We were told to expect 22 days of furlough beginning October until the 22 days are done. It is a shame and you are right that the GS-5 and 6’s are the ones really being hurt by this. The biggest problem is that you cannot attract people who are professional to work at the Naval Academy and other places if you tell them how much they will be paid and then say “Oh 20 percent will be subtracted from that total”. I know we have a hiring freeze right now but with all the retirement eligible people still hanging on, something is going to happen and it won’t be pretty. I can see it now. The retirees get frustrated.....the newbies get laid off and then nobody will be part of the DOD which some here would appreciate, but it would not be good. I am waiting for the contractors to get hit....they have been safe SO FAR....that won’t last.
There are no heroes in this Greek tragedy, only villains.
Obama is destroying the US military and fully funding his give away programs.
Hagel is using the DoD civilian workforce as whipping boys and girls, and as an ATM.
Congressional Republicans have also used the DoD as their piggy bank, and have abandoned the military - this is not your Ronald Reagan's Republican party.