Comment Number: OL-10506817
Received: 3/13/2005 11:30:34 AM
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 am a Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist working for DOD/DON with over 28 years of Federal service. I’ve been on almost all sides of the fence (enlisted, officer, journeyman, supervisor). So, I probably have some valuable insight. I would welcome a streamlined method for dealing with problem employees and more hiring flexibility. But the proposed system appears to be open to arbitrary and capricious decisions. Like it or not, there are many poor/substandard managers who will use their new latitude inappropriately. I work under the current system for GS employees and believe this to be a good system overall because it provides a measure of protection from arbitrary decisions by management. My opinion is that the leadership within the DOD is simply not mature enough to be given any more latitude - especially that found in the NSPS system. Junior officers (and many ‘senior’ officers) are simply too inexperienced to provide adequate supervision of this new process. The end result of the NSPS will be something far removed from the original intent. Our officers are sometimes heard to say “I’m not a rules guy” – usually just before they break another federal regulation and/or guideline. And since most uniformed members transfer out within a 2 to 3 year time frame, they are typically not held accountable when the questions/lawsuits arise from their poor decisions. The continuity factor now within our Command is at deplorable levels – and NSPS would just make it worse. I believe the DOD civilian workforce would pay a heavy price under this new system because of uniformed members with a “vertical learning curve” - and in the end, do very little to preserve any continuity. The new guy will simply move in and then plead ignorance. Here we go again... Chasin’ our tails... If NSPS becomes the standard, I recommend we put as many uniformed members as possible in the field and out of the garrison Commands. Then place civilian managers in responsible positions of authority at these garrison Commands - then this system might stand a better chance. But even then, with little or no accountability of the managers that supervise our civilian workforce, this system is still probably going to fail. Let’s face it, with NSPS it’s the bottom line ($$$) that drives workforce decisions, not good management techniques and practices. Another point, if this new system benefits DOD, why haven’t we instituted this on the entire Federal level? Certainly, all Federal levels would appreciate a streamlined hiring process and a performance based pay system, right? I am not comfortable with being singled out. I am a federal employee and should be entitled to the same rights and privileges as other federal employees. There is little sense in putting in a system that will probably cause more problems than it solves. Therefore, I oppose NSPS. P.S. I wouldn't normally withhold my name - but the good ol' boy system is alive and well here - and I have a family to consider...