ASEE SMART fellowship

[BruceS]

Hi everyone.
I'm in a bit of a funk and would really appreciate some advice.

I've just accepted the ASEE SMART fellowship and the work commitment is one year of service at a DoD agency (I have 'some' say in where I will be placed) per year of funding I receive.

However, in hindsight, I'm a little scared that I may totally and utterly hate the job (I have about another 4 years to go for my PhD) when I finish.

Can anyone shed some light on the work culture at a DoD lab/agency? I'd really appreciate it. Does anyone even know if the starting pay is half decent?

Thanks so much -
Bruce