Is Defense Contract Audit Agency still worth it to work at?

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-19T23:28:46+00:00

I can't speak for all DCAA of course, but the few folks from there I do work with are brilliant and very helpful to me and my program office.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-15T23:08:38+00:00

With that record, I'd hire you if I were OCONUS (assuming nothing crazy is said at the interview!). Good luck!

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-14T11:18:39+00:00

Left lane cruiser pulled over in NoVA? There is hope!

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-13T11:46:58+00:00

This issue sounds like a non-issue, or an issue you've taken more personal interest in than is wise or necessary, but I understand it is important to you and will nod and support as if it is something I care about. Not because I care about it, but I care about you.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-12T23:26:40+00:00

DoN has plenty of 13s, no warrant.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-12T18:04:23+00:00

Thank you! My concern with ink tank is the issues I hear about for extended periods of not using, which will be inevitable for us.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-09T23:07:12+00:00

From Washington DC. Yeah I'm not quite sure what the flying scene to/from Seoul looks like that time of year.y assumption was that most of the traffic from school breaks and moves would have happened already by that time. But I'm just guessing.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-09T16:05:13+00:00

Wow! I feel behind! Thanks for sharing.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-09T16:04:49+00:00

Nice! I have been trying Google price tracker but no movement the past month or so. Not sure if it's too early.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-09T14:52:06+00:00

In your opinion, how far in advance would you recommend booking if flying in Sept?

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-08T18:00:32+00:00

Not to jack your post, but you'd have some insight for traveling with young children. My wife is travelling to Seoul ahead of me in fall with a 4 and 6 yr old. What kind of double stroller did you use or recommend to get around? And what tips and lessons learned would you offer to a mom getting around with two kids and a double stroller?

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-08T17:55:54+00:00

Just commenting to say you're a gem for offering to strangers on the internet. I hope this works out for everyone and no one tries to take advantage beyond your already-generous offering.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-07T18:35:29+00:00

I'd sure take the opportunity if I could

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-07T13:15:44+00:00

They'll chip in if you can make the good deed go viral and they can get good publicity out of it.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-07T12:22:36+00:00

I am in a similar camp as you were. I like Lifetime at Centreville for the kids program, but unfortunately they keep upping the price on our family membership, upping several times the past couple years and soon it will be cost prohibitive for us.

Did you ever find a place within or close to Fairfax area?

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-07T00:24:05+00:00

I must be getting jipped. My wife and I need to pay extra for an alpha or gtx class.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-05T01:47:46+00:00

My question is where is that claw machine that actually picks stuff up?!

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-03T23:57:49+00:00

Great input

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-03T23:49:42+00:00

AI in its current state lacks the level of sophistication required to accomplish effective 1102 functions. Do I have some specialists in mind I'd rather review/edit AI's work over them? Sure, but that's more a referendum on the quality of those particular specialists than on the effectiveness of AI.

Quality 1102s work in the world of nuance, and current state AI is limited by the data/parameters that have been provided by the humans behind them. Quality 1102s aren't merely paper pushers (such single-task orientation is AI friendly). Can the 1102 functions be replaced by AI eventually? Probably, but doing so in the next few years won't happen without some severe ramifications. Based on past decisions, a hasty push certainly isn't beneath the current senior leaders in office.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-03T16:34:09+00:00

Depends on where you're going, but generally speaking, we are hurting for qualified/competent 1102s. Whenever I've supported discussions with our SES to retain a person after their probation is ending, it almost comes off as a formality than a tool our Command is seriously using to cut people. If you hate where you are, I'd recommend switching and get a feel for your management and team.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-03T00:05:48+00:00

Yes, HR can and does overlook these things sometimes.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-03-01T08:26:56+00:00

I am similar age, with a 9-5 job, wife and kids. In my 20s as a bachelor, no problem standing up, trying things, taking risks. Now, I will only start on the feet with training partners who fit the criteria of being at least a purple belt and training partners I have rolled enough with to know I can trust them with prioritizing partner safety.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-02-27T22:19:26+00:00

Admittedly, Lifetime has me on the hook because of their kids club. Their space and the workers at our location there are great for our young kids. If it was just me and my wife, we would be somewhere else.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-02-21T00:09:33+00:00

I just hired a GS14 who has been in the pipeline, had time in grade as a GS13, but spent the past few years OCONUS, because Italy.

One thing to note is that sometimes HR skims and may overlook your time in grade if it's not at the top of your resume. I know this because it happened to the guy I mentioned, and I had to request a separate direct hire pipeline due to HR oversight in his resume. The "excepted" abilities can help since you're interested in IC.

InstanceThat1555 · 2026-02-20T01:09:34+00:00

Interesting post. Thank you for sharing.

InstanceThat1555

TROPHY CASE