Pros
Lots of smart, energetic colleagues. A vital mission. The new Director appears to be a man of vision and integrity, and I'm glad to see he's forcing changes among the Senior Executive Service ranks. Too many seniors have parked in one place for too long and LtGen Stewart is trying to sweep out the cobwebs.
Cons
Nepotism, cronyism, corruption. Tainted culture. Way too top-heavy in GS grades, which stifles promotion potential. The new Rank-in-Person policy, which goes into effect on 1 October, will further reduce career advancement. But if you want to get promoted and have no fears of looking at yourself in the mirror every morning, by all means worm your way into a clique. Entrenched interests need to be broken up. Director is trying to do that in shuffling SES/DISL positions, but he's here on a three-year tour and there may be an effort by some seniors to wait him out.