Final answer:
For E5 and E6 personnel in the civil service, the target grade depends on their education and experience. GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree, but with more skills and qualifications, personnel can aim for higher grades within the General Schedule pay scale.
Step-by-step explanation:
The grade that should be aimed for E5 and E6 personnel in the civil service is dependent on the qualifications, skills, and experiences required for the specific positions they are applying for. According to the General Schedule (GS) pay scale within the United States civil service, GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree, or four years of education beyond high school, while GS-3 through GS-7 positions require ascending levels of education. As employees gain more experience and obtain satisfactory assessment ratings, they can progress to higher steps within their grade, and potentially to higher grades corresponding to their career path and experience. For example, grades GS-13 through GS-15 require specialized experience and education and are among the highest paying levels. Thus, E5 and E6 personnel should ideally aim for grades that match their education and experience, which could range from GS-5 for those with a bachelor's degree and potentially higher depending on additional qualifications.