Posted on 04/07/2006 5:48:18 PM PDT by SandRat
4/7/2006 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Airmen now have increased eligibility for veterans’ preference when released or discharged from active duty, Office of Personnel Management officials here wrote in a recently released memo.
More servicemembers are now eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for government civilian jobs. Pres. George W. Bush signed into law the Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2006, which contained two provisions that broadened the definition of a “veteran” and clarified eligibility for those released or discharged from active duty, said the statement.
The first provision gives preference to those who have served on active duty for a period of more than 180 consecutive days, any part of which occurred during the period beginning Sept. 11, 2001, and ending at the close of Operation Iraqi Freedom, regardless of location, provided they meet other eligibility conditions.
The second provision clarifies veterans’ preference eligibility for individuals “who are discharged or released from active-duty service”, provided that they, too, meet other eligibility requirements. In the past, the statement only gave eligibility to “individuals separated from the armed forces.”
Linda Springer, director of OPM, said the changes are good news for servicemembers.
“These provisions recognize veterans for their service during a critical time in U.S. history,” she said. “As a result, more eligible veterans who served on active duty during the designated period will be entitled to veteran’s preference.”
Since the Civil War, veterans have been given preference in appointments to federal jobs. Congress enacted laws to prevent veterans seeking Federal employment from being penalized for their time in military service.
Spread the word to returning vets.
Now aren't you glad I do all this research and posting?
Thanks
I once applied for an IT job at the VA that was open only to current Federal employees and those that could claim veteran's preference such as myself. I needed some assistance with the KSA's and went to talk to the VA's hiring administrator who discouraged me from applying. She said that I was probably the most qualified among those that had applied for the position but warned me that I would be severely resented and disliked because I was considered an outsider since the only reason I was eligible to apply for the position was my veteran status.
At the time I decided that the VA was not for me. I finish my B.S. in IT in June and plan on leveraging my 10 years of military service and I don’t give a damn who resents me.
I think all veterans should be moved to the front of the line everytime there is a line.
Thanks for the encouragement. It was almost creepy how she kept mentioning insider and outsider like I wasn't one with the Borg.
I had a resume conveniently lost last winter for a Job I was well qualified to do, and I am retired USAF Gulf I and Bosnia vet with a disability. If you can get an advantage in the Fed system take it.
Let the "insiders" whine to someone who cares if one of their "insiders" buddies don't get hired.
Right On!!!
Now even more people can become popus-assed DCMA personnel!!!
Flame on!!!
Mike,
A classic example of what's wrong with the VA. I hope you can get in there and make a difference.
I guess you might want to do that. But I wouldn't. The government pays poorly, and doesn't do much of its own technical work anymore. If you are content to monitor contracts, looking over the shoulders of those actually doing the work, then fine, go ahead, you will get some advantage to having served 10 years in the military.
A better route might be to join the reserves or guard, serve 10 or 15 more years, and get an extra retirement check when you turn 65. (Retired reservists don't get their retired pay until then) You'd get something over 50% of what you'd have gotten had you stayed in for 20. The thing is though, once you have your BS, you could go to OCS and become an officer, and probably retire as a major, but a Captain for sure, and so it would be 50%+ of a major's or Captain's retirement pay.
Meanwhile get a job in private industry, which pays a bunch better. My sister in law, with only an associates degree (and a GED rather than a HS Diploma) makes around 90K in the Seattle area.
BTTT
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