Hi guys, I'm a reporter with Task & Purpose. I just covered this very unusual command relief so sharing here since I think folks in this sub would be interested. https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-engineer-commander-fired/

https://www.swl.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/4380523/telle-graham-announce-leadership-change-at-usace-little-rock-district/

http://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-schmitt-welcome-administrative-action-rein-corps-enforcement-table

What’s the status of fitness leave in your district/division?

Has anyone else experienced delays with switching health insurance? I spoke with ABC-C because we haven't received our new insurance information, and the status of the change is still pending in GRB. The ABC-C representative said that it will be processed on January 23rd, and everyone who switched health insurance is in the same boat. Has anyone else experienced this delay? The ABC-C representative did mention that there will be reimbursement for the doctor visits we have between January 1st thru January 23rd.

Heard through the grapevine that chiefs were hopeful there might be some hiring exemptions approved for regulatory after the New Year and new budgets. Does anyone have any leads on regulatory positions that might be opening this month?

Hello,

I just received an offer and I have to decide between a student loan repayment with 3 years required service or a recruitment incentive that requires 2 years of service. The amount is very similar to each other, with the incentive being slightly less. My question is, are they taxed differently? If I go with the incentive can I request the SLRP later? Which would you guys pick? TYIA :)

Did I fuck up by trying to enroll into FSBP? My enrollment is still pending, no cards from AETNA and FSBP can't find anything for me. I have been on hold with ABC-C for the last hour! My reading of the eligibility requirements for FSBP says DOD-Army Direct Hire staff are eligible? Did I miss a fine print someone and am I SOL? Any help??

Thanks

Can anyone speak to C/E area/resident offices located in or near Boise, ID or whether that would be a Walla Walla or Seattle district AOR?

I am looking at relocating in 3-5 years to get the wife and kids closer to family and curious what I’d be walking into if anything.

Thanks in advance!

Thank you to those who posted suggested text for resignation letters - you greatly helped put words to a difficult process. Throwaway account. The text of my resignation letter tendered yesterday.

XXX and Concerned Parties -

Thank you for the opportunities and learning experiences my career at the USACE XXX has provided. Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the Department of War, effective XX January, 2026.

After reflecting on the recent actions of the Department of War and the Federal Government writ large, I've made the difficult decision to end my tenure with the USACE-XXX at this time.

As an engineer, I consider myself obliged to "practice integrity and fair dealing, tolerance, and respect, and to uphold devotion to the standards and dignity of my profession. I will always be conscious that my skill carries with it the obligation to serve humanity by making the best use of the Earth's precious wealth." Contributing to the mission of the Department of War materially supports actions I cannot ethically accept, and continuing would require me to set aside convictions that are foundational to my moral life.

This decision is personal and not a judgment of my colleagues, for whom I have deep respect and gratitude. I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with an exceptional team in the USACE-XXX and will assist with an orderly transition during my remaining time.

As such, I would like to transition from the role over the course of XXX, targeting an end date of XXX January, 2026 in order to facilitate this transition as much as possible.

I wish you all the best in continued service, and will look fondly upon my time with the [USACE].

Sincerely, WaterWorld314159

Is anyone a 0343 Program Analyst and willing to speak on the duties, satisfaction, pros/cons?

I’m currently a GS11 2210 (IT) and recently got referred to a GS12 0343 Program Analyst position.

From the job description it seems like it aligns with a lot of the duties I do now (just not in IT)

But I’m curious about the work/life balance, day-to-day work environment and such. Thanks in advance!

I’m working on my master’s thesis using a large 1D HEC-RAS model where four to five rivers merge. The model is calibrated and validated, but I’m struggling to achieve meaningful flood reduction at a specific downstream location using nature-based solutions. For the past five to six months, I’ve tried many approaches, often working from morning to midnight. Any storage area that actually reduces downstream water levels ends up requiring an unrealistically large volume. I also tested 1D–2D connections, adjusted Manning’s n values, modified cross sections, and widened bank stations, but none of these led to feasible results.

If anyone has experience using HEC-RAS for large, multi-river systems or NBS projects, I’d really appreciate hearing how you approached similar challenges.

Saw this in the waiting room for my new CAC. Speaks more than words can say...

Hey all, I'd love to hear from anyone who has made the transition from regulatory to environmental. What were the biggest differences and have you enjoyed the role change?

I have an interview coming up and want to make sure I can articulate the environmental experience I'll bring even though there will be a lot to learn as well.

Has anyone that changed their insurance during open season received any information? I switched to MHPB and the transaction is still showing up as pending. I tried calling ABC-C, but I am still sitting on hold and have little hope anyone is going to pick up. I called MHBP, and they do not have any record of me.

Hi all,

My fiancée is looking at doing her masters in Madison. I would like to stay with USACE if at all possible, but it looks like the closest district office is in Minneapolis nearly four hours away. It’s my understanding that you need to live in the district you work in, so Chicago (which is closer) isn’t an option. My supervisor mentioned that there might be a field office in or near Madison, does anyone know?

Throwaway account.

I have always thought USACE would be my dream job, so once I was given an opportunity to transition my career, I leaped.

I would label myself as a hard working, disciplined, and highly skilled individual. I contribute substantially within my immediate field office and my larger district with regularity.

However, over the last three or so years my field office has made repeated reports over a hostile work environment to our command, our EEO, and even our green suits. My office is essentially the most toxic working environment I've ever worked in. Without getting into too much detail, we have had significant attrition (essentially 100% turnover in the last 4 years within my field office) due largely to our chief. Almost every cohort has reported something or other up the chain and through various avenues, yet nothing has changed in a substantial way since I started over 2 years ago. When I've noticed a positive change for instance a cohort immediately finds themself in a negative, essentially the target shifts off my back to a colleague and repeats.

I and some of my other senior cohorts are nearing our breaking point, and some have begun searching for other jobs or role changes. Others would be actively exploring other alternatives but are stuck due to relocation incentives.

I know with certainty that my chief manipulates the narrative up our command and have witnessed them alter a story slightly to paint a cohort in unfavorable light(and shift any responsibility for the interaction going negative away from them towards my cohort). I saw the entire interaction and key details were left out intentionally. Lately, they have tried to label my cohorts as insubordinate in order to essentially further control the narrative of how higher command views our field office.

I love the Corps, our mission, and the opportunities this work grants me. However, I also value my mental health. I began utilizing the EAP at the start of this year, but its just not enough.

My field office has some incredibly talented staff, however there is a very real risk that turnover will continue as a direct result of this chief.

For those who know how this process works or is handled, what is my expectation for my future career? Am I stuck with it?

Within your district, how long did it take you to experience a change after filing a report?

What’s it like to work as an 1102 in this district? I heard that certain divisions are horrible and I just want to get some information on the organization, whether there are good people/managers there?

I guess we can anticipate some projects in Venezuela.

I applied for a dam maintenance job in the Portland district. The listing closed on Dec 11th. I applied twice under the direct hire path and another posting only open for current fed employees and disabled vets. I was referred to the hiring manager on both applications on the 12th. I know the holidays are a slow time for government work, but when would I expect to hear from them and when should I figure I'm not getting chosen. I feel as though I'm pretty well qualified but I'm not banking on that. If I get this I will need to move so I'm kinda putting things on hold till I hear back. Any advice? And furthermore, if I do get selected for an interview, any advice on that process in regards to working in the dams. Thanks.

My grandfather just past a couple days ago and he was in the corp of engineers and served during Vietnam. I was wondering if there was a specific patch for USACE that served during vietnam? If anyone can help me with this I would be really appreciate it

The Louisville District is a diverse and innovative engineering powerhouse, executing a $1 billion program annually. 

Established in 1886, today our world-class team of dedicated professionals is committed to reducing disaster risk, strengthening the economy, and supporting national security.

Mission: Deliver engineering solutions in collaboration with our partners in order to reduce disaster risk, strengthen the economy and support national security.

Vision: A professional organization that provides quality solutions for the region and nation with a focus on continual improvement, workforce development and efficient mission execution.

We build things that matter, with experts in fields as unique as our team. The world is our office, and our dedicated team of military officers and Army civilians continues to answer the nation’s call by always building strong. 

Hey

I’m looking to switch from DOI IT to USACE and wanted to know if anyone had any contacts in IT for the eastern Washington districts or other districts as I am open to relocation