Does military service equal federal employment for government jobs?

I'm wondering if potential years in the military are considered the same as federal employment when applying for government jobs. How does previous military service affect hiring and benefits in this sector?

Yes, military service does count as federal employment when you are applying for government jobs. Veterans have a distinct advantage when applying for federal government positions because of a system called "veterans' preference." This system provides eligible veterans with preference over non-veteran applicants in the hiring process.

There are different levels of veterans' preference, and these can potentially add 5 to 10 points to a veteran's civil service test score. As a result, this significantly increases one's chances of being considered for a government job.

In terms of benefits, federal employees with honorable military service may be able to count their military years towards civil service retirement. This can result in a larger pension and earlier eligibility for retirement benefits.

However, it's important to note that while military service is a form of federal employment, the structures and regulations between the military and civilian government jobs can differ quite a bit. So there might be some unique aspects to each, and transitioning from a military role to a civilian government job can require some adjustments. Despite these differences, your military service is valuable and can enhance your chances for a federal career.