I believe you are incorrect.  From wikipedia  The excepted service is the part of the United States federal civil service that is not part of either the competitive service or the Senior Executive Service  AIM4Truth says Can't be fired -- they are probably wrong. Govexec links to OPM outline for firing SES -- it's not so easy, it would seem You said  They can be discharged at any time for any reason  That is not true.  Here are the guidelines for firing SES https://www.chcoc.gov/sites/default/files/Managing%20Federal%20Employees%27%20Performance%20Issues%20or%20Misconduct.pdf and found the above link from the DC's own swamp blog govexec: https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2017/01/opms-guidance-firing-bad-employees-will-remind-you-its-complicated/134583/