-The current vast majority of senior management is worthless along many of the recently promoted junior managers, so the trend will continue into the foreseeable future. Management has no strategic vision or planning, very little demonstrated leadership, very little professional guidance, ridiculous risk aversion, and, like many US government managers, most seem to simply be filling slots and doing the minimal amount necessary to obtain their next promotion or set themselves up for a big defense contractor retirement gig. It is utterly frustrating. All that said, to the few senior managers who do not fall into this category, keep up the good fight--you are very much appreciated by your subordinates and are a ray of hope for this agency.
-Employees must sign a mobility agreement meaning that, much like the active-duty military, you will be highly discouraged from staying at the same duty location for more than 4-5 years. However, civilian Agents do not have any of the benefits that military members enjoy unless living overseas (e.g., tax free payment for housing and sustenance, commissary/PX privileges, etc.). Along with that, the expectation to be separated from one's family is ingrained into the culture of this agency--much more than "normal" or "typical" law enforcement jobs. It is the cultural norm that the more one moves, the more favorable he/she is seen by senior management regardless of the Agent's actual knowledge, skills, and abilities. Also, it is expected for Agents to work jobs that have them traveling and away from home a large amount of time, and the Agent's family is to simply deal with it (again, much like the active-duty military without the benefits). It is truly a bizarre corporate culture.
