A reader sends this response to my post:

Writing as a Department of Defense civilian who has done stints in Kosovo, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq (twice), Afghanistan, I’ll put those top five up for consideration.
I will admit, I’m paid quite well for my efforts, better than the brave men and women in uniform who I’ve worked next to, but even so, it’s important for people (especially John Derbyshire please!) to remember that not all federal civilians get to enjoy cushy jobs and comfortable commutes. Some of us get shot at too.
However, I will be the first to agree: the government is much too large. We could make do with a lot less. Why not just go back to the original cabinet departments? I’ll get to keep my job, but government will be much cheaper, the best of all worlds!