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"The sense of "F you, I've got mine" from all public sector employees is the reason there's such a negative attitude about them."

I'm not going to dispute anyone's story, but I would like to say that I supervise a fairly significant number of DoD "GS" employees. And, I work indirectly, but frequently, with about thirty more. Most of these people are electronic engineers, or "double Es."

Virtually to a man (or woman), this group of people are highly professional and dedicated. Frequently...especially in times of national need...they voluntarily work overtime, often without asking for compensatory time off to match the overtime they've given.

Many of these people could walk out our door tomorrow and get more money than they currently make. Some of them stay for the security, and some of them stay for what they hope will be an opportunity in the future. But, I believe that a great many of them stay with us because they're very proud of what they do, and because of the respect and admiration they have for the people around them.

I used to joke about civilian employees, too. And, I've seen my share of lazy "good-for-nothings" in other government offices, so I'm sure that those I work with are well above the average.

But like many other professions there "pros," and "slugs." The real shame is that the "system" does such a good job at protecting the slugs that they tarnish the dedication and professionalism of some of the rest.