Working at U.S. Department of Defense in Washington, DC: 10 Employee Job Reviews by Real Employee working in Washington, DC Area

"I’ve worked for the Department of Defense for over 11 years and it has been a wonderful experience."

"I learned how to apply applicable skils to digital content creation and to my role as a public affairs specialist."

"It's a great company to work with."

"Take this with a grain of salt, my experience is limited to one particular office of one building of one agency under the Department of Defense. I found the work very limited as in you were given such a small piece of the puzzle, that the solution was trivial and required no brain power. I think that environment is not a good place for a young career professional, not enough opportunities to learn and grow. Very flexible work schedule, though that varies by office so ask before going with that. Overall, not recommended for young professionals."

"I love the people and places I saw working for DOD. They helped to create the man I am today and to inspire me to better myself and dive headlong into the sciences, for which I am passionate."

"I loved working for the US military. The travel and time off was one of the reasons I joined. Now that I have reached 20 years, I really like the pay check I receive for not doing anything."

What do you like about working at U.S. Department of Defense?

"Knowing that you are making a difference in the nation."

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

"Do not work for the Department of Defense at all."

What don't you like about working at U.S. Department of Defense?

"To many chiefs, who clash and micromanage and are selfserving."

What suggestions do you have for management?

"I would lead by example and respect hands on leadership."

What do you like about working at U.S. Department of Defense?

"Military culture of team work and mission focus. Everyone is friendly and there is little drama. People get along with each other and management has the best intentions."

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

"Do not complain about your current position. Focus on what you do well and how you will contribute to the mission. Demonstrate how you are a team player and that you believe that a rising tide lifts all boats. Show how you go above and beyond to do more than just check the box in your jobs. Show a positive attitude and a calm, clear demeanor."

What don't you like about working at U.S. Department of Defense?

"It's boring. The performance is very low. Management is resistant to change. People who try to do things differently are punished by resistance and complaining. I have no opportunity for growth in my current position but make too much money to easily transition to another career field at my salary grade."

What suggestions do you have for management?

"Focus on performance and reward the top performers. Break the status quo and don't be afraid to innovate and change. Stop doing things the same way they have always been done. Be open to being uncomfortable and having some people not happy."

What do you like about working at U.S. Department of Defense?

"Job security and federal pension, easy access to the Pentagon, parking at the Pentagon, food choices at the Pentagon, federal transit subsidy for the Metro (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority ), and the ability to tele-work."

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

"Upward mobility is non-existent, there will be three more years of pay freezes, you will have to pay more into your retirement -which represents a 5% pay loss, there is an entrenched bureaucracy which is stubborn, is not open to new ideas. Lastly: Good Luck!"

What don't you like about working at U.S. Department of Defense?

"Maniacal boss, little chance for promotion, pay freezes, pay reductions, little ability to expand into different arenas."

What suggestions do you have for management?

"Actually talk to and engage my employees. Learn about their previous experiences and see what else they bring to the table. Offer tele-work as a daily option. Let employees ex-tern at other agencies and see if they would like to move on or bring back new ideas from other partners. Get an external look from private enterprises to see what we could do differently and more efficiently."

"Unfortunately DMA (NIMA) is legendary for being a bad employer."