I'm thinking about joining the military, but I'm worried about my current job security. If I enlist, could it affect my employment status with my civilian job? Is there anything to protect me?
As per the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), employers are legally required to reinstate employees who take leaves of absence to serve in the U.S. Military. This means your employer is not allowed to terminate your employment or deny you certain benefits while you're away for military service. If any discrimination or retaliation occurs, you can bring a claim against your employer.
That said, there are some conditions that must be met:
1. You need to provide your employer with advance written or verbal notice of your service.
2. The cumulative length of your absences due to military duty (with this employer) should not exceed five years.
3. You must return to work or apply for reemployment within a certain timeframe after the conclusion of your service.
Remember, communication is key. It's important to have an open discussion with your employer about your plans to enlist and their policies as they relate to military leaves of absence. This information would help you plan better and give you peace of mind. Keep in mind, laws can vary by state, so it might be wise to seek legal advice from a professional who is versed in this aspect of employment law.
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