That is incorrect. It’s not easy, but it is possible.
And before you all get your panties in a twist, agencies always do this when a hiring freeze is looming. It has nothing to do with Obama.
And this Federal employee works her butt off.
I have worked for the Air Force (just went over 40 years service in November), and you can let them go without justification due to a reduction in force (RIF), if they have worked less than 3 years as they are not yet under permanent status. After that good luck unless you want to pay the $25K severance to let them go in a RIF (which in the long run would be pretty cheap price to pay).
During my 25 years of active duty I was stuck with several civilian employees that just weren’t cutting it due to health issues, piss poor training (able to fix that one), and very bad attitudes. Could not get rid of any of them.
I spent last summer working outside of my specialty due to my aircrew training acting as a Survival Instructor in the field as well as a moving target for our aircraft. You do not want to be on the receiving end of an attack from and F-15E (got to watch the video). Most of the Civilian’s in my Wing are busy (thanks to several RIFs), and I do work my butt off, but only because of the unit and program I am currently assigned. Also I still think like a Senior NCO and have never been afraid of hard work (thanks to my Dad the US Air Force Master Sergeant for that one).
I did n’t get my panties in a twist. I think you did after working your butt off, as you stated. Happy New Year.