Exploring Federal Jobs for Retired Military Personnel

I'm thinking about a military career but also planning for life afterward. What federal jobs are available to retired military members, and is it easier for them to get these positions? How should I prepare if I want this as an option?

Retired military members often transition seamlessly into federal jobs thanks to an array of skills, experiences, and qualifications they've acquired through their military service. Positions in federal agencies range from those that resemble military occupations such as intelligence analysts, logistics professionals, or infrastructure security to non-combat related roles in finance, IT and more.

One of the benefits of serving in the military is veterans preference, a policy that gives eligible veterans preference in appointment over many other applicants. Veteran's preference applies to virtually all new appointments in both the competitive and excepted service.

The federal government also has an initiative called the Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) that allows agencies to appoint eligible veterans without competition. Per the Office of Personnel Management, the appointment under VRA is an exception to the competitive process that allows agencies to reach out to veterans and bring their unique skills directly into government service.

Preparing for this transition can start as early as in your military career. First, take advantage of military education and training opportunities. You may be able to earn college credits or certifications relevant to a future federal job. The military also offers transition assistance programs that can help plan for the career shift.

Second, keep detailed records of your military training and duties. These may support your applications for federal positions later on.

Next, build a robust professional network. Connect with other veterans who have successfully made the transition or those currently holding federal positions.

Finally, start your research early. Know your interests, learn about the federal agencies, and identify any potential positions of interest to you.

So yes, it's quite possible, and even streamlined, for military retirees to secure federal positions. The preparation begins with making the most of the opportunities afforded by your military career.