[dbrisson]

Did the reverse, came out of the military to work private contracts for a bit and then went back to govt service. Had an offer that was higher than the government pay but now that contract is broken and most of the people are gone. The "new" congress is hacking supplemental funding to the bone and many private contracts with the govt are going away.

I was able to keep my military years towards retirement. I have made grade promotions quickly and now am beyond the private offer in salary.

There are 3 types of government jobs, the typical that most people think of where the job determines the grade, competitive where the applicants qualifications and job field determines grade, and foreign service. The last 2 areas are the place to be so as not to have a job title determine your rank forever.

Dont forget not only do you get fers but you get the TSP, up to 15% pretax. Between FERS high 3, TSP and private funds a person can do ok. Plus a 15 in DC makes..