kriswhite_23505]

Congrats...that is really awesome. Crystal City is about 5 miles form DC but is only a few short stops on the metro. I worked at Pentagon City which is not far from there many years ago. Good luck up there!!! By the way my Mom lives in that area so if you need a home cooked meal let me know.

[Slide Panda]

The center of that areas is the intersections of Jeff Davis (rt 1) and 23rd st.  It's part of Arlington, which was part of DC originally... until VA got sassy and took it back.

The good news, it's on the metro line, there's lots of folks who work there, so there's lots of different places to eat etc.  The bad news.. lots of people work there so getting a place near by might be costy.  But if you get off the metro lines, the cost goes down a good bit.

Besides Crystal City, and Pentagon City - you might look for places on, or near Columbia Pike - on the map look just a little north and west.

I've lived in Arlington for 8+ years - so if you have questions feel free to hit me up

[ducpenguin]

Welcome to DC...almost.  I have to agree with Yuu...If you stay within the bounds of the Metro, the cost of living is higher...but the good news is, that if you were to live south just a bit...you could hit the HOV on your bike and not have to deal with traffic!  Although, you are coming in our colder months...but hey, that's what gear is made for.

[twolanefun]

Yes I am bringing the bikes.  At least the Monster to begin with.  So, as long as you will have me, you should be seeing a new face at Rhodeside.   

More yellow bikes!! I have nothing against them, have one myself although she is a Vic, but I could not help but observe while we sat on thr side of the road gurading a wounded Duc on Sunday that the bees seem to think yellow is a flower, so when you come to Rhodeside, just make sure you park it couple spots over with the yellow 1098. Just kidding, Welcome - Gene

[slowpoke13]

damn dude.. how'd you get IA to DC? What billet you filling? I just did 3 years at the Navy Yard. All I see in traffic is pounding sand, Gitmo, or Germany.

[Duc and Cover]

VA sucks. Live in DC. I'm moving down the street from my current place in September, and will be renting out my condo. I'll PM you the info.

[CMDRDAVE]

I think I have to get some more details on where exactly I am going to be working, and what the navy will provide for housing before I really start making decision about where I am going to live.  But it sounds like the metro is the way to go. 

damn dude.. how'd you get IA to DC? What billet you filling? I just did 3 years at the Navy Yard. All I see in traffic is pounding sand, Gitmo, or Germany.

That is a good question.  There were 2 other IA's going around there were in Tampa, FL.  I was origionally selected as an alternate, but someone decided it would be better to send the "local guy".  I'm actually afraid that I will show up and be "re-assigned" to the gulf.  This IA was actually passed around many commands 3 weeks ago looking for volunteers.  Apparently no one did.  The IA title is "Admin Review Detainee Ops".  Your guess  is as good as mine.

[zooom]

  "Admin Review Detainee Ops".  Your guess  is as good as mine.

sounds like code for "office pregnant dog"...specially since it bounced around and no one took it....

[slowpoke13]

umm... ever been to Cuba?

[zooom]

umm... ever been to Cuba?

I hear they have good Mojito's there!

[dolci]

I hear they have good Mojito's there!

Excellent Mojitos.   Fresh sugar cane, sitting in the sun.......

[slowpoke13]

Make sure you bring plenty of uniform items. Expecting to take/find out test results while there? The only place to buy Navy uniform items close will be on the Navy Yard in SE DC. And, it's a little quickie-mart with a uniform shop. Nice place. But, not a lot of stock. Especially if you're "normal" size. Depending on where you end up living, closest Exchange will be about 20 minutes South on 1 at Ft. Belvoir or across the Potomac (Woodrow Wilson Bridge) at Andrews AFB. Depending on the time of day should determine which to go to.

[CMDRDAVE]

umm... ever been to Cuba?

Not yet 
Received my orders today.  This is the first time I have ever seen the navy move this fast.  I will be reporting to the Office for the Administrative Review of the Detention of Enemy Combatants.  Now this is in Crystal City, but there are several key phrases in there:
-"Further Assignment to GTMO may be required"
-"In some cases members will be required to travel between the Pentagon and GTMO."

So I don't know how much time I will actually spend in DC.  Looks like I'm lined up for some fun in the sun and maybe a few of those mojitos.

Slowpoke, thanks for the heads up on uniform items.