Comments:

  DoD NSPS Comments

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   DoD NSPS Comments:

  I write to express my concerns about changes to work rules in the Department of Defense (DoD).  The proposed regulations are known as the National Security Personnel System (NSPS). 

  I have worked for DoD and the US Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District for 19 years.  I am angry that these proposals seem to treat the employees who help defend our country as the enemy.  The Corps has at least 2000 volunteers assigned to the Gulf Region Division in Iraq.  Most DoD employees work hard and are committed.  These employees are not reservists or guardsmen, they are civilians that volunteered their skills to help rebuild Iraq.

  These rules would create a system in which federal managers are influenced by favoritism rather than serving the civil concerns of the American people.  

  Under the General Schedule, employee pay was clear.  It was funded by Congress and could not be taken away.  However, NSPS will take away this certainty.  Salaries and bonuses are funded by DoD.  In the past – as recently as just last year – DoD did not fund its awards program.  Given the agency’s miserable record on this issue, how can employees feel confident that our salaries and bonuses will be funded in the future?  There is no guarantee that even the best workers will receive a pay raise or that the pay offered will be fair or competitive. 

  There will be no impartial appeal system to assure that everyone is treated fairly.  The appeal system is located soley inside of DoD Management.  What happens when the board makes a decision that is contrary to the Agencies decision?  This impartial board will definitely be influenced by DoD Execs and not the Law.

  Federal employees could be assigned anywhere in the world, even into a war zone, with little or no notice.  I am proud to serve my country but I am also responsible for caring for my family and my personal obligations at home.  We signed up for a civilian job.  We did not enlist in the military.  Today’s volunteer system works well.  The Corps of Engineers suppports 3 District Offices and 1 Division office in Iraq with civilian volunteers.  Even the military service is a voluntary.  Why is it that the civilians will not have a choice?

  America is at war.  We are fighting for democracy abroad.  But the regulations are an attack on workers’ basic rights.  Furthermore, NSPS will divert the attention of defense workers from the soldiers’ welfare to protecting themselves from abuse on the job.  I urge you to force DoD to rethink this proposal.  We need work rules that preserve fairness, serve the American people, and respect the rights of Defense Department workers.