Posted on Jun 1, 2014
So if you reduce pay and benefits, you will retain better military members? What am I missing?
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Everyone has an opinion on this so I looked at what other government agencies are doing to save money. Thought this was interesting.
I refer to the Veterans Affairs Careers web page:
"Competitive Salaries
VA is proud to offer our employees salaries that are competitive with the private sector. For most health care occupations, starting salaries and pay increases are recommended by a professional standards board and are based on education, training, and experience.
For high-demand health care occupations, VA facilities maintain market competitiveness by utilizing a number of pay systems that augment salary rates. Our administrative staff, professional employees, and other trade and labor employees are paid under the Federal Government's General Schedule and Wage Grade pay systems, which offer strong starting salaries and periodic pay increases to address inflation and local market changes."
"As a new hire, you may be eligible for special recruitment incentives:
Recruitment bonus: New hires may receive up to 25 percent of the rate of basic pay
Relocation bonus: Our employees who temporarily or permanently relocate to a different commuting area, without a break in service, may receive up to 25 percent of the rate of basic pay
Retention allowance: We value our employees. You may receive up to 25 percent of the rate of basic pay to remain with the Government."
I refer to the Veterans Affairs Careers web page:
"Competitive Salaries
VA is proud to offer our employees salaries that are competitive with the private sector. For most health care occupations, starting salaries and pay increases are recommended by a professional standards board and are based on education, training, and experience.
For high-demand health care occupations, VA facilities maintain market competitiveness by utilizing a number of pay systems that augment salary rates. Our administrative staff, professional employees, and other trade and labor employees are paid under the Federal Government's General Schedule and Wage Grade pay systems, which offer strong starting salaries and periodic pay increases to address inflation and local market changes."
"As a new hire, you may be eligible for special recruitment incentives:
Recruitment bonus: New hires may receive up to 25 percent of the rate of basic pay
Relocation bonus: Our employees who temporarily or permanently relocate to a different commuting area, without a break in service, may receive up to 25 percent of the rate of basic pay
Retention allowance: We value our employees. You may receive up to 25 percent of the rate of basic pay to remain with the Government."
Military Pay
Pay Cuts
Employment
Retention
Posted >1 y ago
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I guess the hypothesis is that you get to retain folks who are dedicated and not focused on the money and benefits. The reality is, that's one of many reasons folks join the military. Take for instance a few years back in 2010 when my oldest son was trying to join the military. Due to the supply/demand issue from the bad economy, the military had a surplus of applicants and could be very selective. As a result, my son had to stay in the civilian sector. I know the VA is a great employment option for veterans despite the recent scandal. I looked at working there as a nurse when thinking about separating from the AF and they were very convincing and impressive. Bottom line, if the military decides to cut pay and benefits, the applicants will dwindle.
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Well some agencies also give out awards and bonuses to their employees that do not do their jobs, promote or shuffle people whose lack of action got people killed, throw huge parties for their employees, or gave bonuses to people who do not pay their taxes.....
To retain enlisted we offer some bonuses while we do not offer anything to MILTECHs...is that fair? I just reenlisted one of my Soldiers who is a MILTECH and all he got was a watch. Is that fair to say hey you get to keep your civilian job that should be good enough.....
As for officers they just say you are here until you want to leave, we allow you to go, or until we tell you to go....
Where would you want to work?
To retain enlisted we offer some bonuses while we do not offer anything to MILTECHs...is that fair? I just reenlisted one of my Soldiers who is a MILTECH and all he got was a watch. Is that fair to say hey you get to keep your civilian job that should be good enough.....
As for officers they just say you are here until you want to leave, we allow you to go, or until we tell you to go....
Where would you want to work?
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