FBI SNAFU

What do you get when you combine one massive, inefficient bureaucracy with another?

Why, one fucked up situation, of course!

Here we are with less than a week before departure, and wouldn't you know it? My FBI background check was sent back to me, because there was a problem with the application. 10 weeks of waiting, just to have to redo the damn thing.

But lucky for me, I'm far from alone on this sinking ship. Due to some changes in the way the FBI does background checks, word on the street is that a huge number of JETs haven't gotten their background checks back in time for departure.

This is a problem you see, because, normally, no background check before departure means no departure. But thankfully the Japanese side of the clusterfuck combination of bureaucracies is not so rigid as to simply disqualify half of its people and call in the waitlisters.

No, no, they came up with a much more realistic and hassle free solution. Notice was sent out, with exactly one week before departure that anyone who hasn't gotten the FBI check must get a state check.

Genius!

Go through another bureaucracy, and begin another 10 week process with 1 week to go before leaving!

Brilliant!

And clearly the good folks at JET enjoy yanking on shortlisters' dicks because part of that notice said 'We know you may not get the results in time (no shit) but apply anyway and send in the application.'

Which is bureaucratic speak for 'We like fucking with you and having you jump through unnecessary hoops, and we know this is a huge waste of time.'

What should have been done was either: a) have us apply for this goddamn check as part of the original application process in November or b) be reasonable and just have the applicant's relatives forward the check when it arrives and if said applicant turns out to be a criminal then they are sent home.

But what should not be done is exactly what they did: Add more bullshit to an already shit-packed final week before leaving, knowing full well it is a total waste of time.

Although something tells me this is just the first, of many future run-ins with my friend bureaucracy.