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US Department of Defense Reviews
Updated Sep 19, 2023
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Found 4,170 of over 4K reviews
83% Recommend to a Friend
77% Approve of CEO
Found 4,163 of over 4K reviews
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Lloyd James Austin III
433 Ratings
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Top Review Highlights by Sentiment
Excerpts from user reviews, not authored by Glassdoor
Pros
- "Great benefits and you will benefit from learning to be accountable for your work performance." (in 547 reviews)
Cons
Ratings by Demographics
This rating reflects the overall rating of US Department of Defense and is not affected by filters.
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- 5.0Sep 14, 2023Sales and Operations Planning CoordinatorCurrent Employee
Pros
The DOD offers great flexibility and upwards mobility. They encourage people to experience different business areas and to be knowledgeable about their entire agency. If you want to take on a project you feel is important, they will let you. If you want to be a difference maker, you can be.
Cons
As I mentioned in the pros, if you want to be a rockstar, you will be. On the other hand, if you want to hide at your desk and simply collect a paycheck, it's very easy to do that in the government too. The paycheck collectors vastly outnumber the rock stars. It's very difficult to remove tenured employees from the government, so there are real accountability problems.
- 2.0Sep 2, 2023Unit Program CoordinatorFormer EmployeeMc Guire AFB, NJ
Pros
Data Skills Development: You'll have the opportunity to enhance your data entry and management skills, particularly in Excel and Google Sheets. Versatile Experience: Data entry skills are transferable to many industries, providing you with versatile experience that can open doors to various career paths. Structured Work: Data entry often follows structured processes, which can lead to a predictable work environment and clear expectations. Detail-Oriented Work: If you enjoy tasks that require attention to detail, this role offers plenty of opportunities for accuracy and precision. Entry-Level Role: It's often an entry-level position, making it accessible for individuals with varying levels of experience.
Cons
Repetitive Tasks: Data entry can involve repetitive tasks, which some may find monotonous or less engaging over time. Limited Advancement: Depending on the organization, there may be limited opportunities for career advancement within the data entry role itself. Sedentary Work: Data entry often involves prolonged periods of sitting, which can be physically demanding and may lead to health issues if not managed properly. High Accuracy Expectations: The job requires a high degree of accuracy, and errors can have significant consequences, which can be stressful for some individuals. Minimal Creativity: If you thrive on creative problem-solving or tasks that require innovation, data entry may not offer as many opportunities for such endeavors.
- 2.0Sep 12, 2023Software EngineerFormer Employee, more than 1 yearFort Meade, MD
Pros
Internal transfers between different offices and types of jobs seems easy, allowing you to really shape your career (but not necessarily get promoted).
Cons
Private industry experience wasn't really appreciated. Hard to grow and get promoted when many others have been there since college and put in the time already. Lots of drama between offices and departments. Red tape wasn't bad, but there was a culture of inaction when the way forward wasn't clear.
- 4.0Sep 14, 2023Financial AnalystFormer EmployeeArlington, VA
Pros
Great opportunity/experience for learning new skills and having an impact. Solid benefits package (top-rate healthcare, pension, leave accrual). Worked at DoD just out of college. Good place to get a start. Find the right team and office, it can be really awesome and rewarding.
Cons
Every September/October brings uncertainty and stress. Pay/annual review process can be cumbersome - doesn’t always feel very rewarding. Find the wrong office or team or supervisor and it can feel miserable.
- 4.0Sep 19, 2023Anonymous EmployeeCurrent Employee, more than 1 year
Pros
Great teammates in my department
Cons
Processes could be better for department
- 3.0Jul 5, 2023Contract SpecialistCurrent Employee, more than 1 yearArlington, VA
Pros
If you're into being part of the Defense-Industrial Complex, have a military family/enjoy the culture or want a security clearance and Pentagon access, this would be a great job for you. This is a true 9-5, with near-infinite job security, and the people tend to be decent, especially mid-level managers. Raises are guaranteed annually and the healthcare is great (though as a young person this is mostly irrelevant). Hybrid work is also very much a possibility and the hardware they give you is decent.
Cons
This job is boring as hell. No other way to put it. The work is mind-numbing, though thankfully there isn't usually a heavy workload. Prepare for utterly pointless, frequent meetings. Prepare to deal with frustrating bureaucracy/laughably outdated software/constant network and software issues, and frequent pointless training. Prepare for mega-boomers to be your colleagues, with a few youthful exceptions. Don't expect anything to move fast. Don't expect to be fulfilled. This is not the job for creative types, highly ambitious types, or altruistic types. Though it's easy work if you went to a good college, be warned.
- 4.0Sep 18, 2023Boatswain's MateCurrent Employee, more than 8 yearsSan Diego, CA
Pros
Paid on 1st and 15th 2.5 Leave days monthly
Cons
Long Hours Lack of organization Communication issues
- 3.0Sep 15, 2023Financial AnalystCurrent Employee
Pros
Job security, benefits, mission essential.
Cons
Pay, toxic office environment, poor leadership.
- 4.0Sep 15, 2023Supervisory IT Specialist (PLCYPLN)Former Employee, more than 3 yearsFairchild AFB, WA
Pros
Good work life balace Doesnt give bonuses for job well done, but does give time off awards Slow sometimes
Cons
Bureaucracy is not for everyone
- 4.0Sep 14, 2023IT SpecialistCurrent Employee, more than 8 yearsOceanside, CA
Pros
Work life balance is key
Cons
Turnover is high due to military environment
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US Department of Defense Reviews FAQs
US Department of Defense has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5, based on over 4,358 reviews left anonymously by employees. 83% of employees would recommend working at US Department of Defense to a friend and 66% have a positive outlook for the business. This rating has been stable over the past 12 months.
83% of US Department of Defense employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews. Employees also rated US Department of Defense 3.7 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.7 for culture and values and 3.9 for career opportunities.
According to reviews on Glassdoor, employees commonly mention the pros of working at US Department of Defense to be coworkers, career development, benefits and the cons to be culture, management, senior leadership.
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