Hi PallMall,
My response is going to be brief and for that I apologize, but this time of year is positively crazy with the rush of Round 2 deadlines right after the New Year.
But I wanted to get back to you quickly in the event this response helps you with your decision (and please know that after Jan 15, we will resume free initial consultations for students aiming for 2012 and beyond).
My advice is to run, don't walk, to the government post. You will be a more valuable consultant in the long run (or in PE or anything else that craves true subject matter/industry expertise to do an effective job for clients) if you get this kind of unique experience. And yes, there are plenty of programs that reward government experience. HBS, Wharton, Stanford, Booth, MIT ... really, you'd have an easier time making a list of programs that DON'T reward it.
It doesn't mean that staying in consulting is a bad option - it's not. But you'd have to work to differentiate yourself from the droves of consultants, where breaking out to do something interesting and hands-on does the job for you.
That's my take. Hope it helps!
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti