Reader responses to Ned on Feds - Phantom retirement crisis

DAILY BRIEFING

Reader responses to Ned on Feds - Phantom retirement crisis

Here are the responses we have received to the May 22 Ned on Feds column, "Phantom retirement crisis."

"It's really pretty funny, actually. this article is timeless and just as useless. It could have been written 30 years ago, when I first started working for the feds. Know what we've accomplished regarding personnel since then? Zip.

"We've cut jobs helter skelter to meet political mandates; the entrenched power structure is still there, hence your age gaps-that's right, the young ones 'died' first, the oldies stayed on and hunkered down. We still don't have pay comparability, we still don't have a performance appraisal system worth a hoot, etc. Ain't it fun!!"

-Name withheld

"When I work with all sorts of unqualified GS and GM 11-15 grades that have not had the benefits of even one college degree, I wonder!

"Is the government only one generation from falling apart? Don't think about it, some of these people will be responsible for getting out your retirement check on time!"

-Gary L. Nelson
Environmental Protection Specialist
U.S. Coast Guard Civil Engineering

"The true problem is that all too frequently when qualified personnel leave the government, through retirement or seeking other opportunities, the agency cannot or does not fill the vacancy.

"I agree that there are many excellent candidates for many of the vacant positions, at all levels. However, if you, as a manager, are not able to fill the vacancies as they occur, it can and frequently does have a negative impact on what you are trying to accomplish."

-Name withheld

"Ned, You are as near-sighted as those in the chorus are off-key.

"Having been a manager in the Navy for the past 15 years, I have watched the change in personnel policies through the early to mid-nineties decimate the ranks of qualified succession candidates.

"When the Navy began downsizing after the cold war hiring freezes all but eliminated any new hires except in limited series. This has created a civilian workforce that averages over 45 years old in the command where I currently work. The quality of the workforce at the lower levels is marginal.

"With training dollars limited by reduced budgets and significant change, including reductions in force, it is difficult to improve performance in this desert of low morale. We do have a pending crisis that will not be resolved by casting partisan editorials. The Congress must recognize that if Americans want sound, responsible government they must support it with the necessary resources."

-Ralph Newton
Naval District Washington

"I think you're in for a big shock in the next 4-5 years. Practically everyone I know who will be eligible in my and other agencies plans to depart as soon as possible. And there are more folks eligible now than ever. I've been in civil service for 27 years. The downsizing over the last 7 years has been and will continue to be catastrophic to the level of programs and services that are coming from the federal government.

"Those that say differently are simply incorrect and haven't done their homework."

-Name withheld