Agree. I am retired Army, now a federal employee. I came to my fed job with 22 years of experience in a very high tech field. How much would private industry pay for that kind of experience?
Also, forget about the “90%” retire pay. Since 1985 the fed retirement system, FERS, is similar to a 401k, you get out what you put in. Still, there are a very few (old) folks still covered by the old CSRS system which is indeed an unblieveably generous retirement plan. Also, I make a monthly payment for health/dental/life insurance just like most folks.
Although not a union member, I do have pretty good job security. Bottom line: I try to earn my pay every day just like anyone else. After spending a career in the uniformed Army I am very happy to be working for the Department of the Army as a civilian.
Any argument that talks about all “Federal Workers” explicitly includes the slackers and the productive.
Much the same as any article that discusses any large company’s workforce covers the mail room to the executive washroom.
You have 22 years of service in the USN and your work currently benefits them. I don’t think anyone who knows that will confuse you with a DMV bureaucrat.