Are "Senior Executives" needed in DOD?

2014-11-12T11:07:01-05:00

The civilian Senior Executive Service in DOD and other departments, coupled with similar but not as elite Senior Leader positions that used to be GS16-18+ (and political appointees) are comparable to general officers in terms of scope and authority. What are your thoughts on their effectiveness?

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2014 11:13 AM

2014-11-12T11:13:37-05:00

Yes, I would say they are. You have to figure all your Secretaries (not talking about typists) and their Deputies have to be civilian. I have worked with many SES that are great people and care deeply about their jobs and those in uniform. Many of them are prior military. As with anywhere, there are many that are full of themselves and have the holier than thou attitude, then there are others yet, that do a good job but should be locked in a room alone because they have no social skills whatsoever.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2014 11:16 AM

2014-11-12T11:16:35-05:00

Remember to vote on the Q--you may win an electronic coin.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2014 11:34 AM

2014-11-12T11:34:34-05:00

I vote yes, they are needed, SGM Private RallyPoint Member

I worked fairly closely with three SESs at the Pentagon in the 2008/2009 time frame, and they were really good at what they did. They essentially filled slots that could have been filled by GOs, but they were in those slots and they were getting things done.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Nov 12 at 2014 1:44 PM

2014-11-12T13:44:44-05:00

I have no issue with the SES system. Civilians deserve to serve in GO-equivalent positions in recognition for their experience, past performance, authority and responsibility.

As with their military counterparts, there are both good and bad SES. Some display the proper traits and characteristics desired in leaders and some are simply pompous a**holes.

I have had some memorable "discussions" with SES who thought they ruled the world. Most, however, were very professional and easy to get along with.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 12 at 2014 5:54 PM

2014-11-12T17:54:13-05:00

The question is why is it easier to get rid of a GO as opposed to an SES? (Specifically the current VA SES in the news)

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 13 at 2014 7:12 AM

2014-11-13T07:12:47-05:00

I'm sure they are but are they more than just "transition vehicles" for retiring GOs or can an actual civilian hold these positions.

Response by 1SG Mark Colomb made Nov 13 at 2014 1:00 PM

2014-11-13T13:00:36-05:00

We must never forget the founding fathers intended the military to always be under the direction and control of non-military elected or appointed officials.

That said, while some of the SES occupants may not be what we think they ought to be, there is a process to have them replaced. Just like the rest of the civil service population there are the majority who have the Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Marine in mind as they go about their duties, there is also the minority (and a very small minority) who are out for themselves. Doing away with the positions in hopes of saving GO billets would go a long way to allowing the military to run itself. That has never turned out well in the long run, anywhere.

Response by LTC Richard Wasserman made Nov 13 at 2014 2:53 PM

2014-11-13T14:53:36-05:00

Great if you are connected and get one----Otherwise......