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Government and Military Careers SPECIAL
Hosted by Derrick Dortch
Assistant Director
Georgetown University Career Center
Thursday, Sept. 20, 2001; 11 a.m. ET
Derrick Dortch is the assistant director of the Georgetown University Career Center. Formerly, he managed the internships, government, and non-profit opportunities at the Georgetown University Career Education Center and has since been promoted to assistant director. He also served with the Marines and worked as a counselor helping people make the transition from the military to civilian life.
For this discussion, Derrick will talk about how government and military workers can cope with our recent national disaster.
The transcript follows below.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Derrick Dortch: Good Morning Everyone and welcome to the show. I want to start off by giving my condolences to all those who lost loved ones in the Terrorist Attacks of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. This was a horrific act and although we will never forget it, I pray that one day we will find a way to have peace all over the world.
I also want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of the firefighter, police, law enforcement, military, Red Cross and Salvation Army teams, government leaders (federal, state and local) and all of volunteers who worked to rescue lives and provide support and assistance to those in need.
I was at the Pentagon on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week after the attack working with the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. I saw the destruction and also saw the courage, dedication and persistance of everyone working. I was a sad moment but a moment where everyone rallied to help and I must say it made me proud to be an American.
We will prevail. I ask that all of stay strong and faithful during this time of tragedy because our finest hour is just over the horizon and those who lost their lives will not have died in vain.
To all of the military, intelligence gatherers, law enforcement and others who are working countless hours and about to go into harms way, our prayers and our spirit will remain with you each and every day. To all of them I say Semper Fidelis and wish them the best and God's blessings.
Now to our show.
Arlington Va.:
I'm a muslim and I'm in the military. Already I've been hearing some really racist comments...what do I do? I don't want to go to war with people who hate me! I'm an American, this has never been a problem until now.
Derrick Dortch: Hello Arlington,
First let me say thank you for serving in our military. I am proud of you and the rest of the country is behind you. What everyone needs to understand is that this is not a war of religion or a war against Muslims. This is a war against terrorism and terrorim comes in all forms and stands behind the false shield of many types of religions. No Muslim who truly believes in their religion condones this behavior.
As Americans we can not begin to persecute innocent people because of race and religion. It must stop now or we will be just as bad as those who have attacked us. We must stand on a higher level and continue to uphold the rights of all people and be will to die for those rights if necessary. I am getting to spirited now so I will answer your question.
Make sure that you document the comments being made against you and who made them. I would suggest you talk to those who are making the comments and educate them on your beliefs and tell them that you are an American just like them and you wear the same uniform and are willing to fight the same fight. Muslims lost there lives in the trade center just as others did. Try to educate your fellow co-workers but do it in a professional and calm fashion. If comments persist talk to your commanding officer about the situation and your concerns. They will have to take action against those who are making the comments. It is not right and it is against the law. Talk first and if necessary use official channels to resolve the issue.
Again thank you for serving in our armed forces.
Washington, D.C.:
Why can't all federal jobs be reassessed for telecommuting and work at home categories? Especially in prime target agencies.
Derrick Dortch: Hello DC,
I hope all is well. I know that the Office of Personnel Management already has a telework program in place and does assess jobs to see if telecommuting/telework is possible. With our current situation they may do it more, I am not sure. The site for the telework program is:
http://www.telework.gov/
I know that this is a time of uncertainity and fear especially for federal workers. With that in mind if you are experiencing anxiety and discomfort about your work setting and coming in you should discuss this with your career management office, your supervisor, employee assistance program or someone in your agency who can provide assistance. It also never hurts to talk to a counselor about your anxiety. If your anxiety and fear persist the agency may be able to provide assistance or set up a telework system for you.
I hope this helps. Take care.
Manassas, Va.:
I recently graduated from college with honors. I am finding it difficult to find a well-paying job in the current market. Is joining the military considered an "easy way out?" Or could it be a smart move?
Derrick Dortch: Hello Manassas,
The market is indeed difficult right now but I would never suggest you join the military just for job sake. The military does provide an opportunity to have a job and a level of security from the world of layoffs and economic uncertainity. But this is not the time and to me it is never the time to join just for job sake. If you truly have an interest in serving your country in some capacity in the military then yes join, but if it is only for job sake then I would suggest you look at other options.
The military life can be a good life but it can also put you in harms way and ask you to do things that go against what you are used to in civilian life. Think about the true reasons for joining. If you are truly interest in serving your country in uniform then I stand behind that decision. If your are just looking for a job then I would suggest you think twice and look at other options. Take care and if you want to discuss this further contact me on the message boards.
Take care.
Virginia:
Derrick, do you think the government will impose stricter guidelines in granting security clearances on pending investigations? Would they be put on hold temporarily?
Derrick Dortch: Hello Virginia,
My first instinct is yes. The guidelines for granting clearances are pretty strict right now but I am sure that the level of scrutiny will increase. With the war on terrorism quickly moving forward and the recent incidents of our own spying for others in the FBI, military and other agencies the clearance process will only get more intense.
Clearances will not be put on hold because it is important to get people who are hired to work on critical projects to work and cleared. Clearances that have relevance to this new war on terrorism will probably become priority while other clearances will drop on the priority list. This may mean a longer delay in some clearance being granted.
If you want some good information on the clearance process go to the following sites:
Defense Security Service
http://www.dss.mil/
Adjudicative Desk Reference
http://www.dss.mil/training/adr/adr1.htm
Adjudicative Guidelines for Determining Access to Classified Information
http://www.dss.mil/training/adr/adjguid/adjguidF.htm
I hope this helps to answer your question.
Take care.
Brooklyn NY:
Hi
I was wondering if you know how much FBI agents earn (GS-10)?
Derrick Dortch: Hi Brooklyn, NY
Thanks for coming by. I hope all is well with you and your loved ones.
FBI agents (GS-10) entry level will earn about $45,000 starting out. This includes overtime and other types of pay. Their salaries quickly increase over a short period of time and many make $60 - 80,000 within seven to ten years of their career. Their salaries can go as high as $90 - 110,000+ as they move up the GS ladder. Those who move up to the SES (Executive) branchs usually make $100,000+.
Take care.
Alexandria, Va.:
What will happen to the military workforce? Does this mean that all military personnel's positions will have to be filled? What happens when the war is over? Can they return to their jobs? If so, what will happen to the person who is filling in?
Derrick Dortch: Hello Alexandria,
If you are refering to the military workforce in the reserves who occupy civilian jobs then they will be fine. The law provides for these workers to be able to leave their jobs and serve their country in time of need without the worry of losing their job. Once the war is over the person who is called up can return to their job without a problem. There are some employers who do not always look favorably on this situation but the law is usually clear about that matter and I would hope that no employer would give a reservist or national guard member a hard time during this time of national emergency.
Those who fill in for the person will assume their old position or move to another position after the reservist or guard member returns. Many times after they return there may be some reorganization within the organization.
If you are referring to those on active duty who are called up to leave and serve a another base or location. Usually reservist pick up their jobs and keep bases and other operations going. Once they return the reservist go back home and continue with regular life and duty.
If you want more information contact me on the message boards. Take care.
Vienna, Va.:
Well, Derrick...there IS something else we can do to help out in the country's crisis.....we can sign up like you did, go to Paris Island, listen to old smokey-hat for 10 weeks or so screaming ..."ladies", "maggots", "scum", "drop and give me 50" ,"I can't hear you", etc...and then have a rifle shoved at us and sent off to fight these guys in the Afghan mountains.
Yes, I'm being facetious, but military service now certainly can be considered a viable option....we will need personnel to serve. If you put up with the DI's and their abuse for the length of boot camp, I'm sure others can, too. And yes, given the forbidding terrain we'll be fighting in over there, perhaps a good argument can be made that the training HAS to be tough.
Derrick Dortch: Hello Vienna,
You do have a point there. Your first paragraph brought back some memories (smile). I served in the Gulf with a combat unit and have thought about serving again. You are right we need people who are willing to fight for our country and the rights and liberty we hold so dear and true.
Serving in the military is without a doubt a noble and honorable calling and those who served, continue to serve and are thinking about serving should always remember that.
This will be a uniques war. One fought heavily with the use of special ops (operations) forces. For those who have what it takes our country needs you and I hope you will consider taking the call.
But let me also say that we will need you here at home as well. As firefighters (full-time and volunteer), police officers, in our intelligence and law enforcement agencies and working with other organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army. We must all think about how we can serve and then do it.
Semper Fidelis and thanks for the comment. Take care.
Arlington, Va.:
Hi Derrick:
I am a former Marine who's looking for employment. I wanted to know how hard was it for you to find a job after serving as a Marine. And also how do you feel about the President calling all those Reservists back to active duty?
Semper FI
Derrick Dortch: Hello Devil Dog,
Finding a job after the Marines was not difficult only because of my education and experience. By the time I finished with the Marines I was in the reserve and continued to work on my Masters up until the time I got out. But I will tell you that my experience as a Marine have helped me along the way in this job market. If you need help you can contact me at dtd077@aol.com.
As far a the President calling up reservist I think if the need is there then the reserve should be called up. Honestly, I have thought about going back myself to serve again so that we will never have such an tragedy and act or terrorism happen again.
Take care and I hope to hear from you.
Semper FI
Alexandria:
As someone trying to find work in the nonprofit sector - specifically, drug policy/social justice issues - I have a feeling the horrific events of last week will also have a negative impact on nonprofits. We have seen the enormous generosity of Americans, but now that we're faced with such a huge problem I get the feeling that other issues will stay on the back burner for a long time, both in terms of the public consciousness and financially, which makes me think that looking for a job in a nonprofit right now is going to be very, very difficult. Your thoughts on this?
Derrick Dortch: Hello Alexandria,
You are right there will be some issue that will fall to the back burner temporarily. This is an unfortunate thing but it is true. I do think that since this war on terrorism will be one that lasts many years that we will get back to a normal society (whatever that means) and the issues that non-profits so wonderfully work on will be again part of the mainstream.
Non-profits may suffer intially because of this situation and the economy but in the long run it will stabalize. Issues like drugs and social justice will always be important. The issue of social justice, human rights and civil rights I believe will only get more important due to this action. If you need more help on your search contact me on the message boards. Here are some links for a non-profit search that may be helpful. Take care.
Links for Non-Profit Job search:
Community Career Center
http://www.nonprofitjobs.org/
Idealist
http://www.idealist.org
MinistryLink: Employment Opportunities in Church Ministry
http://www.cbsju.edu/sot/MinistryLink/Defalt.htm
MinistryConnect
http://www.ministryconnect.org/
American Society of Association Executives
http://www.asaenet.org
Nonprofit Career Network
http://www.nonprofitcareer.com
International Service Agencies
http://www.charity.org/
Good Works
http://www.essential.org/goodworks/
Internet NonProfit Center
http://www.nonprofits.org/
Philanthropy News Network
http://www.pj.org
Opportunity NOC's
http://www.opportunitynocs.org/
Arlington Va.:
How do you think the federal workplace will be impacted and how will it be impacted after we officially go to war?
Derrick Dortch: Hello Arlington,
The federal workplace will be impacted greatly in the next several months to years. I am sure that security in each agency will be increased. There will be higher level of scrutiny in those who need background checks. There may be classes or brochures developed to educate the federal workforce about terrorism and how to be aware of threats and suspect activity. These are just a few.
Along with those there will be an increase in hiring in some federal agencies who are working on the war against terrorism. There may also be a need replace the workforce of federal workers who are retiring in the next 1 - 5 years. This will be a positive impact.
If we do go to war the immediate impact on the federal workforce will be the the number or federal workers who are in the military reserves being called up to active duty. This will leave a gap in the workforce that may have to be filled. In war, especially this type of war security will become an even greater issue for all federal agencies and their employees. I am sure that strategies will be put in place to protect the workforce and all people. There will also be a need for more intelligence analyst and others to work for certain agencies. Again those are the immediate needs in time of war.
Well this is my last question for the day. Take care everyone. Stay Strong. We will get through this time together. If I did not get to you today please contact me on the message board. I will do my best to get to your question. I will see you next time. Have a wonderful, wonderful day and live each moment to the fullest.
WashingtonJobs.com:
That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion.
Stay tuned to Live Online:
The
Garden Plot at 11 a.m. EDT
Derrick
Dortch: How Federal Workers Can Cope at 11 a.m. EDT
Combatting
Terrorism: William Hartung at 11 a.m. EDT
Marc
Fisher's Potomac Confidential at Noon EDT
Vernon
Loeb on National Security at 1 p.m. EDT
Got
Plans? at 1 p.m. EDT
America
Attacked: Civil Liberties in Danger? at 1 p.m. EDT
Dirda
on Books at 2 p.m. EDT
Live Online Special Coverage: America
Attacked
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