| Comment Number: | OL-10502339 |
| Received: | 3/1/2005 4:38:14 PM |
| Subject: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Request for Comment |
| Title: | National Security Personnel System |
| CFR Citation: | 5 CFR Chapter XCIX and Part 9901 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
I have been employed by DOD for twenty years. At this time I view the NSPS as a solution desperately in search of a problem, in the following areas: Hiring. Enabling managers to hire workers in a faster manner than presently allowed will weaken the system of checks and balances. It will put more power into fewer hands, thus creating the potential for a manager to hire all his own alma mater graduates or friends without second opinions of other workers. Promotions: It took me 14 years to get a GS-12 rating. Others got to this level in fewer years. Faster promotions will cause dangerous oscillations in the system as newcomers try to advance beyond their experience. If only a certain number of upper pay bands are allowed, how can promotion be faster? Pay bands. I am satisfied that I am getting the proper pay for my training and experience. I do not worry about my colleagues, because I know their experience and GS levels. With pay banding, I will not give my colleagues any benefit of my knowledge or experience if it looks like they will profit by it. I will be suspicious of anyone asking for any help. If I am lowered in a pay band, will my retirement reflect this disgrace? In conclusion, believe that the employees, not the top level managers, have made the Department of Defense strong. The present personnel system works well. Only the short timers, who are political appointees, admirals, or others with attitudes and hidden agendas, are anxious to exert power with the new system. My branch manager knows nothing about the NSPS. Most others don't either. When enacted, this will cause great turmoil from the outset. Believe a lot more time will be spent arguing over proper level of pay, or why promotion wasn't granted, than is presently done.