Depends on how long ago your friend was talking about that. They did away with Federal Pensions (CSRS) quite some time ago. Can't remember exactly how long ago, but I work with one guy with 25 years GOV service and he is on the new system. It's all FERS and 401k (TSP) based now. FERS is about a joke, I can count on that about as much as I can Social Security.
Oh and Fed healthcare isn't as glamorous as everyone seems to think. At least at my level it's not. Just regular old Blue Cross Blue Shield. Maybe if you are a congressman it gets better.
