OPM has sent the latest in a long string of memos and directives to agencies on stepping up hiring of veterans, saying that unemployment among veterans "remains too high, particularly for those veterans who are 18-24 years old.’
"I recognize that your departments/agencies may be experiencing budget cuts and hiring fewer employees. But there will still be opportunities to hire," OPM director John Berry wrote to members of the President’s Management Council. "We must analyze our staffing needs and take the necessary steps to ensure we meet our FY 2012 veterans’ employment goals, including examining our recruitment strategies so we are attracting veterans to all available career fields."
"Attracting and retaining the best talent means ensuring fair treatment for individuals who have served our country. This Administration has zero tolerance for violations of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. We must continue to pay close attention to our returning reserve and guard population and ensure we manage their reintegration and maintain their professional trajectory. I also ask that you personally monitor the performance of your veterans’ employment efforts to ensure you are on track to meet your goals and achieve the expected results."
The memo is here: http://www.chcoc.gov/transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=4704
