Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/21/2009

Question
I was just hired as a GS-7 with the Navy and was wondering how transfers work, is there a time limit, if my job isn't available in new location do I just re-apply, can I transfer to the Army, AF, or another something like DOL? I have experience in various transportation fields, personal property, logistics, traffic management and things like that but I am a Freight Rate Specialist, could I potentially move to a transportation assistant position without a lot of hassles. I have noticed that my position seems to be somewhat limited to the Navy but Transportation Asst is more widespread as far as agencies and locations. Any information on relocating, re-applying, and transferring within the civil service agencies would be helpful. Are there ramifications for accepting a different civil service job within my first year. I am permanent full time with a few years active Army behind me.

Answer
Tara,
Your Civilian Personnel Office on base can tell you the time limit required on your current job before transferring.  Each job usually has different limits.  In fact the Civilian Personnel Office can answer ALL your questions.

Your job is not necessarily limited to the Navy.  The U.S. Transportation Command at Scott AFB was advertising for a Freight Rate Specialist just recently.

Also, your Army experience gives you some preference points when it comes to hiring.

Yes, when you leave that job you can enter ANY government agency such as the Post Office.  My wife is Civil Service and has worked for the Marines, the Air Force, and the Army three times in the last 22 years.

Check out the Civil Service official website where the government advertises jobs at: http://www.usajobs.gov/

Good luck,
Colonel H