Would you want to work as a federal employee after military service?

SSG Peter Muse — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 09:48:18 -0500

Many vets want to get federal employment after military service and also many don't want any part of it. What's your story and why? Have you tried to land a government job? What happened?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 9:54 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 09:54:11 -0500

Right now I am living both as a military technician. This requires me to be a service member as a condition of employment.

I initially took the job as a favor to my unit, as they were having a hard time filling the position and I both had the skills and was between jobs. Later, the economy took a dive and I stayed on. Now as I near the end of my military career, I will need to find a non-dual status position somewhere if I want to stay a federal employee.

As far as how it has been, well let's just say there have been ups and downs. The positive is that it is nearly recession-proof. The exception was that sequester business where we completely took the shaft to save next to no money in order for people to make a political point. The downside has been the general quality of my AGR and DA Civilian co-workers. Excellence has been rewarded with additional work; sloth has been rewarded with, well, less responsibility. It doesn't exactly motivate.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 10:17 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 10:17:37 -0500

Absolutely, SSG Peter Muse. I retired in 2006 and I've been working for the Army since then. January 2015 makes nine years of civil service as a DA civilian for me, after my 30 years of active duty.

Aside from the threat of a RIF, which I think exists anywhere one works, civil service is great! I'm still working for and with the Army, so I'm familiar with my surroundings, what's expected, etc., and - in fact - I'm viewed as an asset to the unit where I work because I have 35 years of experience in the field where I'm still working.

Two possible drawbacks I see are (1) that you might make more money in a high paying civilian job, and (2) that some military folks reportedly look down on DoD civilians (or so I've heard). I'm happy with my pay and if the military folks are looking down on me, I don't see it. In fact, I perceive just the opposite -- that I'm looked up to in many circumstances because of the many years of experience I have in the job.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 10:14 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 10:14:06 -0500

I most certainly would. I tried looking for some after I got out but they are hard to come by. I am wooking on my masters and hoping to be a PMP one day. I am in the Guard and they have a lot of federal civilians jobs. I hope one day to get one. By the way I grew up in SD. In Point Loma, not to far from the sports area. Great weather there.

Response by MSgt Bj Jones made Dec 20 at 2014 10:32 AM

MSgt Bj Jones — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 10:32:02 -0500

I would as long as it's overseas and not stateside, allow us to bring our cat and move at least once every 2 to 4 years. Living permanently in one place drives me nuts.

Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Dec 20 at 2014 10:28 AM

LTC Paul Heinlein — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 10:28:50 -0500

SSG Peter Muse,

Great question. My answer is yes because I just accepted a position.

I was able to get a position similar to my Active Duty experience and in my dream career field.
So, when I was offered it, I took it. It was a safe call for me, met my financial requirements, allows me to provide for my family, etc.

When I first started my retirement transition leave I was looking for employment in the civilian sector in Law Enforcement. I was making progress but State, County, and Cities are feeling the effects of a poor economy and making cut backs. As I neared my official retirement date, keeping my promise to my wife, I started looking elsewhere (via USAJOBs). Once I made the leap to look at jobs outside of the area I currently lived in, I started getting referrals for positions and scheduled for interviews. First interview I had, I got the job offer.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 20 at 2014 10:41 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 10:41:34 -0500

Yes, it's one of the possibilities I have looked at after retirement.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Dec 20 at 2014 10:54 AM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 10:54:32 -0500

SSG Peter Muse Yes and I do. I work for the Department of Homeland Security. It is a great job with good pay and continued benefits. They are Veteran friendly and many of my co-workers are Veterans or retired service members. The stability of Federal employment, the benefits, pay, and retirement plus Thrift Savings Plan are but a few of the reasons I am here and hope to remain in the employment of the Federal Government.

Every job has some draw backs, even one you love. If your focus is on the mission, pride of accomplishment, and attaining your goals, regardless of the circumstances you will succeed.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Dec 20 at 2014 5:23 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 17:23:09 -0500

I wouldn't mind doing so. I like working for myself, but without many customers...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 8:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 20:19:56 -0500

Definitely so SSG! I am currently deployed and I am looking to transition to a federal job when I get home next year. USA Jobs os a good source, but any extra knowledge, advice or help would be greatly appreciated!

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Dec 20 at 2014 8:58 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 20:58:45 -0500

That is one of the options I am looking into...I really would rather open a small business, but I will keep all of my options open.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 4:31 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:31:34 -0500

Tried but didn't happen, but I'm in a local city government job. Just not a big fan of unions. I know they have their place and have done some good. But they have also caused or created many problems themselves.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Dec 22 at 2014 4:48 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:48:06 -0500

When I retire, I would like employment that allows me to completely give back to our service members, whether that is as a federal employee or not remains to be seen.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 6:01 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 18:01:35 -0500

I plan on working for USACE once I leave/retire from the Army. I keep my resume on USAJobs updated at least yearly and am actively pursuing credentials to help bolster my chances of landing a job. I also continue to network with professionals currently working at USACE in the field I am interested in.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 4:51 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 16:51:40 -0500

yes. i am actively trying to find it. i have applied w/ the VA & am currently in running for TSA & DEA. i live on usajobs.gov...lol

Response by PFC Cliff Green made Aug 10 at 2015 1:59 PM

PFC Cliff Green — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 13:59:31 -0400

Yes, already have 15 years of Government service under my belt