[Chainmail]

Oh aren't you the clever one: those of us who served over 20 years in uniform get a limited pension when we retire from the armed forces. If you'd felt like serving your country in a whole lot of nasty places and occasionally being shot at for a long time, you'd have that pension too. Working in the government or for the government afterward is an option that many of us follow. We have expertise and experience most of the rest of the world doesn't have and we are sought out because of that qualification. Kind of a great idea, isn't it? Or would you rather the government only hire amateurs fresh out of school?

Sounds like you're just jealous.

[HalfFull]

Or would you rather the government only hire amateurs fresh out of school?

Not only that, many on this forum think keeping ships steaming, planes flying, and Armies fielded happens by magic.   Just fire all Government DOD employees...that's the answer!

[napscoordinator]

Timber Rattler probably is a guy making six figures on the outside and just bashes the military folks. I did 24 years in the Navy. Retired as a Chief (E-7) and I make 2,100 dollars a month (after medical and taxes). I also work at the Naval Academy and am a hated government worker as many here say. I make 1,096 dollars every two weeks. I didn’t get a bonus this year. However, I MIGHT get a bonus of 400 dollars (but maybe not if the budget is bad). So overall I make around 4,000 a month. I guess I am a drain on FREEPERS.

[Night Hides Not]

Or would you rather the government only hire amateurs fresh out of school?

IMHO, the government should hire a mix of people. The "amateurs" can be trained by "professionals" like yourself, and the results are usually good for everybody.

None of us were "professionals" when we started our careers.