The Department of Defense (DOD) values the service and sacrifices of our Service members and their families. We show our commitment to support America’s Veterans as they transition out of active military service and expand their careers in the Civilian service. For more information regarding the programs and privileges to support Veterans’ employment within the DOD, select the options below:
For more detailed information on these programs and others, visit FEDSHireVets.
Veteran's Employment Options
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EXPLORE
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Veterans Preference
Veterans’ preference is used within the Federal Government to recognize the sacrifices of our Veterans, Disabled Veterans, and certain family members during their service in the Armed Forces. Depending on the type of preference and the scoring of the assessment questions, Veterans may be referred ahead of non-veteran applicants. Veterans’ preference is not awarded to all Veterans nor does Veterans’ preference guarantee selection for a position. In all cases, qualifications for the position for which a Veteran is applying must be met and clearly demonstrated in the application. Review each job opportunity announcement in detail to understand the qualification requirements, determine if Veterans’ Preference is applicable to that position, and ascertain if there are any specific documentation requirements to support the Veterans’ Preference claim.
10 Point 30 Percent Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Honorably discharged Veterans that have a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more can be placed at the top of the highest-ranking category of the referral listing if they meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Additionally, Disabled Veterans with a 30 percent or more rating may be eligible under a non-competitive Hiring Authority, allowing an agency to extend an offer for a temporary or term appointment to a civil service position.
10 Point Compensable Disability Preference (CP): Honorably discharged Veterans that have a compensable service-connected disability of greater than 10 percent and less than 30 percent can be placed at the top of the highest-ranking category of the referral listing if they meet the minimum qualifications of the position. 10 Point Disability Preference (XP): Honorably discharged Veterans that have a compensable service-connected disability but do not meet the requirements of a CPS or CP Veteran OR a Veteran that has received a Purple Heart. Veterans utilizing this type of preference are placed ahead of non-Veterans within their respective ranking category (based upon their score of the assessment questions).
10 Point Derived Preference (XP): In some cases, certain eligible spouses, widows/widowers, or mothers of Veterans may be able to claim Veterans’ preference when the Veteran is unable to use their preference. This is known as Derived Preference.
5 Point Preference (TP): Honorably discharged Veterans that served during a war; who served during the period of April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955; OR served for more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976; served on active duty (not for training) for more than 180 consecutive days, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on the date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by law as the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; or served in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized and awarded to the Veteran. Retirees at the rank of major, lieutenant commander, or higher are not eligible for this type of Preference.
Sole Survivorship Preference (SSP): If a Veteran is the only surviving child in a family where the mother, father, or one or more siblings served in the armed services and was killed or permanently 100 percent disabled, they may receive sole survivorship preference. Veterans utilizing this type of preference are placed ahead of non-Veterans within their respective ranking category (based upon their score of the assessment questions). -
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act
The Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) appointing authority allows for Veterans to apply for permanent positions in the competitive service as though they are "status" (status candidates are current or former Federal employees that have permanent or conditional tenure). If you are a preference eligible (or a family member with derived preference), you may apply to a job opportunity announcement which indicates that Federal employees in the competitive service may apply. If you choose to apply to an announcement under this authority, you must indicate so on the questionnaire and also provide any required documentation (typically a DD-214, SF-15, and/or disability letter). Review the job opportunity announcement in detail to understand the qualification requirements, determine if VEOA is applicable, and ascertain if there are any specific documentation requirements to support the Veterans’ Preference claim.
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Veterans Recruitment Authority
The Veterans Recruitment Authority (VRA) appointment allows agencies to appoint an eligible Veteran to a position in the Excepted Service at any grade level up to and including a GS-11 (or equivalent). After two years of continuous service, the Veteran will be converted into the Competitive Service. Eligible Veterans are those that have been honorably discharged and served in a war or are in receipt of a campaign badge for service in a campaign or expedition, a disabled Veteran, possess an Armed Forces Service Medal, or are a Veteran that has separated within the last three years.
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Documentation Required
When applying for a position through a Veterans’ program or using Veterans’ Preference, the Human Resources Office will need supporting documentation to validate eligibility. While specific requirements may vary between announcements, there are many common forms that are required in most announcements.
DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) Member Copy-4 that shows the condition of discharge (e.g., honorable) AND dates of service OR a “certification” from the Armed Forces that certifies that the service member is expected to be released under honorable conditions within 120 days of the signature of the certification.
SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference) for those that are claiming 10-Point Preference.
Letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs that reflects the Veterans’ level of disability (e.g., 15%, 30%) for those that are claiming 10-Point Preference.
