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Probably a true story...

Once upon a time the government had a vast scrap yard in the middle of a desert. Although it had no significant value, Congress said. "Someone may steal from it at night."

So they created the position of night watchman, GS-4, and hired a person for the job.

Then Congress asked, "How does the watchman do his job without instruction?" So they created a planning position and hired two (2)people: one person, GS-12, to write the instructions, and one person, GS-11, to do time studies.

Then Congress asked, "How will we know the night watchman is doing the tasks correctly?" So they created a QC section and hired two (2) people, a GS-9 to do the studies and a GS-11 to write the reports.

Then Congress asked, "How are these people going to get paid?" So they created two more positions-a timekeeper, GS-9, and a payroll officer, GS-11, and hired two (2) people.

Then Congress asked, "Who will be accountable for all of these people?" So they created an administrative office and hired three (3) people: an Administrative Officer, GS-13; an Assistant Administrative Officer, GS-12; and a Legal Secretary, GS-8.

Then Congress said, "We have had this command in operation for one year and we are already $18,000 over budget. We must cut back the overall cost." So they laid off the night watchman.

Hi there. I am newbie here. Interesting article.