5 replies to this topic

[1desertrat]

Seems as if there is a memo going around seeking comments about changing the minimum requirements to be an ASAC. Thank god HQ finally realized we need to have management with real operational experience. Sum and substance of the memo lends itself to the premise that unless you have had actual CE group supervisor time you can't be an ASAC. This means that if you came to ATF from another agency, never worked an original ATF case in your life, hid out at HQ for a few years, got your 14 and went out as a DOO to supervise admin staff you do not have what it takes to be an ASAC. At least they see part of the problem if it is true!!!

Here is a news flash--how about if you are a sexual predator you can't be an ASAC? Having a substatiated IA jacket should not be career enhancing--but seems to be the norm in ATF. I become more embarrased being an Agent every day!!

[CAPTAIN JOHN MILLER]

Conceptually it’s a great idea and I totally agree with it. However, one problem I see is going to be the concept will never get implemented correctly and that will be because of money. Management is not going to commitment financially to make a policy like that succeed. Prove me wrong, name one program of any kind that management has ever implemented with the proper funding? Something like this is going to have a lot of unintended consequences. It’s going require steady stream of PCS money and the will to transfer people from the field into HQ and out again on some kind of time line, similar to what DEA and the FBI do. In and out, no homesteading, no career program managers, no RAC’s made in place and then allowed to stay 10-15 years in place, no promotions from 13 to 14 in place, in and out, step up or step down, provide leadership or get out of the way. We need to have movement and create opportunities. How about giving 13’s a break by giving some hope that a shity GS/RAC is going to be moving on after 3-5 years. Think of some of the problems that would eliminate just by a change of the personalities. Think about major programs getting an infusion of new talent and ideas every few years. If you want to be a 13 and stay your whole career in the same place good for you. Shouldn’t apply to 14’s and 15’s. It obvious it doesn’t work all you need to do is look at our current state of affairs. It’s like everything else in ATF, a penny wise and a pound foolish. Easy to cut dollars from training, mission travel and PCS money instead of actually looking at where the inefficiencies, duplication and waste is. Requires no thought process at all to cut these areas and it is always the areas that get cut year after year. We all know and see it every day, despite our “bare bones budget”, there is considerable mismanagement of our budget. Whether it’s in purchasing excessive vehicles for SAC’s, multiple PCS moves for failed managers, legal expenses, the list goes on and on. Why doesn’t ATF management just ask the employees of ATF where to save money? Because they don’t really want to know. Great idea but like everything else the devil is in the details! Here is a thought……just deal with the bad RAC’s, ASAC’S, and SAC’s. Identify them, PIP them, demote them, fire them, or force them to retire. Happens all the time with 13’s. Give us some relief. Change it up. How about a major shake up of all 14’s and 15’s. One massive, phased in transfer of all of them. Who cares how much it will cost. Bet it actually saves money because of the improvement in agent morale and the problems, grievances and legal actions it will solve or prevent and thus save money. I keep hearing about “best business practice”, well that is one for you, Mr. Melson. Happens every day with our state and local counterparts. Why doesn’t it happen in ATF? Have some courage and provide us with some leadership. Think outside the box, do something BOLD, new, and creative. But most of all give us some relief in the field from incompetent and uninspiring supervisors. What we don’t need is some new policy. We have enough of those already. Enforce the ones we currently have!

[Doc Holiday]

WOW, One in a row. I bet the Mark Potters and George Gillettes and the John Ryans will make it a point to shoot that down. But at least they are tryin. How about, you take a ASAC job or you take a SAC job, you stay unless you promote for at least 5 yrs. No exceptions. Agents do it their whole career. Dont apply if you dont want the job. I know its hard to hit a moving target and hold somebody accountable when they only spend 1 1/2 yrs in place. Plus imagine the budgetary savings.

[career13]

Seems as if there is a memo going around seeking comments about changing the minimum requirements to be an ASAC. Thank god HQ finally realized we need to have management with real operational experience. Sum and substance of the memo lends itself to the premise that unless you have had actual CE group supervisor time you can't be an ASAC. This means that if you came to ATF from another agency, never worked an original ATF case in your life, hid out at HQ for a few years, got your 14 and went out as a DOO to supervise admin staff you do not have what it takes to be an ASAC. At least they see part of the problem if it is true!!!