Lets talk veterans preference points . . .

It always amazes my how veterans preference points are awarded, as it seems to run the gambit. I remember seeing a local county job that only awarded veterans preference to those who serviced in WW2 and Vietnam (This was in 2006).

Combat veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq (like myself) didn't qualify for veterans preference at all. I remember pleading my case to the human resources department just to be told that I did not qualify, and as the program currently sits, I would not be considered until the requirements were changed.

:wtf:

Now I am a firm believer that most programs that are intended to place veterans into gainful employment in the government sector are lacking and seem more like a publicity push than a genuine effort. I'd still like to hear others opinions on how veterans preference have helped them in their previous endeavors?

 

Isn't that you get 5 point automatically as a Veteran? Also, 10 points if you have at least 10% disability from the VA?

 

That's with the federal government.

 

What is holding people back from applying for jobs with the federal government?

 

Its strange because in the city I live in, you get 5 points for veterans preference, and 10 points if your a veteran awarded an expeditionary medal; and no additional preference for having a service connected disability.

The county of the other hand, is modeled after the federal governments veterans preference model. The county next to ours only awards veterans preference to WW2 and Vietnam veterans.

My best friend (82nd Airborne) has 30+% service connected disability from two combat tours, and he was awarded 10 preference points and "additional preference" due to his service connected disability although we could never figure out how many additional points he got for his "additional preference". But whatever it was it must have been enough because he got hired on his first time around.

 

Massachusetts awards total preference on civil service exams to veterans. For example, a veteran with a 70% (minimum passing score) is ranked higher than a non-veteran with a 100%.

The MA definition of a veteran is someone on 90+ days active duty (other than training) with a campaign ribbon...the 90 days is waived if you earned a Purple Heart (you could have 1 day & a PH).