this is relevant in Ohio where new conservative Governor Kasich has been maligned for paying some of his staff members more than previous occupants of those same positions were paid. (Overall, though, the payroll was less.)
However, they’ve used those stats to vilify Kasich. The truth is that Kasichs 140 grand payscale isn’t as much a many school superintendents in our own state. And apparently, many fed civil servants.
I recently applied for both a private sector one similar to one I have now, and a state job with greater responsibilities. I got offers from both.
My current salary is 50% more than what the state offered. And the benefits are about comparable!
It's well known in my field that fed jobs are nearly impossible to get based on qualifications alone. We got one woman in our office from one of those dream positions, and I asked her why she left. She pointed out that "the system is flooded with those damn [ex-]military guys who don't know what they're doing, and they just sit in those positions and block anyone from advancement or getting anything done." Her ambition and eye on quality were frustrated there.
The federal government should hire the most qualified people, not base things on gender, race, military service, etc. As much as I honor the military, it's ridiculous to give preferences, IMO.