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

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.

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

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.