I do not think you are totally right about civilian companies being the same
Some are; some ain't.
I was planning to retire for the third time last year. My current outfit (US owned) asked me to stay as 'a valued employee'.
I responded, 'Make it worth my while'.
Two days later a new contract with 1 yrs base salary as a bonus if completed.
But, as I said earlier, that pension hitting the account every month does give one a huge amount of flexibility.