If you're not "Mission Essential" then why do you have a job?

SSG Robert Burns — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 00:41:43 -0400

The recent furlough left lots of civilian jobs with empty desks. If we could do without them for 2 weeks, I'm sure we can just do without them. How many positions have been "created" for a retiring soldier just because? It is ridiculous some of the jobs that are out there.

We have assistants that have assistants.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 19 at 2013 9:02 PM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 21:02:26 -0500

SSG Burns,

You are preaching to the choir on an issue that is as old as the military itself, the good old boy system.

I will give you a perfect example, initial push during OIF I, we get word from the rear that the garrison CSM will be retiring a few months after our return, so there will be the big ceremony for awards for us and him and COR as well. We get back, I happen to be assigned to garrison Phys Sec office for a few months, which consists of many offices and tasking to include safety, in the 3 years I had been on the post we never had a installation safety officer, the position never existed, it was covered by the division safety. Well low and behold, a month before the CSM retires, a new safety officer position is created for the installation, while the CSM is in transition leave he moves right into the job. The new perks are very nice, on our second rotation back for OIF III, he is sent TDY to Taji to check and evaluate the division assets and their compliance with safety policies (while deployed), he has his own trailer, digital and electronic hookups, and a POV and a gator for running around the camp. Now if that wasn't fraud, waste and abuse, someone please explain to me what would constitute it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 9:29 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 21:29:27 -0500

You so nailed it. The army civilian corps is out of control and needs to trimmed. I had to go to the ID facility three times at benning. On the third time I was told that I would have to wait a while because there was a line. I told them that I have an appointment and if they couldn't see then at the specified time then why even make appointments. She was not happy and I wanted to see her boss. Then miraculously three civilians were just finishing their conversation about something stupid and not work related and were able to assist me. What really burnt me is that one of them had the adassity to ask me if I was single and tired to give me her number. I am a married Officer in the Army. WTF are you doing at a place when you are trying to pick up guys at work. I would say I was shocked but I expect that from the ACC.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 12:14 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 00:14:42 -0500

To be fair to the civilians the furlough had less to do with
how “mission essential” they are and more to do with if the funds that pay for
them had already been appropriated by congress or not. The argument could be made that even most of
us in uniform are not “mission essential” in garrison unless we are preparing
for deployment.

Response by SGM Thomas Raymann made Mar 3 at 2014 10:06 AM

SGM Thomas Raymann — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 10:06:12 -0500

I am sure that there are those situations which occur. I know first had that they do as well. My problem is with the generality of your problem statement. I for one, was effected by the shutdown as well and I only started my job 2 moths earlier. Now during that time I was activated ISO Tropical Storm Karen response planning for FEMA. I came on activation and was deactivated and returned to furlough status. It is very easy to make statements like "If you're not "Mission Essential" then why do you have a job?" Working in the hospital environment, you should understand who and what is mission essential. I would state that medical professionals are essential and too few. I have not seen my assigned PCM in over 2 years….So what is your definition of mission essential? I am not trying to be an ass here, I just want to understand your viewpoint.