In effect, the dual-compensation law of 1964 opened the door to retirees but exacted a price for taking a federal job. Even when it did not actually restrict their employment or their income, the government kept a close eye on members who retired and moved into government jobs. In the beginning, only retired officers had to report that they did so. Since 1993, a DoD ethics regulation has required all retirees, officer and enlisted, to report. Federal civilian employees themselves have been even more outspoken about their opposition to dropping the pay limitations on military retirees.
Many civilian workers see the military retirees as a threat to their own advancement.
Others resent the fact that double-dippers often can make more than their peers in the same jobs. To the charge that dual-compensation rules discriminate against the military, civilian workers have countered that they are under even harsher restrictions. A retired civilian employee who returns to government service usually receives his full annuity but finds his civilian salary reduced by the amount of that annuity. It is only fair, some say, that retired service members give up at least some of their retired pay. With the limitations now repealed, government service doubtless will become more attractive to retiring service members.