Government Executive February 2004 Vol. 36, No.2

The cautionary tale of a celebrated federal executive's corporate flameout. Federal workforce management is improving, but agencies aren't out of the woods yet. Civil servants are competing with contractors for their jobs-and winning. Managers who've done it say it's surprisingly hard to link performance and salaries. Army civil affairs reservists struggle to rebuild war-torn Afghanistan, one relationship at a time. start departments Two veteran training experts take on their toughest challenge yet-the border agencies. The lessons that Defense has learned so painfully should help other agencies in the throes of implementing smart cards. Getting accommodations for special needs on trips requires knowing the rules and, most of all, asking for help. Those wanting to cut MSPB out of the game may well be hunting rabbits while letting dragons roam. - start COLUMNS =