What to know for former military now civil service?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He should really try to consciously shake off military habits that don't fit with the civilian agency's culture. Life as a civilian will be different, even if uncle Sam is still signing the paycheck.

By all means, be the creative leader you were in the service. It is what makes vets such valuable contributors. But dont call anyone ma'am. If the office is business casual, dress business casual. If people manage by consensus, obtain consensus.

Sometimes vets hold onto military habits out of pride or a sense of identity, or because they are so ingrained they don't realize they are doing it, but they don't understand that it can send a signal to others (wrongly) that they don't feel the need to"join the team." Everyone has to adapt to new environments, even vets. There are a lot of resources on the web to help with this.

Unless he is at DoD. Then it won't be an issue.

yes, this. I can spot the veterans in my civilian agency immediately because they all call me ma'am. I am 38 years old. I'm sure they're being respectful but it's not something that anyone else in civilian agencies would do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He should really try to consciously shake off military habits that don't fit with the civilian agency's culture. Life as a civilian will be different, even if uncle Sam is still signing the paycheck.

By all means, be the creative leader you were in the service. It is what makes vets such valuable contributors. But dont call anyone ma'am. If the office is business casual, dress business casual. If people manage by consensus, obtain consensus.

Sometimes vets hold onto military habits out of pride or a sense of identity, or because they are so ingrained they don't realize they are doing it, but they don't understand that it can send a signal to others (wrongly) that they don't feel the need to"join the team." Everyone has to adapt to new environments, even vets. There are a lot of resources on the web to help with this.

Unless he is at DoD. Then it won't be an issue.

yes, this. I can spot the veterans in my civilian agency immediately because they all call me ma'am. I am 38 years old. I'm sure they're being respectful but it's not something that anyone else in civilian agencies would do.

Usually its only for the first few years they are out and then most shed all that but use it in military situation. Its not about age, its about position, title and situation. When I go on base, I'll use it and so do the kids. We never use it anywhere else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:what's the motivation for buying back your military years early? Yes, the longer you delay the more itnerest you have to pay the government on that initial lumpsum. But that is offset by you not really knowing you will retire through FERS until much later in your career

You only need five years to qualify for the pension. The subject of the OP has 11 active duty years so it's a no brainer to buy back the time to increase the amount of the FERS pension.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you everyone for your insights! If there are any others, we're still watching this thread.