Military Preference in Government Jobs Explained?

I've heard that military veterans get preference for some government jobs. How does this preference work, and do you have to meet certain criteria to qualify? I'm thinking about my options after high school and considering military service.

You're correct—employing military veterans is indeed a priority in a number of government jobs. In the U.S., the federal government has a Veterans' Preference system. This acts as a way to help veterans reenter civilian occupations after serving in the military. It's not a guarantee of a job, but it does afford greater consideration in the hiring process.

To determine eligibility for Veterans' Preference, several factors come into play. Some of the key ones are the length of active-duty service, the dates of that service, whether an honorable discharge was given, and if the veteran has a service-connected disability. There are two main categories of preference: 5-point and 10-point. 5-point preference is given to those who have served during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized or during particular dates of the Gulf War. 10-point preference, on the other hand, is extended to disabled veterans and certain others, such as Purple Heart recipients or widows/widowers of veterans.

To claim this preference when applying for federal jobs, eligible veterans must provide necessary documentation, such as the Department of Defense Form (DD-214)—which verifies military service.

Remember, you should also explore the other advantages and possible financial aid opportunities that come with serving in the military, such as the expanded career training, leadership development opportunities, and educational benefits like the G.I. Bill, which can cover college tuition costs.

Before making any decisions, I would strongly urge you to talk with someone who has gone through the process, like a current or former military service member, or a military recruitment officer, who can provide you with firsthand insight and answer any other questions you might have.