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US Defense Intelligence Agency

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Struggles to retain smartest employees; Horrible HR - Anonymous employee US Defense Intelligence Agency Employee Review

2.0
Apr 6, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Pay is far better than private sector equivalent (i.e. think tank positions) -Opportunities to work on real time national security issues both in the US and overseas -If the current HR policies are implemented well then DIA could be a good place to work in 3-5 fiscal years

Cons

-The benefits are far outweighed by the sub-par personnel management and administrative support -While recent personnel initiatives aimed at improving employee mobility and making career advancement consistent are long over due, they will almost certainly lead to a turbulent few years -Smartest and most accomplished employees often quit for greener pastures in the IC due to lack of career mobility within DIA -Support staff are incompetent (recent examples include a deployment support employee not knowing that Baghdad is in Iraq and not Afghanistan; simple HR issues taking 3+ months to resolve)

Explore other reviews about US Defense Intelligence Agency

5.0
Mar 19, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Career advancement Flexible with schedule

Cons

Sometimes there's a bit of conflict with other staff who feel like they should value people based on whether they are fed or contractor

3.0
Jul 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You have a chance to be at the center of defense policymaking. The salary and benefits are very competitive. The Thrift Savings Plan is a great benefit. PTO and sick leave are much more generous than in the private sector. The federal government is one of the few workplaces that still has a defined-benefit pension plan. The pension isn't huge, but it is enough to keep me out of poverty in retirement.

Cons

The promotion and employee evaluation system does not make sense. Toxic leadership, constant reorganization. I personally do not agree with the current leadership in D.C. and their policies, and that creates ethical quandaries for anyone working there.

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