Comment from Anonymous
AnonymousSupportIndividual
Summary: A military veteran and federal employee supports the elimination of time-in-grade restrictions, arguing that the current policy prioritizes arbitrary timelines over actual capability. The commenter asserts that removing these barriers will allow for a merit-based system that better utilizes the skills of qualified veterans and improves operational efficiency.
As a military veteran and current federal employee, I strongly support the elimination of the time-in-grade (TIG) restrictions. The current policy relies on arbitrary timelines rather than actual capability. This limits agency mission readiness and fails to leverage the advanced training of veterans.
In my current role, my prior military experience and technical knowledge qualify me to fully execute the duties of the next higher grade level. However, because of the rigid TIG rule, I am legally barred from promoting. Consequently, I cannot fully go on shift or support my critical job function. The agency loses out on fully utilizing an available, qualified asset, while I am forced to wait out a calendar requirement that adds zero value to my proficiency.
Eliminating this rule will allow agencies to transition to a true merit-based system. It ensures positions are filled by those with the required level of knowledge, rather than those who have simply checked a time box. I urge the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to remove this barrier to support operational efficiency and better retain skilled veterans in the civil service.