What is the lowest GS job level you would consider after 20 years of service?

SFC Aaron Finley — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 20:01:18 -0500

Well all know it's hard entering in the GS system at a decent GS level. After serving 20+ years of Military service what is the lowest GS job level would you accept regardless of what grade you retired at?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 8:12 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 20:12:21 -0500

In my opinion, part of that depends on how much education you have and your location. Also, probably your specialty.

I did 30 years, 26 in counterintelligence, and the standard - even for the average schmuck (like me) at 20 years - was GS-13. That was typical, and I think it still is, probably because you're bringing experience and no need for further training, at least not right away. You can hit the ground running as a civilian, if you stay in your field.

I'd say my personal lowest level would be GS-9, but I think a more reasonable starting point at 20 years, with a 4-year degree, would be GS-11. There's no doubt you can get a higher grade if you compete in the field where your military experience lies. Outside of that field ... my numbers would go down to maybe GS-7 (bottom) and GS-9 (expected/hoped for).

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 3 at 2015 8:49 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 20:49:32 -0500

Honestly, I would take just about any level. Why, to get in to the system. Many of the GS-11 plus jobs are not direct hire, you have to be a GS to apply. I personally know someone that started as a GS-6 out of college and retired as an SES-2.

Response by SFC Stephen Smithers made Jan 4 at 2015 11:38 AM

SFC Stephen Smithers — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 11:38:17 -0500

Any level, just to get in the system. I started as a GS-5 Purchasing Agent, changed jobs several times. Now I have the job I wanted GS-13 IT Specialist.

Response by PO3 JoseLuis Breton made Jan 4 at 2015 12:03 PM

PO3 JoseLuis Breton — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 12:03:16 -0500

What ever it takes to support yourself and or your family. REMEMBER, that you don't have to Stay at that grade either.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jan 4 at 2015 8:05 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 20:05:43 -0500

As a nurse, I would anticipate GS 9-11 depending on the specific clinic/job.

Response by PO2 Earl McMannis made Jan 18 at 2015 12:29 PM

PO2 Earl McMannis — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 12:29:31 -0500

That depends on lots of factors. What your skills sets are, did you ever manage personnel, types of projects, assets, money, etc... My first job out of the service was a GS-5 postion before I found a better private sector job. After several rounds of layoffs I found myself at the government again but as GS-11 due to my skills in the computer field.

Response by CPO William Zaczek made Jan 28 at 2015 11:31 PM

CPO William Zaczek — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 23:31:43 -0500

Unless the GS position was a 80% or better match to the military position I held, I would be willing to assume any level basement entry level, maybe 2 steps above. I feel that the years of service and my maturity level should speak for something. However, as much as I would think I could do a job there is always a steep learning cureve to navigate.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 23 at 2015 10:13 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 10:13:37 -0400

You will never see me work for civil service or corporations.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2015 2:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 14:22:35 -0500

Take what you can get!!! I've finally got in at a GS04 and it took like 3 years. It's all up hill from here!

Response by 1SG Timothy Trewin made Dec 29 at 2015 5:52 PM

1SG Timothy Trewin — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 17:52:27 -0500

I would accept any level job if it put food on the table. Would I be particularly fond of a GS-3 or GS-4 job? No, but I am a realist and humble enough to know that I might have to start at the bottom again and work my way up through the ranks. I was able to once, I will again when the time comes.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Dec 29 at 2015 7:11 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 19:11:47 -0500

To get a foot in the door....janitor.
I do have experience at cleaning up messes and it's an honest job.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Dec 30 at 2015 1:08 PM

MSgt Michael Smith — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 13:08:40 -0500

That is a hard question, because the GS system varies so much from region to region. I live and work in the DC Metro. Here, GS 11 or 12 is pretty much the standard level for a retiree to consider when entering civil service. With that said, there are plenty of GS 7 and 9s out there as well, and if a 9 had promotion potential and was something I really wanted to do, then I would certainly consider taking it. The GS system is heavily inflated in the DC Metro region though. In other parts of the country, you can do really well as a 7 or 9.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 1:18 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 13:18:35 -0500

GS-12. I'm a critical care registered nurse with a bachelors degree - GS-12 is the standard grade for that level of education and experience. If I didn't have the critical care experience, then the lowest I would go is GS-11 (which is standard for an RN with a Bachelors degree). If I were a CDR with more education and more leadership experience, I'd be setting my sights higher.

As with anything, I think this varies with what type of job you're looking for and how much education and experience you have.

Response by SFC Victor Serrano made Dec 30 at 2015 11:05 PM

SFC Victor Serrano — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 23:05:14 -0500

GS-7 would be a fair GS job level without a degree. Just remember to write your resume according to the job posting, it's of the uppermost importance.