YMMV, but having worked at a remote-first big-tech company, then an in-person startup, then a big-tech remote-first company that bought our in-person startup, I feel a stark difference in engineering velocity.
This doesn't mean that in-person is always better - but corporate leadership is hearing enough anecdotes such as mine to push for RTO again.
I have many friends in San Diego who work comfortable DOD jobs, have job security, and put in minimal effort. Given most of the pack at those places puts in minimal effort, I gather it should be easy to stand-out and impress if you put in a little more than minimal effort.
Furthermore, these engineers get every second Friday off (common practice at many DOD firms). Just something to consider.