-PhD and engineering elitism run rampant; if you have a bachelors or masters in something other than a hard science be expected to prove yourself every step of the way.
-Although you'll be told otherwise, much of the "MITRE work" is no different than the work for-profit contractors do.
-Due to a heavy management structure, expect not to be promoted for a number of years regardless of how well you perform within your organization.
-Sadly, many managers couldn't manage themselves out of a wet paper bag and have a habit of openly pointing blame for project/customer miscalculations towards their own team members.