9 replies to this topic

[Iceman]

I think it speaks volumes, that until recent years, you had to FORCE Agents to retire at the mandatory age. It would be nice to know the average age of retirees was in 2009 and 2010.

This isnt a "remember when" moment, but out of all the agents you know who have retired, what percentage of them retired happy with their experience with ATF? I've pondered this question for the past couple of days because I didnt want to exaggerate, but "I" would estimate 40% have retired with a positive experience, which means 60% have not. Keep in mind, this percentage comes from the agents I have personally known.

Out of curiosity, what are your thoughts and percentages?

[abteilung]

Remember when;;;;;;Remember when being a Senior agent meant something, like being able to pick the new cars first, or able to pick the best office.

Sorry, according to the new on-line course "Professionalism," that could be construed as "hazing" new employees. God [or Billy Hoover] forbid, a GS-5 or a GS-7 EARN it, instead of being handed all the privileges two months out of college.

[Iceman]

Remember when our Director said something and DIDN'T constantly reverse himself? Remember when senior managers were held accountable for their abuses. When a Director wouldn't make excuses? When a boss would be removed if he said "I do know or I don't recall" more than 2 or 3 times. Remember when the lawyers didn't run this agency. When the agency loved our legends, not attacked them? These are very sad days.

Remember when your supervisor had more experience than the people they supervised? When the bosses made decisions without first calling Chief counsels Office? Remember when your bosses made decisions based on the facts of a cases and not their own personal gain? When ATF bosses fought anyone who would tread on our jurisdiction. Remember when the bosses would not lie because there was NO excuse for lying under oath. I can remember all of this, albeit a very long time ago.

[Doc Holiday]

Remember when your supervisor had more experience than the people they supervised? When the bosses made decisions without first calling Chief counsels Office? Remember when your bosses made decisions based on the facts of a cases and not their own personal gain? When ATF bosses fought anyone who would tread on our jurisdiction. Remember when the bosses would not lie because there was NO excuse for lying under oath. I can remember all of this, albeit a very long time ago.

[Doc Holiday]

Yeah I remember when..................we didnt need to be told to not waste taxpayer money. My first training officer popped me in the head the first time I tried to fill my G ride with full service gas. He said, "you aint spendin your own money, it taxpayer money". so from that point on I knew we had standards. Apparently this regime forgot those days. How does a 1.1 Billion dollar budget require the restraints we now have? Couldnt be poor planning and lack of foresight could it? Must be some agents fault. We are seeing the end of a great bureau. Thanks you Melson, Hoover, Chait, Martin and Ford.

Remember When - We had to pass an extremely difficult test to become an ATF agent.

(please feel free to post your Remember When)