A Renaissance for Government Work?

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA has tried to model himself

Obama hasn't exhorted Americans to ask themselves what they can do for their country. But early indications are that he has inspired them to consider working for their country.

The administration, however, faces the same recruiting, retention and development challenges that have bedeviled its predecessors in managing the huge federal bureaucracy, which totaled 1 .9 million executive branch employees in 2008.

The government must solve turnover problems among young employees, fill gaps in the midcareer ranks and find a way to hold on to workers who are nearing retirement, according to experts. It also has to make applying for a civil service job less onerous.